Study Examines Infant Feeding Methods and Future Obesity Risk
Research Overview
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition explored the potential relationships between infant feeding practices—specifically breastfeeding and formula feeding—growth patterns, and the risk of obesity in later life. Previous studies have established a connection between high body mass index (BMI) and rapid weight gain during infancy with the development of obesity. However, there has been limited research focusing on how different infant feeding methods impact body composition and growth patterns.
Objectives of the Study
The researchers aimed to identify whether a significant correlation exists between the method of infant feeding during the first seven months of life and future obesity risk. The findings were published in the American Journal of Nutrition.
Methodology
This study utilized data from a prior randomized controlled trial that examined maternal vitamin D supplementation. Out of 460 participants, 276 mother-infant pairs were included in this analysis. These pairs were recruited from hospitals and a nursery in South Carolina. Follow-up visits occurred at one, four, and seven months of age, during which body composition measurements, including BMI, were recorded. This longitudinal study distinguished itself by repeatedly measuring growth over time and comparing weight gain in terms of both fat and lean mass between breastfed and formula-fed infants.
Key Findings
As hypothesized, the results indicated that body composition varied between breastfed and formula-fed infants at the seven-month mark. Specifically, formula-fed infants exhibited higher BMIs. It is noteworthy that the additional weight gained by formula-fed infants was largely due to an increase of 303 grams in lean mass. The weight gain attributed to fat mass did not show significant differences between the two feeding groups.
While formula-fed infants gained weight more rapidly over the seven-month period compared to their breastfed peers, this increase was primarily in lean mass. Although other studies have linked formula feeding to a higher BMI and an increased risk of future obesity, this study concluded that the elevated obesity risk associated with formula feeding cannot be solely attributed to differences in fat gain during infancy.
Conclusion
The findings of this study contribute valuable insights into the relationship between infant feeding methods and body composition, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.
Reference
Bell KA, Wagner CL, Feldman HA, Shypailo RJ, Belfort MB. Associations of infant feeding with trajectories of body composition and growth. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2017 Jun 28. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.116.151126.