Assistant Professor and Registered Dietitian Augusta University Martinez, Georgia, United States
Disclosure(s):
Emily A. Johnson, MS, RDN: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Objectives: Despite major advances in understanding of obesity risk associated with infant feeding and growth, studies examining inaccurate mixing of infant formula yielding higher caloric density on infant growth are limited. This research seeks to determine the effects of feeding higher caloric density infant formula on growth and risk rapid infant weight gain in later infancy, a risk factor for childhood overweight and obesity. This improved understanding is also opening new avenues focusing on proper mixing of infant formula, to address unmet clinical need for developing a guideline to control the development of obesity in early life. We hypothesize the caloric density of prepared infant formula will exceed the standard and the association between higher caloric density formula from 2-6 months of age will be associated with rapid infant weight gain in early infancy.
Methods: In total, 140 mother/infant dyads will be studied prospectively. Dyads will be enrolled at 2 months of age and prospective data will be collected at 2, 4 and 6 months. Infant growth parameters will be measured at 3 time points of 2, 4 and 6 months of age, and each participant will be asked to prepare infant formula in a 2-ounce bottle of infant formula at each visit. Infant growth velocity will be analyzed for changes in weight-for-age z-score. Each infant formula scoop will be weighed using a precision gram scale. Nutrient analysis of each bottle will be calculated to determine total Kcal and protein provided per 2-ounce bottle.
Results: N/A - Study protocol abstract that has been approved from AU IRB.
Conclusions: The proposed study seeks to understand the impact of high calorie density formula consumption and rapid infant weight gain during the early infancy period. Furthermore, this study seeks to analyze the accuracy of infant formula mixing and the impact on weight gain from birth to six months of age. Thus, higher-calorie density infant feeding should be avoided in early infancy to prevent overweight or obesity in later infancy.
