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Related Articles
Obesity in Bottlefed and Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding, Introduction of Complementary Foods, and Adiposity at 5 Years of Age
A study published in the December 2006 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concludes that no significant difference exists in the level of body fat among preschoolers who were breastfed compared to those who were formula fed. The study examines 313 children age 5 years. Measurements of body fatness were taken using dual-energy X-ray absorpitometry (DXA). These data, along with information provided by the mothers on infant feeding practices, were recorded along with other variables that potentially influence childhood overweight and obesity. Variables included race, gender, birth weight, and differences in the mothers’ socio-economic status, age, marital status, education level, smoking habits, and body mass index (BMI).
The primary conclusion drawn from this research is that body fatness or adiposity is not related to the timing of introductory foods, the use of infant formula, or the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding. This finding is consistent with two previous studies, also utilizing DXA data to determine differences in body fat levels in young children. Most studies showing a correlation between infant feeding method and risk of later overweigh or obesity use BMI to measure overweight or obesity in children. However, BMI is not the most accurate gauge of adiposity in young children. Body fat percent (BF%) is linked to the major health risks associated with obesity. Information from DXA is currently one of the best ways for measuring the BF%, and thus, provides better information to assess levels of overweight and obesity. Therefore, the authors of the study state health professionals should be “cautious about concluding that breastfeeding protects against later obesity solely on the basis of studies using BMI.”
Burdette HL et al. Breastfeeding, introduction of complementary foods, and adiposity at 5 y of age. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;83:550-8.
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/83/3/550?...=HWCIT