Longitudinal study of nutrient and food intakes of infants aged 2 to 24 months.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the nutrient and food intakes of healthy, white infants from families of middle and upper socioeconomic status and to compare intakes to current recommendations.


METHODS
Using an incomplete random block design, we interviewed 98 mother-infant pairs longitudinally when infants were 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, and 24 months old. Data obtained included 24-hour dietary recalls, usual food intake, and food likes and dislikes.


METHODS
Interviews were conducted in the mother's home by registered dietitians. Subjects resided in two urban areas of Tennessee.


METHODS
Of the original 98 subjects, 94 completed the 2-year study.


RESULTS
Mean energy and nutrient intakes generally met or exceeded the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Exceptions were zinc and vitamin D, which were each below 100% of the RDA at 9 of the 10 data points, and vitamin E, which was below the RDA in the infants' second year. Fat intake decreased from more than 40% of energy in the first 6 months to 30% to 32% from 10 to 24 months. One third of the infants drank reduced-fat milks at 12 months and more than half drank them at 24 months. Although infants ate a variety of foods, vegetables often were the least favorite foods. A variety of dairy products provided calcium for the infant but lacked vitamin D.


CONCLUSIONS
Several nutritional issues about infant feeding before 2 years of age arose. Low intakes of zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin E were observed. In the second year, low fat intake, use of reduced-fat milks, and dislike of vegetables were areas of concern.
Skinner
J D
JD
Department of Nutrition, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37996-1900, USA.
Carruth
B R
BR
Houck
K S
KS
Coletta
F
F
Cotter
R
R
Ott
D
D
McLeod
M
M
D000367:Age Factors; D001903:Bottle Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015930:Diet Records; D004435:Eating; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins