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Body composition of the male and female reference infants
Samuel J Fomon1, Steven E Nelson
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1083, USA. samfomon@aol.com
Insights
Understanding infant body composition is key for estimating growth needs. Research shows rapid fat accumulation in early infancy, but precise changes in water, protein, and minerals require further study.
Area of Science:
- Human Physiology
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Infant growth requires substantial energy and nutrients.
- Defining reference infant body composition aids in estimating these needs.
- Previous research has focused on body composition from the 1960s to present.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review historical efforts in defining male and female reference infant body composition.
- To highlight the rapid fat accumulation in early infancy.
- To identify areas needing further research in infant body composition.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature from the 1960s to the present.
- Analysis of data on infant body size and chemical composition.
- Discussion of methods for assessing bone mineral content.
Main Results:
- Fat accumulation is rapid during the first 4-6 months of life.
- Water decreases as a percentage of fat-free mass throughout infancy.
- Protein and minerals increase during infancy, but quantitative changes are uncertain.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to precisely quantify changes in infant body composition.
- Determining the relationship between dual energy X-ray absorptiometry bone mineral content and actual osseous mineral content is crucial.
Abstract:
During infancy, especially early infancy, a substantial proportion of the requirements for energy and specific nutrients are those needed for growth. Knowledge of the body composition of a reference infant (body size and chemical composition at the 50th centile for age) permits an estimate of the growth needs of the infant. In this communication, we review efforts from the 1960s to the present at defining the composition of the male and female reference infants. We and others have demonstrated that accumulation of fat is remarkably rapid during the first 4 or 6 months of life. As a percentage of fat-free mass, water decreases throughout infancy whereas protein and minerals increase. However, the quantitative nature of these changes remains uncertain. After identifying the areas in which further data are needed, we conclude that the single most important area for further work is determining the relation of "bone mineral content" determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry to the osseous mineral content of the infant.