Early rapid weight gain among formula-fed infants: Impact of formula type and maternal feeding styles

Formula Feeding Is Associated with Rapid Weight Gain between 6 and 12 Months of Age: Highlighting the Importance of Developing Specific Recommendations to Prevent Overfeeding

We examined differences in mean daily calorie intake and rapid weight gain risk among 6- to 12-month-old infants by milk feeding status: breastmilk only, breastmilk and formula (combined), or formula only. Another objective was to determine what frequency and amount of formula fed were associated with overfeeding among infants. Mother-infant dyads (n = 240) were recruited from a pediatric clinic mainly serving Medicaid recipients. At 6, 9, and 12 months of infants' age, 24 h feeding recalls were conducted using the multiple-pass method. Infant weight measurements were accessed from clinic records to estimate rapid weight gain between 6 and 12 months. Among the participants, 82% received WIC. More than half of the participants were either African American or Latino by race/ethnicity. Calorie intake among formula-only fed infants was higher than in the other two milk feeding groups. One-fourth of the infants were experiencing rapid weight gain, and the risk was 3-fold higher among formula-only fed infants. Exceeding daily calorie requirements or overfeeding was associated with both formula amount and the frequency of feeding (p < 0.01). Specific guidelines and education on formula feeding practices are critical to prevent accelerated growth among infants. Gaining further understanding on parenting style and formula feeding practices is also warranted.

The care of infants with rapid weight gain: Should we be doing more?

Rapid weight gain (RWG) during infancy is a known risk factor for later childhood obesity. It can be measured using a range of definitions across various time periods in the first 2 years of life. In recent years, some early childhood obesity prevention trials have included a focus on preventing RWG during infancy, with modest success. Overall, RWG during infancy remains common, yet little work has examined whether infants with this growth pattern should receive additional care when it is identified in health-care settings. In this viewpoint, we contend that RWG during infancy should be routinely screened for in health-care settings, and when identified, viewed as an opportunity for health-care professionals to instigate non-stigmatising discussions with families about RWG and general healthy practices for their infants. If families wish to engage, we suggest that six topics from early life obesity prevention studies (breastfeeding, formula feeding, complementary feeding, sleep, responsive parenting, and education around growth charts and monitoring) could form the foundations of conversations to help them establish and maintain healthy habits to support their infant's health and well-being and potentially lower the risk of later obesity. However, further work is needed to develop definitive guidelines in this area, and to address other gaps in the literature, such as the current lack of a standardised definition for RWG during infancy and a clear understanding of the time points over which it should be measured.

Protein and carbohydrate content of infant formula purchased in the United States

BACKGROUND

The protein and carbohydrate composition of formula fed infants' diets in the United States (US) has not been described. The aims of this study were to characterize these dietary exposures in infant formula purchased in the US and to estimate the proportion of formula purchased which is hypoallergenic or lactose-reduced formula.

METHODS

Powdered infant formula purchase data from all major physical stores in the US prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, between 2017 and 2019, were obtained from Information Resources, Inc. Protein and carbohydrate composition and scoop sizes for each formula were obtained from manufacturers. Ready to feed liquid products, products for premature infants and products for over 1 year old were not included.

RESULTS

Total volumes of term formula purchased were 216 million kg of formula powder (equivalent to 1.65 billion litres) over 3 years. Intact protein formula was 67.9% of formula purchased, 26.6% was partially hydrolysed and 5.5% was hypoallergenic (5.2% extensively hydrolysed protein; 0.3% amino acid based). Soy protein formula represented 5.1% of formula purchased. Carbohydrate content overall was 52.7% lactose, 42.3% glucose polymers and 5.0% sucrose. 23.7% of formula purchased included sucrose as a carbohydrate. Of all formula purchased, 59.0% was lactose reduced, containing a non-lactose carbohydrate. Of 'standard' formula, defined as intact protein, non-thickened, cow's milk formula, 32.3% was lactose reduced. The proportion of hypoallergenic formula purchased significantly exceeded the prevalence of cow's milk protein allergy and increased over the 3-year study period from 4.9% to 7.6% of all formula sold.

