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Increased kidney growth in formula-fed versus breast-fed healthy infants

Ida M Schmidt1, Ida N Damgaard, Kirsten A Boisen

  • 1University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. rh03096@rh.dk

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|August 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Formula feeding in infants may temporarily increase kidney size and serum urea nitrogen, particularly in boys. These effects were not observed at 18 months, suggesting temporary renal changes from early protein intake.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Infant Nutrition
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • High protein intake is known to increase kidney size and glomerular filtration rate in adults and young rats.
  • The impact of increased protein intake from formula feeding on kidney development in young infants remains unclear compared to breast-fed infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of formula versus breast feeding on kidney growth in healthy infants.
  • To assess immediate renal function markers in relation to feeding type.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 631 healthy children was studied from birth to 18 months.
  • Kidney size was measured using ultrasonography at birth, 3, and 18 months.
  • Serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, and creatinine clearance were measured at 3 months, correlating with feeding category (breast-fed, partially breast-fed, formula-fed).

Main Results:

  • Partially or fully formula-fed infants showed significantly increased kidney growth and serum urea nitrogen at 3 months.
  • These renal effects were more pronounced in boys than in girls.
  • The observed changes in relative kidney size were temporary, resolving by 18 months when all infants were on a mixed diet.

Conclusions:

  • Formula feeding is associated with immediate, temporary increases in infant kidney size and serum urea nitrogen.
  • These findings highlight the need to consider the renal effects of infant formula for feeding recommendations.
  • Long-term consequences of early high protein intake on later kidney function require further investigation.

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