Longitudinal body composition data in exclusively breast-fed infants: a multicenter study

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011 Sep;19(9):1887-91. doi: 10.1038/oby.2011.11. Epub 2011 Feb 10.

Abstract

Reference %fat and total fat-free mass data is necessary for evaluating growth in infants. We aimed to develop longitudinal %fat and total fat-free mass data in infants from birth to 6 months of age. An observational, multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted with assessments at birth, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months of age. Subjects were exclusively breast-fed and were enrolled at three centers. Whole-body composition (i.e., % fat and total fat-free mass) were assessed using air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) (PEA POD; Life Measurement, Concord, CA). Maternal prepregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, and infant anthropometric data were collected. A total of 160 infants (boys = 84) were assessed from birth to 4 months of age. Mean birth weight was 3.46 ± 0.39 kg % fat and fat-free mass significantly increased from birth to 4 months of age (P < 0.0001). Gender-specific %fat and total fat-free mass curves for infants from birth to 4 months of age were created. This study will be beneficial to health-care professionals in evaluating normal growth and nutritional patterns in the first months of life.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / growth & development
  • Birth Weight
  • Body Composition*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Child Development*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Plethysmography, Whole Body
  • Prospective Studies
  • Reference Values
  • Sex Characteristics
  • United States
  • Weight Gain