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Jerome ML, Valcarce V, Lach L, Itriago E, Salas AA. Infant body composition: A comprehensive overview of assessment techniques, nutrition factors, and health outcomes. Nutr Clin Pract 2023; 38 Suppl 2:S7-S27. [PMID: 37721459 PMCID: PMC10513728 DOI: 10.1002/ncp.11059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Body composition assessment is a valuable tool for clinical assessment and research that has implications for long-term health. Unlike traditional measurements such as anthropometrics or body mass index, body composition assessments provide more accurate measures of body fatness and lean mass. Moreover, depending on the technique, they can offer insight into regional body composition, bone mineral density, and brown adipose tissue. Various methods of body composition assessment exist, including air displacement plethysmography, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance, magnetic resonance imaging, D3 creatine, ultrasound, and skinfold thickness, each with its own strengths and limitations. In infants, several feeding practices and nutrition factors are associated with body composition outcomes, such as breast milk vs formula feeding, protein intake, breast milk composition, and postdischarge formulas for preterm infants. Longitudinal studies suggest that body composition in infancy predicts later body composition, obesity, and other cardiometabolic outcomes in childhood, making it a useful early marker of cardiometabolic health in both term and preterm infants. Emerging evidence also suggests that body composition during infancy predicts neurodevelopmental outcomes, particularly in preterm infants at high risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive overview of body composition assessment techniques, summarize the links between specific nutrition practices and body composition in infancy, and describe the neurodevelopmental and cardiometabolic outcomes associated with body composition patterns in term and preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Lach
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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French B, Outhwaite LA, Langley-Evans SC, Pitchford NJ. Nutrition, growth, and other factors associated with early cognitive and motor development in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. J Hum Nutr Diet 2020; 33:644-669. [PMID: 32734599 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity, poverty and exposure to infectious disease are well-established drivers of malnutrition in children in Sub-Saharan Africa. Early development of cognitive and motor skills - the foundations for learning - may also be compromised by the same or additional factors that restrict physical growth. However, little is known about factors associated with early child development in this region, which limits the scope to intervene effectively. To address this knowledge gap, we compared studies that have examined factors associated with early cognitive and/or motor development within this population. METHODS Predetermined criteria were used to examine four publication databases (PsycInfo, Embase, Web of Science and Medline) and identify studies considering the determinants of cognitive and motor development in children aged 0-8 years in Sub-Saharan Africa. RESULTS In total, 51 quantitative studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting on 30% of countries across the region. Within these papers, factors associated with early child development were grouped into five themes: Nutrition, Growth and Anthropometry, Maternal Health, Malaria and HIV, and Household. Food security and dietary diversity were associated with positive developmental outcomes, whereas exposure to HIV, malaria, poor maternal mental health, poor sanitation, maternal alcohol abuse and stunting were indicators of poor cognitive and motor development. DISCUSSION In this synthesis of research findings obtained across Sub-Saharan Africa, factors that restrict physical growth are also shown to hinder the development of early cognitive and motor skills, although additional factors also influence early developmental outcomes. The study also reviews the methodological limitations of conducting research using Western methods in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- B French
- Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - L A Outhwaite
- Centre for Education Policy & Equalising Opportunities, Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK.,School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - N J Pitchford
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Kuriyan R, Naqvi S, Bhat KG, Ghosh S, Rao S, Preston T, Sachdev HS, Kurpad AV. The Thin But Fat Phenotype is Uncommon at Birth in Indian Babies. J Nutr 2020; 150:826-832. [PMID: 31858112 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxz305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indian babies are hypothesized to be born thin but fat. This has not been confirmed with precise measurements at birth. If it is true, it could track into later life and confer risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). OBJECTIVES Primarily, to accurately measure percentage of body fat (%BF) and body cell mass (BCM) in Indian babies with normal birth weight, compare them across different gestational ages and sex, and test the hypothesis of the thin but fat phenotype in Indian babies. Secondarily, to examine the relation between body weight and body fat in Indian babies. METHODS Term newborns (n = 156) weighing ≥2500 g, from middle socioeconomic status mothers were recruited in Bengaluru, India, and their anthropometry, %BF (air displacement plethysmography), and BCM (whole-body potassium counter) were measured. Maternal