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Breastfeeding and catch-up growth in infants born small for gestational age
A Lucas1, M S Fewtrell, P S Davies
1MRC Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
Insights
Breastfeeding promotes faster postnatal growth in small for gestational age (SGA) infants. Benefits in weight, head circumference, and length observed in breastfed SGA infants persisted up to one year of age.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Human Nutrition
Background:
- Infants born small for gestational age (SGA) face increased risks for adverse outcomes.
- Postnatal growth trajectories are critical for long-term health in SGA infants.
- The impact of infant feeding on postnatal growth in SGA infants requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the effect of breastfeeding versus formula feeding on postnatal growth in term infants born SGA.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 54 term infants born SGA.
- Infants were fed either breast milk or standard infant formula.
- Growth parameters (weight, head circumference, length) were measured from birth to 1 year.
Main Results:
- Breastfeeding was associated with significant increases in weight at 2 weeks and 3 months (0.36-0.64 SD).
- These weight advantages persisted to 1 year (0.64 SD).
- Breastfed infants exhibited greater catch-up growth in head circumference and body length.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding promotes accelerated and sustained postnatal growth in SGA infants.
- The choice of postnatal diet may influence growth trajectories and potentially mitigate adverse outcomes in SGA infants.
- Further research is warranted to explore the long-term implications of feeding choices for SGA infants.
Abstract:
Postnatal growth was prospectively measured from birth to 1 y in 54 term infants born small for gestational age (SGA), fed either breast milk or a standard term infant formula. Breastfeeding was associated with a 0.36 and 0.64 standard deviation (SD) increase in weight at 2 weeks and 3 months of age, respectively, which persisted beyond the breastfeeding period (0.64 SD at 1 y). Breastfed infants also showed greater catch-up growth in head circumference [SD score (SDS) 0.53 higher at 3 months], and greater body length gain (SDS 0.68 higher at 6 months). This increased growth was independent of potentially confounding obstetric, social and demographic factors. Our findings suggest that breastfeeding may promote faster growth in infants compromised by poor growth in utero. SGA infants may be programmed for a number of adverse outcomes; the possibility that such events are altered by choice of postnatal diet is a key issue for future research.