Premium
Effect of Lower Versus Higher Protein Content in Infant Formula Through the First Year on Body Composition from 1 to 6 Years: Follow‐Up of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Author(s) -
Totzauer Martina,
Luque Veronica,
Escribano Joaquin,
ClosaMonasterolo Ricardo,
Verduci Elvira,
ReDionigi Alice,
Hoyos Joana,
Langhendries JeanPaul,
Gruszfeld Dariusz,
Socha Piotr,
Koletzko Berthold,
Grote Veit
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.22203
Subject(s) - medicine , infant formula , percentile , body mass index , composition (language) , zoology , european union , odds ratio , randomized controlled trial , pediatrics , mathematics , biology , linguistics , statistics , philosophy , business , economic policy
Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of lower protein (LP) versus higher protein (HP) content in infant formula on body composition from 3 months to 6 years. Methods In a multicenter, double‐blind European trial, healthy infants ( N = 1,090) were randomly assigned to different protein content formulas (upper [HP] and lower [LP] limits of the European Union regulations in 2001) during the first year; breastfed infants ( N = 588) were recruited for reference values. Weight, height, and triceps and subscapular skinfold (SF) thickness were measured repeatedly ( N = 650 at 6 years), and body composition was estimated (Slaughter). The 99th percentile of fat mass index reference data were used to assess excess body fat at 6 years. Results At 2 and 6 years, the study observed greater sum of SFs (Δ 2 years: 0.5 mm, P = 0.026, Δ 6 years: 0.6 mm, P = 0.045), fat mass index (Δ 2 years: 0.12 kg/m², P = 0.008, Δ 6 years: 0.15 kg/m², P = 0.011), and fat‐free mass index (Δ 2 years: 0.17 kg/m², P = 0.003, Δ 6 years: 0.18 kg/m², P = 0.010) in the HP group compared with the LP group. At 6 years, the HP group had a twofold higher risk than the LP group for excess body fat (adjusted odds ratio: 2.13, P = 0.019). Conclusions Infant formula with HP levels induced greater fat mass in children from 2 to 6 years. Lowering the protein content of infant formula may result in a healthier body composition in early childhood.