demography and anthropometry were recorded. The mean %BF and its dispersion were compared with earlier studies. The relation between newborn %BF and body weight was explored by regression analysis. RESULTS Mean birth weight was 3.0 ± 0.3 kg, with mean %BF 9.8 ± 3.5%, which was comparable to pooled estimates of %BF from published studies (9.8%; 95% CI: 9.7, 10.0; P > 0.05). Appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) babies had higher %BF (1.8%) compared to small-for-gestational age (SGA) babies (P < 0.01). Mean %BCM of all babies at birth was 35.4 ± 10.5%; AGA babies had higher %BCM compared to SGA babies (7.0%, P < 0.05). Girls in comparison to boys had significantly higher %BF and lower %BCM. Body weight was positively associated with %BF. CONCLUSION Indian babies with normal birth weight did not demonstrate the thin but fat phenotype. Body weight and fat had positive correlation, such that SGA babies did not show a preservation of their %BF. These findings will have relevance in planning optimal interventions during early childhood to prevent NCDs risk in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kuriyan
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Saba Naqvi
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Kishor G Bhat
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Santu Ghosh
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, St. John's Medical College, Bengaluru, India
| | - Suman Rao
- Department of Neonatology, St. John's Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru, India
| | - Thomas Preston
- Stable Isotope Biochemistry Laboratory, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Anura V Kurpad
- Department of Physiology, St. John's Medical College, Bengaluru, India
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Olsen MF, Iuel-Brockdorff AS, Yaméogo CW, Cichon B, Fabiansen C, Filteau S, Phelan K, Ouédraogo A, Wells JC, Briend A, Michaelsen KF, Lauritzen L, Ritz C, Ashorn P, Christensen VB, Gladstone M, Friis H. Early development in children with moderate acute malnutrition: A cross-sectional study in Burkina Faso. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2019; 16:e12928. [PMID: 31823490 PMCID: PMC7083399 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Malnutrition impairs cognitive, communication, and motor development, but it is not known how nutrition and health are associated with development in children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). We aimed to describe motor and language development of children with MAM and explore its nutrition and health-related correlates. This cross-sectional study used baseline data from a nutritional trial in children with MAM aged 6-23 months in Burkina Faso. Motor and language skills were assessed using the Malawi Development Assessment Tool (MDAT). Linear mixed models were used to explore potential correlates of MDAT including socio-economic status, anthropometry, body composition, whole-blood polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), haemoglobin (Hb), iron status, and morbidity. We also assessed child and caregiver participation during MDAT procedures and their associations with correlates and development. MDAT data were available for 1.608 children. Mean (95% CI) MDAT z-scores were -0.39 (-0.45, -0.34) for gross motor, 0.54 (0.48, 0.59) for fine motor, and -0.91 (-0.96, -0.86) for language skills. Children with higher mid-upper arm circumference, weight-for-height, height-for-age, fat-free mass, n-3 PUFAs, Hb, and iron status had better MDAT z-scores, whereas children with more fat mass index, anaemia, illness, and inflammation had poorer z-scores. In addition, children living in larger households or with an unmarried mother had poorer MDAT z-scores. Associations between morbidity and z-scores were largely explained by children's poorer participation during MDAT assessment. The identified factors associated with child development may inform interventions needed to stimulate development during or after management of MAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette F Olsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Charles W Yaméogo
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Département Biomédical et Santé Publique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Bernardette Cichon
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Fabiansen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Suzanne Filteau
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kevin Phelan
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Paris, France
| | | | - Jonathan C Wells
- Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - André Briend
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim F Michaelsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lotte Lauritzen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Ritz
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Ashorn
- Centre for Child Health Research, University of Tampere School of Medicine and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Vibeke B Christensen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Medicins Sans Frontieres - Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Melissa Gladstone
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Henrik Friis