CONCLUSIONS

US infants are exposed to unnecessarily high levels of non-lactose carbohydrates and hypoallergenic formula, and this may represent a significant nutritional health risk.

Obesity in Children

Child obesity is widely prevalent, and general pediatricians play an important role in identifying and caring for patients with obesity. Appropriate evaluation and treatment require an understanding of the complex etiology of child obesity, its intergenerational transmission, and its epidemiologic trends, including racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities. The American Academy of Pediatrics has published screening, evaluation, and treatment guidelines based on the best available evidence. However, gaps in evidence remain, and implementation of evidence-based recommendations can be challenging. It is important to review optimal care in both the primary care and multidisciplinary weight management settings. This allows for timely evaluation and appropriate referrals, with the pediatrician playing a key role in advocating for patients at higher risk. There is also a role for larger-scale prevention and policy measures that would not only aid pediatricians in managing obesity but greatly benefit child health on a population scale.

The Macronutrient Composition of Infant Formula Produces Differences in Gut Microbiota Maturation That Associate with Weight Gain Velocity and Weight Status

This proof-of-principle study analyzed fecal samples from 30 infants who participated in a randomized controlled trial on the effects of the macronutrient composition of infant formula on growth and energy balance. In that study, infants randomized to be fed cow milk formula (CMF) had faster weight-gain velocity during the first 4 months and higher weight-for-length Z scores up to 11.5 months than those randomized to an isocaloric extensive protein hydrolysate formula (EHF). Here we examined associations among infant formula composition, gut microbial composition and maturation, and children’s weight status. Fecal samples collected before and monthly up to 4.5 months after randomization were analyzed by shotgun metagenomic sequencing and targeted metabolomics. The EHF group had faster maturation of gut microbiota than the CMF group, and increased alpha diversity driven by Clostridia taxa. Abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus distinguished the two groups after exclusive feeding of the assigned formula for 3 months. Abundance of Clostridia at 3–4 months negatively correlated with prior weight-gain velocity and body weight phenotypes when they became toddlers. Macronutrient differences between the formulas likely led to the observed divergence in gut microbiota composition that was associated with differences in transient rapid weight gain, a well-established predictor of childhood obesity and other comorbidities.

Long-term effects of a modified, low-protein infant formula on growth and body composition: Follow-up of a randomized, double-blind, equivalence trial

BACKGROUND & AIM

High protein intake in early life is associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity. Feeding a modified lower-protein (mLP) infant formula (1.7 g protein/100 kcal) until the age of 6 months is safe and supports adequate growth. The aim of the present study is to assess longer-term anthropometry with BMI at 1 and 2 years as primary outcome parameter and body composition in children fed mLP formula.

METHODS

Healthy term-born infants received mLP or control formula (CTRL) (2.1 g protein/100 kcal) until 6 months of age in a double-blinded RCT. A breast-fed (BF) group served as a reference. Anthropometry data were obtained at 1 and 2 years of age. At the age of 2 years, body composition was measured with air-displacement plethysmography. Groups were compared using linear mixed model analysis.

RESULTS

At 1 and 2 years of age, anthropometry, including BMI, and body composition did not differ between the formula groups (n = 74 mLP; n = 69 CTRL). Compared to the BF group (n = 51), both formula-fed groups had higher z scores for weight for age, length for age, waist circumference for age, and mid-upper arm circumference for age at 1 year of age, but not at 2 years of age (except for z score of weight for age in the mLP group). In comparison to the BF group, only the mLP group had higher fat mass, fat-free mass, and fat mass index. However, % body fat did not differ between feeding groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this follow-up study, no significant differences in anthropometry or body composition were observed until 2 years of age between infants fed mLP and CTRL formula, despite the significantly lower protein intake in the mLP group during the intervention period. The observed differences in growth and body composition between the mLP group and the BF reference group makes it necessary to execute new trials evaluating infant formulas with improved protein quality together with further reductions in protein content.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

This trial was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (Study ID number NTR4829, trial number NL4677). https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/4677.

