Search

Currently available guidelines on the daily formula milk requirements of infants are based on the needs of infants with their growth pattern following the 50th percentile of the weight-for-age growth curve. Hence, current recommendations may not thoroughly detail the needs of infants across the broad spectrum of body weight percentiles. This study aimed to provide stratified recommendations for daily formula milk intake of fully formula-fed infants, across different weight-for-age categories from 0 to 4 months. At first, theoretical age- and gender-specific weight ranges were constructed for infants across five pre-defined weight-for-length percentile categories of the WHO growth standard. Thereafter, total daily energy requirements for each category were calculated and converted to daily formula milk needs. Subsequently, these stratified age- and weight-formula milk recommendations were compared to actual daily and relative formula milk of infants in these categories, retrieved from pooled individual infant formula milk intake data derived from 13 clinical intervention trials. A fitted regression model was used to evaluate differences in volume intakes across body weight categories as well as between theoretically derived and actual intake values. Median daily formula milk volume intake (ml/day) of infants differed significantly across the increasing weight-for-age categories at each time point, with significant differences between small and large infants. Interestingly, the relative daily formula milk volume intake (ml/kg/day) was higher for smaller infants compared to larger infants. The mean daily and relative formula milk intakes demonstrated the same pattern based on theoretical calculations as well as for the actual formula milk intake values retrieved from 13 pooled clinical intervention trials. Conclusions: Based on theoretical calculations and actual formula intake data, we conclude that larger infants require a significantly higher daily formula milk intake than smaller infants, and we postulate that infants could benefit from more tailored formula milk intake recommendations. What is Known: • Adequate energy intake during the infancy period is crucial to support optimal growth and organ development, with the potential for long-lasting health effects. • Current available guidelines on the daily formula milk requirements of infants are based on the needs of infants with their growth pattern following the 50th percentile of the weight-for-age growth curve. What is New: • Based on using both theoretical calculations and actual formula intake data, larger infants require a significantly higher daily formula milk intake than smaller infants. • Exclusive formula-fed infants could benefit from more tailored formula milk intake recommendations, in early infancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Community‐based policy, systems, and environmental interventions have the potential to reduce modifiable risk factors for obesity early in life. The purpose of this scoping review was to characterize the breadth, generalizability, and methodological quality of community‐based diet and obesity‐related policy, system, and environmental interventions during the first 1000 days of life, from pregnancy to 24 months of age. Eight databases were searched, and 83 studies (122 references) were included. Data were extracted for breadth (intervention characteristics), generalizability (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance), and study quality (Downs and Black Checklist). Systems and environmental approaches were common (> 80%), relative to policy approaches (39%). The majority (60–69%) occurred in the prenatal period and early infancy (0–3 months), assessed breastfeeding or child growth/obesity (53% for both), and included people with lower income (80%) or racial and/or ethnic minority groups (63%). Many interventions reported positive outcomes (i.e., in the expected direction) for child diet, breastfeeding, and feeding practices (> 62%). Few reported intervention maintenance or spanned the full 1000 days. Most studies were classified as good (32%) or fair (56%) methodological quality. The interventions mainly addressed pregnancy and early infancy. Rigorous and representative investigation is needed to improve intervention reach, sustainability, and application in toddlerhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Common mental disorders often emerge during childhood and adolescence, and their prevalence is disproportionately elevated among those affected by obesity. Early life growth patterns may provide a useful target for primordial prevention; however, research is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to identify distinct body mass index (BMI) trajectories during the first year of life and to assess their associations with psychosocial outcomes in preadolescence (9–13 years). Methods: Data were obtained from n = 1778 Greek children (9–13 years). Infant anthropometric data were obtained from paediatric health records and BMI trajectories during the first year of life were estimated using group-based trajectory modelling. Preadolescent emotional functioning, self-esteem, body image dissatisfaction and dieting behaviours were self-reported via validated questionnaires. Associations were estimated using binary and ordinal logistic regression, adjusted for key confounders. Results: Four BMI trajectories were identified: low (26.7%), average (41.8%), high (25.2%), and very high (6.4%). Children belonging to the very high trajectory had greater odds of body image dissatisfaction (OR: 1.62, 95%CI: 1.11, 2.38), dieting behaviour (OR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.01, 2.20) and restrained eating (OR: 1.69 95%CI: 1.14, 2.52) than children belonging to the average trajectory. Body image dissatisfaction was also greater in children belonging to the high trajectory (OR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.76). However, infant BMI trajectories did not significantly predict childhood emotional functioning or self-esteem status. Conclusion: Infants with BMI growth in the high reference ranges had poorer psychosocial outcomes in preadolescence. Whilst further research is needed to replicate these findings, monitoring early infant growth trajectories may allow for early stratification of infants at risk of poor psychosocial outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infant growth trajectories reflect current health status and may predict future obesity and metabolic diseases. Human milk is tailored to support optimal infant growth. However, nutrient intake rather than milk