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Orsso CE, Tibaes JRB, Oliveira CLP, Rubin DA, Field CJ, Heymsfield SB, Prado CM, Haqq AM. Low muscle mass and strength in pediatrics patients: Why should we care? Clin Nutr 2019; 38:2002-2015. [PMID: 31031136 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle plays major roles in metabolism and overall health across the lifecycle. Emerging evidence indicates that prenatal (maternal diet during pregnancy and genetic defects) and postnatal factors (physical activity, hormones, dietary protein, and obesity) influence muscle mass acquisition and strength early in life. As a consequence, low muscle mass and strength contributes to several adverse health outcomes during childhood. Specifically, studies demonstrated inverse associations of muscle mass and strength to single and clustered metabolic risk factors. The literature also consistently reports that low muscle mass and strength are associated with reduced bone parameters during growth, increasing the risk of osteoporosis in old age. Furthermore, muscle mass gains are associated with improved neurodevelopment in the first years of life. Given these negative implications of low muscle mass and strength on health, it is crucial to track muscle mass and strength development from childhood to adolescence. Several body composition techniques are currently available for estimation of muscle mass, all with unique advantages and disadvantages. The value of ultrasound as a technique to measure muscle mass is emerging in pediatric research with potential for translating the research findings to clinical settings. For the assessment of muscle strength, the handgrip strength test has been widely employed but without a standardized protocol. Although further research is needed to define normative data and cut points for the low muscle mass and strength phenotype, the use of such non-invasive medical monitoring is a promising strategy to identify early abnormalities and prevent low muscle mass in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila E Orsso
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jenneffer R B Tibaes
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Food Science, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Camila L P Oliveira
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Daniela A Rubin
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Catherine J Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Carla M Prado
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andrea M Haqq
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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Body composition during early infancy and developmental progression from 1 to 5 years of age: the Infant Anthropometry and Body Composition (iABC) cohort study among Ethiopian children. Br J Nutr 2019; 119:1263-1273. [PMID: 29770755 DOI: 10.1017/s000711451800082x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Early nutrition and growth have been found to be important early exposures for later development. Studies of crude growth in terms of weight and length/height, however, cannot elucidate how body composition (BC) might mediate associations between nutrition and later development. In this study, we aimed to examine the relation between fat mass (FM) or fat-free mass (FFM) tissues at birth and their accretion during early infancy, and later developmental progression. In a birth cohort from Ethiopia, 455 children who have BC measurement at birth and 416 who have standardised rate of BC growth during infancy were followed up for outcome variable, and were included in the statistical analysis. The study sample was restricted to mothers living in Jimma town who gave birth to a term baby with a birth weight ≥1500 g and no evident congenital anomalies. The relationship between the exposure and outcome variables was examined using linear-mixed regression model. The finding revealed that FFM at birth was positively associated with global developmental progression from 1 to 5 years (β=1·75; 95 % CI 0·11, 3·39) and from 4 to 5 years (β=1·34; 95 % CI 0·23, 2·44) in the adjusted model. Furthermore, the rate of postnatal FFM tissue accretion was positively associated with development at 1 year of age (β=0·50; 95 % CI 0·01, 0·99). Neither fetal nor postnatal FM showed a significant association. In conclusion, fetal, rather than postnatal, FFM tissue accretion was associated with developmental progression. Intervention studies are needed to assess whether nutrition interventions increasing FFM also increase cognitive development.
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Stunting, wasting and breast-feeding as correlates of body composition in Cambodian children at 6 and 15 months of age. Br J Nutr 2019; 121:688-698. [DOI: 10.1017/s0007114518003884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe study aimed at assessing stunting, wasting and breast-feeding as correlates of body composition in Cambodian children. As part of a nutrition trial (ISRCTN19918531), fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured using2H dilution at 6 and 15 months of age. Of 419 infants enrolled, 98 % were breastfed, 15 % stunted and 4 % wasted at 6 months. At 15 months, 78 % were breastfed, 24 % stunted and 11 % wasted. Those not breastfed had lower FMI at 6 months but not at 15 months. Stunted children had lower FM at 6 months and lower FFM at 6 and 15 months compared with children with length-for-agez≥0. Stunting was not associated with height-adjusted indexes fat mass index (FMI) or fat-free mass index (FFMI). Wasted children had lower FM, FFM, FMI and FFMI at 6 and 15 months compared with children with weight-for-lengthz(WLZ) ≥0. Generally, FFM and FFMI deficits increased with age, whereas FM and FMI deficits decreased, reflecting interactions between age and WLZ. For example, the FFM deficits were –0·99 (95 % CI –1·26, –0·72) kg at 6 months and –1·44 (95 % CI –1·69; –1·19) kg at 15 months (interaction,P<0·05), while the FMI deficits were –2·12 (95 % CI –2·53, –1·72) kg/m2at 6 months and –1·32 (95 % CI –1·77, –0·87) kg/m2at 15 months (interaction,P<0·05). This indicates that undernourished children preserve body fat at the detriment of fat-free tissue, which may have long-term consequences for health and working capacity.
