Abstract
Objective: Early cessation of breastfeeding and introduction of solids is common in Australia, which may have implications for child growth and obesity risk. This study aimed to contrast usual energy and macronutrient intake of infants against requirements according to feeding modality (n=670) and determine whether early introduction of solids and cessation of breastfeeding were independently associated with rapid growth (weight gain z-score ≥ 0.67) between birth to age six months (n=220).
Methods: An analysis of data from mothers and infants participating in the NOURISH and South Australian Infant Dietary Intake (SAIDI) studies was undertaken. Both studies enrolled mothers on the postnatal wards from 11 large hospitals in South Australia and Brisbane consecutively. Anthropometric data, infant feeding practices and three days of infant dietary intake data were collected at birth and again when infants were aged 4-8 months.
Results: Usual energy intakes were above estimated requirements for infants aged 4-<6 months (2764 kJ vs. 2505 kJ) and 6-8 months (2857 kJ vs. 2601 kJ), as were mean protein intakes 4-<6 months (14 g vs. 10 g), and 6-8 months (18 g vs. 14 g). The intake of carbohydrate and protein was higher for infants who were formula-fed only or mixed-fed compared to infants who were fully breastfed. Fat intake was higher in breastfed only infants compared with the formula-fed only group. The proportion of infants with rapid weight gain was 36% and infants were almost three times more likely to experience rapid weight gain if a mother breasted for less than four months (adjusted OR=2.68, 95% CI=1.27-5.65).
Conclusion: Higher protein intake may contribute to rapid weight gain in this group. These data are important in elucidating the influence of early nutrition on subsequent health and weight status. More support is needed for mothers to increase duration of breastfeeding and increase awareness of infant hunger and satiety cues during feeding.
Methods: An analysis of data from mothers and infants participating in the NOURISH and South Australian Infant Dietary Intake (SAIDI) studies was undertaken. Both studies enrolled mothers on the postnatal wards from 11 large hospitals in South Australia and Brisbane consecutively. Anthropometric data, infant feeding practices and three days of infant dietary intake data were collected at birth and again when infants were aged 4-8 months.
Results: Usual energy intakes were above estimated requirements for infants aged 4-<6 months (2764 kJ vs. 2505 kJ) and 6-8 months (2857 kJ vs. 2601 kJ), as were mean protein intakes 4-<6 months (14 g vs. 10 g), and 6-8 months (18 g vs. 14 g). The intake of carbohydrate and protein was higher for infants who were formula-fed only or mixed-fed compared to infants who were fully breastfed. Fat intake was higher in breastfed only infants compared with the formula-fed only group. The proportion of infants with rapid weight gain was 36% and infants were almost three times more likely to experience rapid weight gain if a mother breasted for less than four months (adjusted OR=2.68, 95% CI=1.27-5.65).
Conclusion: Higher protein intake may contribute to rapid weight gain in this group. These data are important in elucidating the influence of early nutrition on subsequent health and weight status. More support is needed for mothers to increase duration of breastfeeding and increase awareness of infant hunger and satiety cues during feeding.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 1 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-8 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Maternal and Pediatric Nutrition Journal |
| Volume | 1 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published or Issued - 17 Nov 2015 |