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Breast vs. bottle: differences in the growth of Croatian infants

Zlatko Mandić1, Antonija Perl Pirički, Daniela Kenjerić

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Josipa Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia.

Maternal & Child Nutrition
|November 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study compared rural Croatian infant growth to CDC standards, finding that breastfeeding may prevent infant obesity. Breastfed infants showed lower weight gain and reduced risk of being overweight.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Human Growth and Development

Background:

  • Infant growth patterns are crucial for long-term health.
  • Obesity in infancy is a growing concern globally.
  • Understanding regional growth variations and protective factors is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the growth of rural Croatian infants to the 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth standards.
  • To evaluate the potential preventive influence of breastfeeding on infant obesity development.
  • To analyze anthropometric data and feeding modes in a cohort of Croatian infants.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of medical charts for anthropometric data (birth, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 months).
  • Self-reported infant feeding modes (breastfeeding, formula, mixed, cow's milk).
  • Comparison of growth parameters against CDC 2000 growth standards and calculation of weight-for-length z-scores.

Main Results:

  • Most infants exceeded CDC growth standards for body mass and length.
  • Breastfed infants exhibited the lowest weight gain throughout the first year.
  • At 12 months, exclusively breastfed infants had a lower risk of being overweight (4%) compared to mixed milk fed (7.6%) and all infants (6.4%).

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding appears to have a preventive effect on infant obesity development.
  • Rural Croatian infants' growth generally surpasses established growth standards.
  • Feeding mode significantly influences infant weight gain and obesity risk during the first year.

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