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Association Between Diet Patterns of Human Infants and Growth Differs Across Randomized Formula Groups in the First
Jessica E Decker1, Julie A Mennella2, Benjamin C Brewer3
1Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
Cow milk formula (CMF) consumption during complementary feeding was linked to higher weight-for-length Z-scores (WLZ) in infants. Extensively hydrolyzed protein formula (EHF) did not show this association, suggesting formula type influences infant growth trajectories.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Infant Growth and Development
- Dietary Patterns Analysis
Background:
- Infant formula composition and weight gain velocity impact later weight status.
- The role of complementary feeding dietary patterns in this relationship is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify complementary feeding dietary patterns.
- Examine how these patterns, formula type, and early weight gain velocity influence infant weight status over time.
Main Methods:
- Diet records collected from 0.5 to 18.5 months in infants receiving cow milk formula (CMF) or extensively hydrolyzed protein formula (EHF).
- Dietary patterns derived using principal component analysis.
- Generalized estimating equations analyzed effects on weight-for-length Z-score (WLZ).
Main Results:
- Four distinct complementary feeding patterns were identified.
- Rapid weight gain affected WLZ in both CMF and EHF groups.
- Prolonged intake of CMF (PC1 pattern) was associated with significantly greater WLZ over time compared to EHF.
Conclusions:
- Cow milk formula (CMF) feeding during complementary feeding is associated with increased weight-for-length Z-scores.
- Extensively hydrolyzed protein formula (EHF) did not show this association.
- Formula type plays a role in infant weight status during the first 18.5 months.
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