composition more accurately predicts growth outcomes. Although the role of protein leverage in infant growth is unclear, protein intake is important for early infancy growth. Materials and methods: This study of exclusively breastfeeding mothers with allergies (n = 161) from the Infant Fish Oil Supplementation Study assessed relationships between intake of human milk macronutrients and infant growth. Human milk fat, protein and lactose concentrations were measured at 3 months postpartum, and infant daily intakes were estimated using an average milk intake of 800 mL/day. Results: Higher human milk protein:energy ratio was associated with higher weight-for-age z-score at 2.5 years compared to 3 months and higher body mass index-for-age z-score change (6 months to 1 year compared to 3–6 months). Maternal atopy and birth season (summer) were negatively associated with human milk lactose concentration. Passive smoke exposure was associated with reduced energy and fat concentrations and increased lactose:energy ratio. Conclusions: Our results indicate that intake of human milk macronutrients may impact early childhood growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Infants born extremely preterm are at high risk for neurodevelopmental problems. However, their neurodevelopment exhibits a variety of trajectories. This study aimed to investigate the association between changes in neurodevelopmental outcomes and clinical characteristics among extremely preterm infants. Methods: This is a retrospective study of surviving children born at gestational age 22–28 weeks in Kyushu University Hospital between 2010 and 2020. We collected perinatal and post-discharge data and investigated the association between clinical characteristics and changes in developmental quotient (DQ) scores between 1.5 and 3 years of corrected age. Results: Out of the 179 eligible extremely preterm infants, 115 (64%) underwent neurological evaluations at 1.5 and 3 years of corrected age. Among them, 33 (29%) showed improvement in their DQ scores (+10 or more), 62 (54%) showed no change (−9 to +9), and 20 (17%) showed a decline (−10 or less). Gestational age, birth weight, and perinatal complications during the NICU stay did not affect individual changes in DQ scores. Multivariable analysis revealed that greater growth in height until age 3 years was a significant predictor of increasing DQ scores, while male sex and having siblings had a negative effect on changes in the DQ scores. Conclusion: We first demonstrate clinical data conceptualizing that growth in height, sex, and sibling status, rather than perinatal complications, are biologically linked with favorable or unfavorable neurodevelopmental changes of extremely preterm infants during the first 3 years of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality caregiver-infant interaction is crucial for infant growth, health, and development. Traditional methods for evaluating the quality of caregiver-infant interaction have predominantly relied on rating scales or observational techniques. However, rating scales are prone to inaccuracies, while observational techniques are resource-intensive. The utilization of easily collected medical records in conjunction with machine learning techniques offers a promising and viable strategy for accurate and efficient assessment of caregiver-infant interaction quality. Methods: This study was conducted at a follow-up outpatient clinic at two tertiary maternal and infant health centers located in Shanghai, China. 68 caregivers and their 3-15-month-old infants were videotaped for 3–5 min during playing interactions in non-threatening environment. Two trained experts utilized the Infant CARE-Index (ICI) procedure to assess whether the caregivers were sensitive or not in a dyadic context. This served as the gold standard. Predictors were collected through Health Information Systems (HIS) and questionnaires, which included accessible features such as demographic information, parental coping ability, infant neuropsychological development, maternal depression, parent-infant interaction, and infant temperament. Four classification models with fivefold cross-validation and grid search hyperparameter tuning techniques were employed to yield prediction metrics. Interpretable analyses were conducted to explain the results. Results: The score of sensitive caregiver-infant interaction was 6.34 ± 2.62. The Random Forest model gave the best accuracy (83.85%±6.93%). Convergent findings identified infant age, care skills of infants, mother age, infant temperament-regulatory capacity, birth weight, positive coping, health-care-knowledge-of-infants, type of caregiver, MABIS-bonding issues, ASQ-Fine Motor as the strongest predictors of interaction sensitivity between infants and their caregiver. Conclusions: The proposed method presents a promising and efficient approach that synergistically combines rating scales and artificial technology to detect important features of caregiver-infant interactions. This novel approach holds several implications for the development of automatic computational assessment tools in the field of nursing studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides the well-recognized influence of maternal health on fetal in utero development, recent epidemiological studies appoint paternal preconception metabolic health as a significant factor in shaping fetal metabolic programming and subsequently offspring metabolic health; however, mechanisms behind these adaptations remain confined to animal models. To elucidate the effects of paternal obesity (P-OB) on infant metabolism in humans, we examined mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which give rise to infant tissue, remain involved in mature tissue maintenance, and resemble the phenotype of the offspring donor. Here, we assessed mitochondrial functional capacity, content, and insulin action in MSC from infants of fathers with overweight [body mass index (BMI: 25–30 kg/m2); paternal overweight (P-OW)] or obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2; P-OB) while controlling for maternal intrauterine environment. Compared with P-OW, infant MSCs in the P-OB group had lower intact cell respiration, OXPHOS, and electron transport system capacity, independent of any changes in mitochondrial content. Furthermore, glucose handling, insulin action, lipid content, and oxidation were similar between groups. Importantly, infants in the P-OB group had a greater weight-to-length ratio, which could be in part due to changes in MSC metabolic functioning, which precedes and, therefore, influences infant growth trajectories. These data suggest that P-OB negatively influences infant MSC mitochondria. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03838146. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: Paternal obesity decreases infant mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) basal and maximal respiration. Lower OXPHOS and electron transport system capacity could be explained by lower complex I and IV respiratory capacity but not changes in OXPHOS expression in infant MSC from fathers with obesity. Paternal obesity and altered MSC mitochondrial functional capacity are associated with a greater infant weight-to-length ratio at birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Human breast milk is a complex fluid rich in bioactive molecules crucial for infant growth and development. Global health organisations recommend exclusive breastfeeding to optimise infant health. In cases where maternal milk is unavailable, donor breast milk from human milk banks (HMBs) serves as an essential alternative. Currently, human breast milk preservation relies on Holder pasteurisation (HoP), which, while effective at pathogen inactivation, can compromise breast milk's nutritional and biological properties. High‐pressure processing (HPP) is an alternative pasteurisation method that utilises high pressure to kill pathogens without degrading nutrition. This study examined HPP's impact on donor breast milk lipids, sugars and antioxidants. Metabolomics reveals diverse bioactive compounds, including lipids, polyphenols and polyketides, elucidating breast milk's complexity. Some lipid subclasses respond to HPP; ceramides decreased under both treatments, while fatty aldehydes and esters increased under specific HPP conditions. Additionally, we quantified oxidised lipids, notably dietary oxysterols (DOxS), known for pro‐oxidant and pro‐inflammatory properties. These findings enhance understanding of HPP targeted approaches and breast milk's complexity, contributing to innovative milk preservation techniques that could advance specialised infant nutrition and assist donor milk banking systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Common mental disorders often emerge during childhood and adolescence, and their prevalence is disproportionately elevated among those affected by obesity. Early life growth patterns may provide a useful target for primordial prevention; however, research is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to identify distinct body mass index (BMI) trajectories during the first year of life and to assess their associations with psychosocial outcomes in preadolescence (9–13 years). Methods Data were obtained from n = 1778 Greek children (9–13 years). Infant anthropometric data were obtained from paediatric health records and BMI trajectories during the first year of life were estimated using group-based trajectory modelling. Preadolescent emotional functioning, self-esteem, body image dissatisfaction and dieting behaviours were self-reported via validated questionnaires. Associations were estimated using binary and ordinal logistic regression, adjusted for key confounders. Results Four BMI trajectories were identified: low (26.7%), average (41.8%), high (25.2%), and very high (6.4%). Children belonging to the very high trajectory had greater odds of body image dissatisfaction (OR: 1.62, 95%CI: 1.11, 2.38), dieting behaviour (OR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.01, 2.20) and restrained eating (OR: 1.69 95%CI: 1.14, 2.52) than children belonging to the average trajectory. Body image dissatisfaction was also greater in children belonging to the high trajectory (OR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.76). However, infant BMI trajectories did not significantly predict childhood emotional functioning or self-esteem status. Conclusion Infants with BMI growth in the high reference ranges had poorer psychosocial outcomes in preadolescence. Whilst further research is needed to replicate these findings, monitoring early infant growth trajectories may allow for early stratification of infants at risk of poor psychosocial outcomes.

Abstract Background Despite global public health organizations endorsing breastfeeding or human milk (HM) as the optimal source of nutrition for infants, detailed knowledge of how HM composition influences infant growth is lacking. In this commentary we summarize and interpret the key findings of a large systematic review on HM components and child growth (N = 141 articles included). We highlight the most consistent associations, discuss study quality issues, explore socio-economic and time trends in this body of research, and identify gaps and future research directions. Key Findings of Systematic Review We grouped HM components into three categories: micronutrients (28 articles), macronutrients (57 articles), and bioactives (75 articles). Overall, we struggled to find consistent associations between HM components and infant growth. The majority of studies (85%) were of moderate or low-quality, with inconsistent HM collection and analysis strategies being identified as the most substantial quality concerns. Additional quality issues included failing to account for potential confounding by factors such as breastfeeding exclusivity and maternal body mass index. Considerations for Future Human Milk Research Many opportunities exist for the future of HM research. Using untargeted metabolomics will expand our understanding of HM components beyond previously defined and well-understood components. Machine learning will allow researchers to investigate HM as an integrated system, rather than a collection of individual components. Future research on HM composition should incorporate evidence-based HM sampling strategies to encompass circadian variation as well as infant consumption. Additionally, researchers need to focus on developing high quality growth data using consistent growth metrics and definitions. Building multidisciplinary research teams will help to ensure that outcomes are meaningful and clinically relevant. Conclusion Despite a large body of literature, there is limited quality evidence on the relationship between HM composition and infant growth. Future research should engage in more accurate collection of breastfeeding data, use standardized HM collection strategies and employ assays that are validated for HM. By systematically evaluating the existing literature and identifying gaps in existing research methods and practice, we hope to inspire standardized methods and reporting guidelines to support robust strategies for examining relationships between HM composition and child growth.

