Longitudinal study of energy and nutrient intakes for infants from low-income, urban families.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the energy and nutrient intakes of healthy infants from low-income families and to compare intakes with current recommendations.


METHODS
We interviewed mother-infant pairs longitudinally when the infants were 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months old. Food intake data were obtained by 24-hour dietary recalls. Selected nutrient intakes were calculated and compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs).


METHODS
Infants were the offspring of low-income, pregnant women recruited at the Albany County Department of Health, New York for the Albany Pregnancy and Infancy Lead Study, a prospective investigation of factors related to blood lead levels, including nutrition. Interviews were conducted during paediatric clinic visits.


METHODS
Means and standard deviations were used to describe energy and micronutrient intakes for age groups. The probability approach was utilised to examine the prevalence of inadequate intakes.


RESULTS
Mean energy and nutrient intakes generally met or exceeded the RDA. The exceptions were vitamin D and zinc for which observed means were below the RDA at several data points. Protein consumption was exceptionally high in this sample. The highest estimated prevalences of inadequate intakes were observed for iron, zinc and vitamin D at the older ages.


CONCLUSIONS
This study identified several potential concerns about the diets of infants during the transition from infant food and formula to table foods. Low intakes of vitamin D, zinc and iron, especially at 12 and 18 months, were observed. High protein intakes were noted at all ages.
Nolan
Karen
K
Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health, 547 River Street, Room 200, Troy, NY 12180-2216, USA. kxf07@health.state.ny.us
Schell
Lawrence M
LM
Stark
Alice D
AD
Gómez
Marta I
MI
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015930:Diet Records; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007228:Infant Nutrition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D011203:Poverty; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014505:Urban Population