Neonatal and Infant Feeding: Effect on Bone Density at 4 Years

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether the type of feeding during the first 4 months of life affects bone mineral density at 4 years of age. Methods: Healthy 4‐year‐old children were recruited from the offices of primary health care providers. After confirming the type of infant feeding by history, dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry analysis was obtained at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and evaluated by a radiologist blinded as to feeding type. Results: One hundred and seventy‐eight children completed the study (58% male, 85% Caucasian; mean age, 4.5 years). All children had exclusively consumed human milk (n = 57), an infant formula containing no palm olein oil (n = 56) or an infant formula containing palm olein oil (n = 65) during the first 4 months of life. At 4 years of age, no significant differences were noted in bone mineral content or bone mineral density ( P = 0.51 and 0.89, respectively) among the three feeding groups as measured by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Total body bone mineral content and bone mineral density varied by gender, with males having significantly higher values than females regardless of feeding type ( P = 0.028 and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: There is no association between the use of palm olein formula during the first 4 months of life and subsequent bone mineral content and bone mineral density in healthy 4‐year‐old children.