Aim: To assess inpatient growth parameter trajectories and to identify the type of opioid exposure and treatment characteristics influencing growth parameters of infants admitted to the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) for pharmacological treatment of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Methods: Charts of term infants with NOWS admitted to NICU from 2012 to 2019, who received pharmacologic treatment, were reviewed. Intake (volume: mL/kg/day; calorie: kcal/kg/day) and growth parameter trajectories (weight, head circumference, and length) were analyzed based on the type of prenatal opioid exposure (short‐acting opioids (SAOs), long‐acting opioids (LAOs), and polysubstance), pharmacologic treatment, and sex. Growth measurement patterns over time were compared between groups using longitudinal mixed‐effects models. Results: One hundred nineteen infants were included in the study with median birth weight Z‐score of −0.19 at birth and decreased to a median of −0.72 at discharge. Exposure to SAO was associated with an increase in Z‐scores nearing discharge across all growth parameters (Z‐score for weight p = 0.03). Polysubstance exposure was associated with a decrease in Z‐scores for length and head circumference throughout hospitalization. Infants with adjunct clonidine treatment had an increase in Z‐score for weight trends. Male infants had a decrease in Z‐scores for weight (male −0.96, female −0.59, interaction p = 0.06) and length (male −1.17, female −0.57, interaction p = 0.003) at Day 28. Despite the difference in growth trajectories, intake in terms of amount (mL/kg/day) and calorie intake (kcal/kg/day) was similar based on prenatal exposure, treatment, and sex. Conclusion: Infants with NOWS requiring pharmacologic treatment have a decrease in Z‐scores for weight, length, and head circumference at birth and at hospital discharge. Infants with prenatal polysubstance exposure were at particular risk for poorer inpatient growth relative to infants exposed to SAO and LAO, indicated by lower Z‐scores for length and occipital frontal circumference (OFC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arsenic pollution is widespread worldwide. The association between gestational arsenic exposure and adverse birth outcomes has been demonstrated in previous studies; however, few investigations have examined whether gestational arsenic exposure has adverse effects on infant growth and development after birth. Objective: Our study was designed to evaluate particular associations between gestational arsenic exposure during pregnancy and newborn birth size and to investigate whether these associations continue to affect infants after birth. Methods: An ongoing prospective cohort study of 1100 pregnant women was conducted at the Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital. The total urinary arsenic concentrations in the 2nd and 3rd trimester were determined using atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The relationships between urinary arsenic concentration and foetal growth parameters (birth weight, head circumference, length, and ponderal index), SGA (Small for gestational age), and physical growth of infants within one year after birth were analysed. Results: Urinary arsenic concentration in the 3rd trimester was associated with an increased incidence of SGA [adjusted model: OR = 2.860 (95% CI: 1.168, 7.020), P = 0.021)]. Arsenic exposure in late pregnancy had an adverse effect on the physical development of infants before the age of 1 year, and there was an interaction effect with the sex of infants. The weight and length of boys at 6 and 12 months negatively correlated with maternal urinary arsenic levels during late pregnancy. Conclusions: In addition to affecting foetal growth, exposure to arsenic in the 3rd trimester also negatively affected the growth of offspring within the first year of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitamins A and D are essential for the health of pregnant women and infants. Nevertheless, the relationship between umbilical cord blood vitamins A and D levels and the physical growth of exclusively breastfed infants remains uncertain. Objective: This cohort study aims to examine the relationship between cord blood vitamins A and D levels and the physical growth of exclusively breastfed infants aged 0-6 months. Methods: 140 singleton mother-infant pairs were recruited in total. Questionnaires were used to collect maternal and infant information, and liquid chromatography was utilized to quantify the levels of vitamins A and D in the umbilical cord blood. Anthropometric measurements were conducted at birth, at 3 and 6 months of age, and the weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), length-for-age z-score (LAZ), head circumference-for-age z-score (HAZ), and BMI-forage z-score (BMIZ) were calculated. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used for the analysis. Results: The average concentration of vitamins A and D in cord blood was 0.58 ± 0.20 mmol/L and 34.07 ± 13.35 nmol/L, both below the normal range for children. After adjusting for confounding factors, vitamin A levels in cord blood positively correlated with HAZ growth in infants aged 3-6 months (β= 0.75, P < 0.01) while vitamin D levels negatively correlated with LAZ growth (β= -0.01, P = 0.01) and positively correlated with BMIZ growth (β= 0.02, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Higher Vitamin A levels at birth promote HAZ growth in infants aged 3-6 months while higher vitamin D levels at birth promote BMIZ growth in infants aged 3-6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the occurrence of musculoskeletal infections in immunocompetent children after receiving the BCG immunization. The study examines the clinical characteristics of these infections, focusing on extremity bone and soft tissue infections. The article emphasizes the rarity of these infections in immunocompetent children and the need for more evidence-based research on the topic. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics and may require surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications, and further research is needed to improve outcomes for these infections in children. [Extracted from the article]

Aims/hypothesis: To compare glycemic metrics during pregnancy between women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) delivering large-for-gestational-age (LGA) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants, and to identify predictors of LGA infants. Materials and Methods: A cohort study including 111 women with T1D using intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring from conception until delivery. Average sensor-derived metrics: mean glucose, time in range in pregnancy (TIRp), time above range in pregnancy, time below range in pregnancy, and coefficient of variation throughout pregnancy and in pregnancy intervals of 0–10, 11–21, 22–33, and 34–37 weeks were compared between women delivering LGA and AGA infants. Predictors of LGA infants were sought for. Infant growth was followed until 3 months postdelivery. Results: In total, 53% (n = 59) delivered LGA infants. Mean glucose decreased during pregnancy in both groups, with women delivering LGA infants having a 0.4 mmol/L higher mean glucose from 11–33 weeks (P = 0.01) compared with women delivering AGA infants. Mean TIRp >70% was obtained from 34 weeks in women delivering LGA infants and from 22–33 weeks in women delivering AGA infants. Independent predictors for delivering LGA infants were mean glucose throughout pregnancy and gestational weight gain. At 3 months postdelivery, infant weight was higher in infants born LGA compared with infants born AGA (6360 g ± 784 and 5988 ± 894, P = 0.04). Conclusions/interpretations: Women with T1D delivering LGA infants achieved glycemic targets later than women delivering AGA infants. Mean glucose and gestational weight gain were independent predictors for delivering LGA infants. Infants born LGA remained larger postdelivery compared with infants born AGA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to address the critical need for more accurate growth reference charts for preterm infants, with a particular focus on low‐ and very low‐birth‐weight infants. Methods: The subjects were recruited at a single tertiary centre. The cohort comprised singleton and twin infants born before 37 weeks of gestation, with data collected from 2000 to 2016. Standardised measurements of body parameters were recorded in this mixed longitudinal survey. LMS method was utilised for data analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics Version 21. The validation with another new cohort was executed. Results: A total of 1781 infants (52.5% boys) met the inclusion criteria. The median gestational age at birth was 30 weeks, with a median birth weight of 1350 grams. The main findings included the construction of ImaGrow charts for low‐ and very low‐birth‐weight infants and significant differences in growth trajectories compared to Fenton+WHO charts. Conclusion: Our comprehensive growth references, ImaGrow, are based on a long‐term auxological assessment of preterm infants and differ from charts derived from size‐at‐birth standards or charts for term babies. These charts have significant implications for clinical practice in monitoring and assessing the growth of preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infants are in a critical period during which often occur many problems, such as growth, development, and motor delays. One of the interventions that can potentially reduce these problems is by giving a massage therapy. Purpose: This study aims to conduct a systematic scoping review of massage therapy's potential for growth and development among infants under nine months. Methods: This study followed a Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA-ScR). We collected data from three databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL with full text, published in 2013– 2022, subjects aged less than nine months, full-text articles, and randomized controlled trials. Studies were excluded if they were not in English. Results: Of the 11 studies found, it shows that therapy massage can effectively increase infants' growth and development, including body weight, length, visual-motor coordination and integration, hand-eye, hearing, speech, social, vagal activity, language, locomotion, stationary, and reflexes. The interventions include medium chain triglyceride oil massage, Dabur Lal Tail massage, oil massage, massage by mothers, and massage therapy without additives for 5– 45 minutes. In addition, massage therapy has a positive effect on infants with various conditions, including preterm infants, infants with HIV-infected mothers, and infants with Down's syndrome. Conclusion: Our findings highlight that infants receiving massage therapy were significantly more likely to increase growth and development than the population who were not given massage therapy. However, further investigation into preventing the severity of growth and developmental problems is urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPreterm infants, often characterized by lower birth weights and underdeveloped physiologies, necessitate specialized nutritional care. While breast milk stands as the ideal nutritional source, offering substantial energy through its fatty acid content to support the infants’ growth and developmental needs, its usage might not always be feasible. Fatty acids in breast milk are critical for the development of these infants. In scenarios where breast milk is not an option, formula feeding becomes a necessary alternative. