Determinants of infant formula use and relation with growth in the first 4 months.
The wide variety of infant formula available on the market can be confusing for parents and physicians. We aimed to determine associations between predominant type of formula used from birth to 4 months and parental and child characteristics and type of physician consulted, and then to describe relations between type of formula used and growth. Our analyses included 1349 infants from the EDEN mother-child cohort. Infant's feeding mode and type of formula used were assessed at 4 months by maternal self-report. Infant's weight and height from birth to 4 months, measured in routine follow-up, were documented by health professionals in the infant's personal health record. Anthropometric z-scores were calculated by using World Health Organization growth standards. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the type of formula predominantly used; relations with growth were analysed by linear regressions. Partially hydrolysed formulas were more likely to be used by primiparous women (P < 0.001), those breastfeeding longer (P < 0.001) and for infants with family history of allergies (P = 0.002). Thickened formulas were more often used by mothers returning to employment in the first 4 months (P = 0.05) and breastfeeding shortly (P < 0.001). No significant relation was found between infant's growth and type of formula (P > 0.20). Infants breastfed shorter showed higher weight-for-age (P < 0.001) and length-for-age (P = 0.001) z-score changes between birth and 4 months. The use of a specific type of infant formula seems to be mainly related to parental characteristics. Infant's growth in the first 4 months is related to other factors than to the type of formula used.
INSERM, CESP, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, U1018, Epidemiology of Diabetes, Obesity and Chronic Kidney Disease Over the Life Course, Villejuif, France Paris Sud 11 University, UMRS 1018, Villejuif, France INSERM, CIC 0802, Clinical Investigation Centre, University hospital, Poitiers, France INSERM, UMRS 953, Epidemiological Research Unit on Perinatal Health and Women's and Children's Health, Villejuif, France UPMC, Paris 06 University, Paris, France.
Aisha
A
Betoko
Marie-Aline
MA
Charles
Régis
R
Hankard
Anne
A
Forhan
Mercedes
M
Bonet
Nolwenn
N
Regnault
Jérémie
J
Botton
Marie-Josephe
MJ
Saurel-Cubizolles
Blandine
B
de Lauzon-Guillain
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult