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Published on: July 5, 2022
Early infant diet in children at high risk for type 1 diabetes
Insights
Few families with type 1 diabetes history followed WHO infant feeding guidelines. Improved infant feeding practices are crucial, particularly for young mothers at risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Infant diet significantly impacts long-term health and development.
- A family history of type 1 diabetes (T1D) may influence infant feeding practices.
- Understanding adherence to infant feeding recommendations in high-risk families is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate World Health Organization (WHO) infant feeding compliance in infants with a first-degree family history of type 1 diabetes.
- To identify factors associated with deviations from WHO infant feeding recommendations.
Main Methods:
- The BABYDIET intervention study followed 150 infants with a first-degree T1D relative from birth.
- Daily records of infant feeding, infections, and medication were maintained by families.
- Infant growth data were collected from pediatric records.
Main Results:
- Only 5% of families adhered to WHO recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months and timely introduction of complementary foods.
- Younger maternal age (<29 years) and maternal smoking were linked to earlier solid food introduction and reduced breastfeeding duration.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for >=6 months was associated with fewer gastrointestinal infections and less antibiotic use.
Conclusions:
- WHO infant feeding recommendations are poorly followed in families with a T1D history.
- Interventions are needed to improve infant feeding behaviors, especially in at-risk populations.
- Targeted support for young mothers with T1D family history is essential.
Abstract:
Infant diet affects health and development. The aim of our study was to investigate WHO infant feeding compliance in children who have a first degree family history of type 1 diabetes (T1D). One hundred and fifty children who were first degree relatives of patients with T1D were intensively followed from birth in the BABYDIET intervention study. Infant feeding, infections, and medication were recorded daily by participating families. Weight and length of children were obtained from paediatric records. Only 5% of the families followed the WHO recommendations for infant feeding that include full breastfeeding for at least 6 months (18.8% of children) and introduction of complementary foods under continued breastfeeding thereafter (22.2% of children). Maternal age in the first quartile (<29 years; p<0.0001), and maternal smoking (p<0.0001) were associated with an earlier introduction of solid food and reduced breastfeeding. Full breastfeeding > or =6 months was associated with reduced frequency of gastrointestinal infections (12 vs. 38%, p=0.02) and antibiotic treatment (24 vs. 48%, p=0.04). Our findings indicate that WHO infant feeding recommendations were poorly followed by families with a family history of T1D. Action to improve levels of infant feeding behaviour is essential, especially among young mothers with T1D.
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