Appetite self-regulation declines across childhood while general self-regulation improves: A narrative review of the origins and development of appetite self-regulation

This narrative review discusses the origins and development of appetite self-regulation (ASR) in childhood (from infancy to age 6 or 7 years). The origins, or foundations, are the biological infrastructure associated with appetite regulation and appetite self-regulation. Homeostatic regulation in infancy is examined and then evidence about developmental change in components of ASR. The main ASR-related components covered are: delay-of-gratification, caloric compensation, eating in the absence of hunger, food responsiveness/hedonics and fussy eating. The research included behavioral measures, parent-reports of appetitive traits and fMRI studies. There were two main trends in the evidence: a decline across childhood in the components of ASR associated with food approach (and therefore an increase in disinhibited eating), and wide individual differences. The decline in ASR contrasts with general self-regulation (GSR) where the evidence is of an improvement across childhood. For many children, bottom-up automatic reactive processes via food reward/hedonics or food avoidance as in fussy eating, appear not to be matched by improvements in top-down regulatory capacities. The prominence of bottom-up processes in ASR could be the main factor in possible differences in developmental paths for GSR and ASR. GSR research is situated in developmental science with its focus on developmental processes, theory and methodology. In contrast, the development of ASR at present does not have a strong developmental tradition to access and there is no unifying model of ASR and its development. We concluded (1) outside of mean-level or normative changes in the components of ASR, individual differences are prominent, and (2) there is a need to formulate models of developmental change in ASR together with appropriate measurement, research designs and data analysis strategies.

Pediatrician's Beliefs and Practices Around Rapid Infant Weight Gain: A Qualitative Study

Rapid infant weight gain is a risk factor for later obesity. The objective of this study was to examine primary care pediatricians’ beliefs and practices around rapid infant weight gain. Primary care pediatricians (N = 16) participated in a semi-structured interview about infant growth. Interviews were transcribed, analyzed for themes using the grounded theory and the constant comparative method then reliably coded for the presence of each theme. Three themes were identified, pediatricians (1) are uncertain about the concept, definition, and implications of excessive or rapid infant weight gain (N = 16, 100%), (2) are more comfortable with management of inadequate versus excessive or rapid weight gain (N = 10, 62.5%), and (3) perceive the primary cause of excessive or rapid infant weight gain to be overfeeding (N = 10, 62.5%). In conclusion, pediatricians are uncertain about the concept, definition, management, and long-term risks of rapid infant weight gain. Interventions to increase awareness and pediatrician sense of competence in management of rapid infant weight gain are needed.

The effect of preventive use of hydrolyzed protein formula milk on gastrointestinal diseases and physical development of premature infants: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Because of the controversy in clinical nutritional support therapy of hydrolyzed protein formula milk and standard preterm infant formula (SPIF) in premature infants. In this study, the effectiveness and safety of preventive use of hydrolyzed protein formula milk in reducing gastrointestinal diseases and promoting physical development of premature infants are scientifically evaluated by systematic evaluation. To help find the suitable nutritional support for premature infants.

METHODS

To search the database of Chinese and English by computer: SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, PubMed, EMbase and The Cochrane Library, and to collect randomized controlled trials on the application of hydrolyzed protein formula milk in nutritional support treatment of premature infants compared with SPIF. The retrieval time limit is from the establishment of each database to September 1, 2020. Two authors independently completed the paper search, and sorting out the main outcome indicator and secondary outcome indicator in the selected literature, and the data are statistically analyzed by Review Manager software (RevManV.5.3.0) and STATA 13.0.

RESULTS

This study will provide a high-quality evidence on the effects of hydrolyzed protein formula milk on gastrointestinal diseases and physical development of premature infants.

CONCLUSION

At present, the clinicians are controversial about the safety and effectiveness of hydrolyzed protein formula milk and SPIF in the nutritional support therapy of premature infants. This study will compare the effectiveness and safety of these 2 nutritional support methods, and make a comprehensive analysis of the influence of hydrolyzed protein formula milk on gastrointestinal diseases and physical development of premature infants, and finally give a positive conclusion.

OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/UQD92.

Variation in Infant Formula Macronutrient Ingredients Is Associated with Infant Anthropometrics

Background: There is wide variation in the macronutrient ingredient base of infant formula. How variation in macronutrient ingredients may impact infant growth remains largely unknown. Methods: The 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset was utilized, including infant anthropometrics and dietary intake. The protein, fat, and carbohydrate sources of formulas consumed were assembled and considered as potential predictors in multivariable models of infant Z-scores among infants < 6 months, 6–12 months and all infants combined (0–12 months). Results: The following relationships represent ingredient covariates within the final multivariable models of infant Z-scores. Consuming formula with palm oil was associated with higher weight-for-length Z-scores among infants < 6 months, but lower weight-for-age and weight-for-length Z-scores among infants 6–12 months. Consuming soy-protein formulas was associated with lower weight-for-length, head circumference-for-age and abdominal circumference-for-age Z-scores among infants < 6 months. Consuming sucrose-containing formula was associated with higher weight-for-length and abdominal circumference-for-age Z-score among infants 0–12 months. Conclusions: These data provide proof-of-concept that all formulas are not the same. Variation in macronutrient ingredients within the standard formula category is associated with differences in infant anthropometric outcomes. Long-term and mechanistic studies are warranted to pursue these findings; especially for palm oil, soy protein, and sucrose.

Infant growth, neurodevelopment and gut microbiota during infancy: which nutrients are crucial?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To update the role of specific nutrients during infant development.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several bioactive nutrients such as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), iron, vitamins, proteins, or carbohydrates have been identified to exert an important role during the first 1000 days of life on infant growth, neurodevelopment, and gut microbiota establishment and maturation. LC-PUFAs are structural constituents of the central nervous system (CNS), being essential in retinal development or hippocampal plasticity. Recently, components of the milk fat globule membrane (MFG) are being added to infant formulas because of their key role in infant's development. A high intake of proteins induces a faster weight gain during infancy which correlates with later obesity. Digestible carbohydrates provide glucose, crucial for an adequate functioning of CNS; nondigestible carbohydrates [e.g. human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs)] are the main carbon source for gut bacteria. Iron-deficiency anemia during infancy has been associated with alterations of mental and psychomotor development. Folate metabolism, closely related to vitamins B6 and B12, controls epigenetic changes, whereas inadequate status of vitamin D affects bone development, but may also increase intestinal permeability and alter gut microbiota composition.

SUMMARY

LC-PUFAs, proteins, carbohydrates, iron, and vitamins during early life are critical for infant's growth, neurodevelopment, and the establishment and functioning of gut microbiota.

Amount, Preparation and Type of Formula Consumed and Its Association with Weight Gain in Infants Participating in the WIC Program in Hawaii and Puerto Rico

The aim of this study was to assess the association between amount (below or above recommendations), preparation (liquid vs. powder), and type (regular vs. hydrolysate) of infant formula consumed and weight in infants participating in the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program in Hawaii (HI) and Puerto Rico (PR). This was a secondary analysis of 162 caregivers with healthy term 0⁻2-month-old infants. Socio-demographics, infant food frequency questionnaires, and weight and length were assessed at baseline and after four months. Infant feeding practices were associated with weight-for-length z-scores using multivariable logistic regression. In total, 37.7% were exclusively breastfed and 27.2% were exclusively formula-fed. Among formula users, regular (63.6%) and powder (87.0%) formula were the most common; 43.2% consumed formula above recommendations. Most infants had rapid weight gain (61.1%). Infants fed regular formula had higher odds of overweight after four months (adjusted OR = 8.77, 95% CI: 1.81⁻42.6) and higher odds of rapid weight gain (adjusted OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.12, 8.61). Those exclusively formula fed had higher odds of slow weight gain (adjusted OR = 4.07, 95% CI: 1.17⁻14.2). Formula preparation and amount of formula were not associated with weight. These results could inform the WIC program's nutrition education messages on infant feeding. Studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these results.