Early macronutrient intake and overweight at five years of age.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the influence of the macronutrient intake in early life on the development of overweight in children.


METHODS
An ongoing longitudinal study including 147 randomized healthy children followed up from birth.


METHODS
Anthropometric parameters were measured at birth, 1 and 5 y of age. Dietary habits at the age of 1 and 5 were assessed by age-adjusted food-frequency questionnaires and 24 h recalls. Parents' body mass index (BMI) was also recorded.


RESULTS
Parental overweight was observed for 51% children. The prevalence of overweight at the age of 5 y was higher in children with than without parental overweight (37.3% vs 8.3%, P<0.0001). Five-year old overweight children had a higher percentage intake of proteins at the age of 1 y than non overweight children (22% vs 20%, P=0.024) and lower intake of carbohydrates (44% vs 47%, P=0.031). Multiple logistic analysis confirmed that protein intake at 1 y of age was associated with overweight at 5 y (P=0.05). In children born from overweight mothers, prevalence of overweight at the age of 5 y tended to be higher in bottle-fed than in breast-fed ones (62.5% vs 23.3%, P=0.08).


CONCLUSIONS
Parental overweight is a major risk factor for childhood overweight in the first years of life, but an early high protein intake may also influence the development of adiposity.
Scaglioni
S
S
Department of Paediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy. clinped@mailserver.unimi.it
Agostoni
C
C
Notaris
R D
RD
Radaelli
G
G
Radice
N
N
Valenti
M
M
Giovannini
M
M
Riva
E
E
D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000235:genetics; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004044:Dietary Proteins