Early feeding of larger volumes of formula milk is associated with greater body weight or overweight in later infancy

Abstract

Abstract Background The relation between infant feeding and growth has been extensively evaluated, but studies examining the volume of formula milk consumption on infant growth are limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of early feeding of larger volumes of formula on growth and risk of overweight in later infancy. Methods In total, 1093 infants were studied prospectively. Milk records collected at 3 mo of age were used to define the following 3 feeding groups: breast milk feeding (BM, no formula), lower-volume formula milk feeding (LFM, 2 SD) at the age of 12 mo. Conclusion Feeding higher volumes of formula in early infancy is associated with greater body weight and overweight in later infancy.

Keywords

• Feeding practice
• Formula milk
• Growth
• Overweight
• Greater body weight