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Admassu B, Wells JCK, Girma T, Belachew T, Ritz C, Owino V, Abera M, Wibaek R, Michaelsen KF, Kæstel P, Friis H, Andersen GS. Body composition during early infancy and its relation with body composition at 4 years of age in Jimma, an Ethiopian prospective cohort study. Nutr Diabetes 2018; 8:46. [PMID: 30190452 PMCID: PMC6127223 DOI: 10.1038/s41387-018-0056-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Low and high birth weight and rapid weight gain during infancy are associated with childhood obesity. Associations of birth and infancy body composition (BC) growth with childhood BC remain unknown in low-income countries. We aimed to investigate the associations of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) at birth and its accretion during early infancy with FM and FFM at the age of 4 years. METHODS In the infant Anthropometry and Body Composition (iABC) cohort, BC was assessed at six consecutive time points from birth to 6 months and at 4 years of age by air displacement plethysmography. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine the association between FM and FFM at birth and their accretion rates during infancy and FM index (FMI) and FFM index (FFMI) at 4 years in 314 children. RESULTS One kilogram higher FFM at birth was associated with a 1.07 kg/m2 higher FFMI (95% CI 0.60, 1.55) at 4 years while a one SD increment in FFM accretion rate from 0 to 6 months was associated with a 0.24 kg/m2 increment in FFMI (95% CI 0.11, 0.36) and with a 0.20 kg/m2 higher FMI at 4 years (β = 0.20; 95% CI 0.04, 0.37). FFM at birth did not predict FMI at 4 years. FM at birth was associated with 1.17 kg/m2 higher FMI at 4 years (95% CI 0.13, 2.22) whereas FM accretion from 0 to 4 months was associated with an increase in FMI of 0.30 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.12, 0.47). FM at birth did not predict FFMI at 4 years, and neither did FM accretion from 0 to 4 months. CONCLUSIONS A higher FFM in early infancy predicted higher FFMI at 4 years while a higher FM accretion during early infancy predicted higher FMI at 4 years. Follow-up studies are merited to explore associations of childhood BC with cardio-metabolic risk later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bitiya Admassu
- Department of Population and Family Health, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jonathan C K Wells
- Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Tsinuel Girma
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tefera Belachew
- Department of Population and Family Health, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Christian Ritz
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Victor Owino
- Technical University of Kenya, Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mubarek Abera
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Rasmus Wibaek
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Kim F Michaelsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pernille Kæstel
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Friis
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abera M, Tesfaye M, Hanlon C, Admassu B, Girma T, Wells JC, Kæstel P, Ritz C, Wibaek R, Michaelsen KF, Friis H, Andersen GS. Body Composition during Early Infancy and Mental Health Outcomes at 5 Years of Age: A Prospective Cohort Study of Ethiopian Children. J Pediatr 2018; 200:225-231. [PMID: 30060887 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between body composition-specifically fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM)-in early infancy, and mental health outcomes in early childhood. STUDY DESIGN In the Infant Anthropometry and Body Composition birth cohort study from Ethiopia, body composition was measured at birth and 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, and 6 months of age. Mental health was assessed at 5 years of age using the approved Amharic version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a parent report scale covering 4 different domains providing a total difficulties score. The associations of FM or FFM at birth as well as during early infancy, with SDQ score at 5 years of age were examined using multiple linear regression analyses. RESULTS At 5 years of age, the mean ± SD for SDQ score was 10.4 ± 5.8. FM at birth was positively and FFM negatively associated with SDQ score. For each kg increase in FM at birth, the SDQ score at 5 years was 5.7 points higher (β = 5.7; 95% CI, 1.4-10.0). In contrast, for each kilogram increase in FFM at birth, the SDQ score was 3.9 points lower (β = -3.9; 95% CI, -7.0 to -0.8). Neither FM nor FFM accretion rate during early infancy were associated with SDQ score at 5 years of age. CONCLUSIONS Fetal rather than infant body composition was associated with SDQ score at 5 years of age. Greater FFM accretion during fetal life may have contributed to more optimal neurobehavioral development during early life. However, the potential mechanisms underlying the observed associations need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubarek Abera
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Markos Tesfaye
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Charlotte Hanlon
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Center for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bitiya Admassu
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Population and Family Health, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tsinuel Girma
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Jonathan C Wells
- Childhood Nutrition Research Center UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pernille Kæstel
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Ritz
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Wibaek
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Kim F Michaelsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Friis
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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