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Relationship of early infant feeding (breast vs. formula) and fruit and vegetable variety in dietary intake of 2–3 year olds
Author(s) -
Strong LaCrystal Ann,
Strong Erin,
West Debbie,
Brouwer Rebecca,
Ostbye Truls,
Lovelady Cheryl
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.556.16
Subject(s) - overweight , medicine , breast milk , obesity , breast feeding , breastfeeding , zoology , demography , pediatrics , biology , biochemistry , sociology
The theory of breastmilk flavor exposure impacting later dietary variety in children was examined. Dietary intakes of 2–3 year olds of overweight (BMI ≥ 25) mothers were analyzed. Mothers reported how the child was fed for the first 6 months. Participants were placed into either fully formula‐fed group (FF, n=63) or fully breastfed group (BF, n=76). Two‐day 24‐hr dietary recalls were conducted. The number (variety) of different fruits and vegetables (F&V) were counted. Reappearing foods were not counted again. Maternal BMI, income, education, age, child's BMI z‐score, and feeding group were entered into regression models to predict fruit, vegetable, and total F&V variety. BF was higher educated (P=0.007) and had a lower BMI (BF 30.8 ± 4.6; FF 32.9 ± 6.3 kg/m 2 ; P=0.02). Variety of fruit was significantly higher in the BF (FF 2.7 ± 1.5, BF 3.3 ± 1.5; P=0.03). Neither vegetable (FF 2.8 ± 1.6; BF 2.4 ± 1.6), nor total F&V (FF 5.5 ± 2.4, BF 5.6 ± 2.4), varieties were significantly different between groups. Maternal BMI and child's BMI z‐score were significant negative predictors of fruit variety. No variable predicted vegetable variety. Only child's BMI z‐score negatively predicted total F&V variety (P=0.03). Results of this study do not support the theory that exposure to flavors transmitted in breastmilk within the first 6 m of life affect later F&V variety. Research funded by NIDDK R01 DK075439‐01 ; R01‐DK064986.