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the fatty acid profiles in both breast milk and formulas is crucial for addressing the distinct nutritional requirements of preterm infants. This paper aims to summarize the effects of lipid composition, structure, and positioning in breast milk and formula on the growth and development of preterm infants. Furthermore, it explores recent advancements in the use of novel structural lipids in formulas, laying the groundwork for future innovations in formula design specifically catered to the needs of preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common food allergies in the first year of life. Special formulas for infants with CMPA include extensively hydrolyzed (EHFs) and amino acid-based (AAFs) formulas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of infants fed with these special formulas. Methods: This was a prospective chart review study that evaluated the growth criteria of infants with CMPA fed with EHFs or AAFs until one year of age. These infants were referred to the gastroenterology clinic of Bahrami Children's Hospital from April 2021 to April 2022. These infants were divided into two groups, the group fed with EHFs and AAFs. Then growth criteria were evaluated in both groups. Results: Fifty-eight children were enrolled in the study, of which 51.7% were girls. Forty were consuming the EHFs formulas. The median time of both diagnosis and treatment was 60 days. The most common clinical manifestations were gastroesophageal reflux, dysentery, eczema, vomiting, and cough, respectively. The diagnosis of the disease in the AAFs group was significantly earlier than in the other group. The growth of children in both groups was completely proportional to their age and growth criteria at birth. Comparing the groups, all growth parameters were higher in the EHFs group. Conclusion: This study showed that the growth criteria (weight, length, and head circumference) were suitable for each group and were in accordance with the WHO growth charts compared to the birth criteria. But in the group fed with EHFs, compared to AAFs, the growth rate was higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) is currently the best alternative for preterm (premature) babies as producing a sufficient milk supply in the early weeks can be difficult for new mothers. However, there are conflicting results on the impact of donor human milk (DHM) on the growth of preterm infants. Aims: This systematic review aims to thematically investigate the impact of pasteurization on the nutritional components of DHM and to thematically determine the correlation between PDHM and its effect on the growth and development of preterm infants. Materials and methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library on original research articles published from January 2017 to April 2023. We illustrated the screening and selection outcomes in a PRISMA flowchart and assessed the quality of the selected articles using Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool. Results: Four of 130 articles met the inclusion criteria. Correspondingly, two main themes were identified from the selected articles, which include nutrient composition of donor milk and short-term growth outcome. Conclusion: To get rid of any potentially harmful bacteria that could infect a premature newborn, it is reasonable to conclude that DHM requires pasteurization. Thus, there is now less of the milk's natural nutritional components--protein, fat, antioxidants, cytokines, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and insulin-like growth factor--in the liquid. The short-term growth of preterm infants may be slightly impacted by the pasteurization of DHM, which also lowers some of its nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responsive feeding serves as an important protective factor for infant growth and overall health development. This study based on self‐determination theory (SDT) aimed to assess the effects of a responsive breastfeeding (RBF) intervention programme on maternal breastfeeding and infant growth and development. A total of 110 mother–infant pairs were recruited and randomly divided into an intervention group (n = 55) and a control group (n = 55). The primary outcomes were breastfeeding motivation score, breastfeeding self‐efficacy (BSE) and exclusive breastfeeding rate; the secondary outcomes were infant physical development at 6 weeks and 3 months. A repeated measures ANOVA indicated that the intervention group had significantly higher Enjoyment scores compared to the control group at three time points: at discharge (MD: 5.28; 95% CI: 3.68 to 6.89; p < 0.001), 6 weeks post‐partum (MD: 5.06; 95% CI: 3.80 to 6.31; p < 0.001) and 3 months post‐partum (MD: 5.24; 95% CI: 4.12 to 6.35; p < 0.001). Similarly, the intervention group reported significantly higher connection and mother's self‐perception scores at discharge (MD: 4.31; 95% CI: 3.07 to 5.56; p < 0.001), 6 weeks post‐partum (MD: 4.69; 95% CI: 3.71 to 5.68; p < 0.001) and 3 months post‐partum (MD: 4.93; 95% CI: 4.14 to 5.72; p < 0.001), compared to the control group. In contrast, the pressure from significant others scores were higher in the control group relative to the intervention group at discharge (MD: −2.09; 95% CI: −2.88 to −1.31; p < 0.001), 6 weeks post‐partum (MD: −4.35; 95% CI: −5.20 to −3.49; p < 0.001) and 3 months (MD: −4.89; 95% CI: −5.70 to −4.08; p < 0.001). Finally, the intervention group also reported higher Instrumental Needs scores at all three time points: at discharge (MD: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.35 to 2.58; p < 0.001), 6 weeks post‐partum (MD: 3.58; 95% CI: 3.05 to 4.11; p < 0.001) and 3 months post‐partum (MD: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.69; p < 0.001). BSE scores were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group at discharge (MD: 14.29; 95% CI: 10.38 to 18.21; p < 0.001), 6 weeks post‐partum (MD: 14.04; 95% CI: 11.05 to 17.02; p < 0.001) and 3 months post‐partum (MD: 6.80; 95% CI: 4.66 to 8.94; p < 0.001). The rates of exclusive breastfeeding were higher in the intervention group than in the control group at each stage of the intervention (p < 0.01). At 6 weeks post‐partum, the intervention group's infants showed slower weight (t = −0.90, p = 0.371) and length (t = −0.69, p = 0.495) growth compared to the control group, though not significantly. By 3 months post‐partum, there was a significant difference in both weight (t = −3.46, p = 0.001) and length (t = −2.95, p = 0.004) between the groups. The findings in this study suggest that the RBF intervention programme based on SDT may be effective in improving mothers' motivation to breastfeed, building breastfeeding self‐confidence and increasing the rate of exclusive breastfeeding. The effects of the intervention on infant physical development will need to be verified with longer follow‐up in future research. Key messages: This study validated the application of responsive breastfeeding (RBF) intervention during the exclusive breastfeeding phase of Chinese infants.The RBF intervention may help to increase mothers' level of autonomous motivation for breastfeeding, enhance breastfeeding self‐efficacy and increase exclusive breastfeedingrates. The intervention had no significant effect on the weight and length of 6 week old infants but significantly impacted 3monthold infants, with slower growth observed in the intervention group compared to the control group.Future intervention programmes shouldinclude extended follow‐up periods to investigate the long‐term effects of RBF on infant growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate an early discharge programme with video consultations for preterm infants. Methods: A homecare programme for preterm infants was developed. Prospective data on readmissions, length of stay, growth, breastfeeding rates, and parent self‐reports about satisfaction were collected from April 2021 to August 2023. Additionally, retrospective data were collected from the Norwegian Neonatal Network Central Database from 2020. Results: Preterm infants, 72 and parents, 128 were included. The infants were discharged from the hospital at a median of 35 + 6 (34 + 0–42 + 4) weeks postmenstrual age. The median length of stay in the program was 18 days (3–37). There were four readmissions. The Z‐score of infant weight slightly increased during the follow up, with a mean of 0.16. By discharge, 75% of the infants were exclusively breastfed. Growth and breastfeeding rates were in line with retrospective data (85 infants). The response rate of the parents to the survey was 61 (52%). Overall, the parents (n = 54) were highly satisfied (96%). The video consultations contributed to ensuring parents to feel safe in caring for their infant at home. Conclusion: Follow up by video consultations is a viable healthcare service for preterm infants, the infants' growth is sufficient, breastfeeding rates are maintained, and parents feel safe and satisfied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite global public health organizations endorsing breastfeeding or human milk (HM) as the optimal source of nutrition for infants, detailed knowledge of how HM composition influences infant growth is lacking. In this commentary we summarize and interpret the key findings of a large systematic review on HM components and child growth (N = 141 articles included). We highlight the most consistent associations, discuss study quality issues, explore socio-economic and time trends in this body of research, and identify gaps and future research directions. Key Findings of Systematic Review: We grouped HM components into three categories: micronutrients (28 articles), macronutrients (57 articles), and bioactives (75 articles). Overall, we struggled to find consistent associations between HM components and infant growth. The majority of studies (85%) were of moderate or low-quality, with inconsistent HM collection and analysis strategies being identified as the most substantial quality concerns. Additional quality issues included failing to account for potential confounding by factors such as breastfeeding exclusivity and maternal body mass index. Considerations for Future Human Milk Research: Many opportunities exist for the future of HM research. Using untargeted metabolomics will expand our understanding of HM components beyond previously defined and well-understood components. Machine learning will allow researchers to investigate HM as an integrated system, rather than a collection of individual components. Future research on HM composition should incorporate evidence-based HM sampling strategies to encompass circadian variation as well as infant consumption. Additionally, researchers need to focus on developing high quality growth data using consistent growth metrics and definitions. Building multidisciplinary research teams will help to ensure that outcomes are meaningful and clinically relevant. Conclusion: Despite a large body of literature, there is limited quality evidence on the relationship between HM composition and infant growth. Future research should engage in more accurate collection of breastfeeding data, use standardized HM collection strategies and employ assays that are validated for HM. By systematically evaluating the existing literature and identifying gaps in existing research methods and practice, we hope to inspire standardized methods and reporting guidelines to support robust strategies for examining relationships between HM composition and child growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Endocannabinoids and their N-acyl-ethanolamines (NAEs) and 2monoacyl-glycerols (2-MAGs) congeners are involved in the central and peripheral regulation of energy homeostasis, they are present in human milk and are associated with obesity. Infants exposed in utero to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are more likely to develop obesity. The objective of this crosssectional study is to compare the profile of eCBome mediators in milk of women with gestational diabetes (GDM+) and without (GDM-) and to assess the association with offspring growth. The hypothesis is that the eCBome of GDM+ human milk is altered and associated with a difference in infant growth. Methods: Circulating eCBome mediators were measured by LC-MS/MS in human milk obtained at 2 months postpartum from GDM+ (n=24) and GDM- (n=29) women. Infant weight and height at 2 months were obtained from the child health record. Z-scores were calculated. Results: Circulating Npalmitoylethanolamine (PEA) was higher in human milk of GDM+ women than in GDM-women (4.9 ± 3.2 vs. 3.3 ± 1.7, p=0.04). Higher levels were also found for several 2monoacyl-glycerols (2-MAGs) (p<0.05). The levels of NAEs (b=-4.6, p=0.04) and especially non-omega-3 NAEs (B=-5.6, p=0.004) in human milk were negatively correlated with weight-for-age z-score of GDM+ offspring. Conclusion: The profile of eCBome mediators in human milk at 2 months postpartum was different in GDM+ compared to GDM-women and was associated with GDM+ offspring growth at 2 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk is a complex biochemical fluid that includes macronutrients and microbiota, which, together, are known to facilitate infant growth, mediate the colonization of infant microbiomes, and promote immune development. Examining factors that shape milk microbiomes and milk‐nutrient interplay across host taxa is critical to resolving the evolution of the milk environment. Using a comparative approach across four cercopithecine primate species housed at three facilities under similar management conditions, we test for the respective influences of the local environment (housing facility) and host species on milk (a) macronutrients (fat, sugar, and protein), (b) microbiomes (16S rRNA), and (c) predicted microbial functions. We found that milk macronutrients were structured according to host species, while milk microbiomes and predicted function were strongly shaped by the local environment and, to a lesser extent, host species. The milk microbiomes of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) at two different facilities more closely resembled those of heterospecific facility‐mates compared to conspecifics at a different facility. We found similar, facility‐driven patterns of microbial functions linked to physiology and immune modulation, suggesting that milk microbiomes may influence infant health and development. These results provide novel insight into the complexity of milk and its potential impact on infants across species and environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Infant growth is recognized to vary over the short term, with periods of greater and lesser linear growth velocity. Our objectives were to (1) examine the potential differences in overall growth profiles between children who experienced cumulative growth faltering in the first year of life consistent with that seen by many children living in poverty in low‐ and middle‐income countries, versus children without growth faltering and (2) test whether biological factors were associated with the timing of magnitude of growth saltations. Methods: Thrice‐weekly measurements of length were recorded for n = 61 Peruvian infants (28 boys and 33 girls) enrolled from birth to 1 year. A total of 6040 measurements were analyzed. We tested for the evidence of saltatory growth and used hurdle models to test whether the timing and magnitude of saltations varied between children with greater or lesser growth faltering. Results: There were no differences in the duration of stasis periods or magnitude of growth saltations between children who were stunted at 1 year old (N = 18) versus those who were not stunted (N = 43). Children who experienced greater declines in LAZ in the first year of life trended toward longer periods between saltations than those with less of a decline (14.5 days vs. 13.4 days, p =.0512). A 1‐unit increase in mid upper arm circumference for age Z‐score in the 21 days prior was associated with 35% greater odds of a saltation occurring (p <.001), and a 0.128 cm greater saltation (p <.001). Conclusions: After characterizing infant growth into periods of saltation and stasis, our results suggest that increases in weight preceded increases in length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the impact of maternal aflatoxin exposure on the health of infants aged 0 to 3 months. Aflatoxin exposure, commonly found in certain foods, has been linked to negative health outcomes, particularly in developing countries with high malnutrition rates. Infants can be exposed to aflatoxins through breast milk and early cereal-based complementary feeds. Studies suggest that aflatoxin exposure may lead to reduced growth and increased morbidity in young children. While the exact mechanism is not yet understood, aflatoxin exposure may compromise immune function and nutrient absorption, leading to diarrhea and other infections. It is crucial to address aflatoxin contamination in foods and ensure the quality of consumed foods to protect vulnerable populations, especially mothers and infants, from the harmful effects of aflatoxins. [Extracted from the article]

Infant consumption of human milk (HM) is associated with a reduced risk of overweight and obesity, but the reasons for this relationship are not completely understood. There is emerging evidence that micro RNAs (miRNAs) regulate infant development and metabolism, but the associations between HM miRNAs and infant growth remain poorly understood. We examined the relationship between HM miRNA consumption and infant obesity in 163 mother–infant dyads to determine (1) if miRNA profiles differentiate infants with obesity, and (2) if individual miRNAs accurately predicted infant obesity status at one year of age. Infant obesity was categorized as weight-for-length (WFL) Z scores or conditional weight gain (CWG) in the 95th percentile. HM miRNA profile was associated with infant age (r2 = 6.4%, p = 0.001), but not maternal obesity status (r2 = 1.5%, p = 0.87) or infant weight status (WFL Z-score) at birth (r2 = 0.6%, p = 0.4), 1 month (r2 = 0.5%, p = 0.6), or 4 months (r2 = 0.8%, p = 0.2). Nine HM miRNAs were associated with either 12-month CWG or 12-month WFL Z scores. Among these 9 miRNAs, miR-224-5p remained significant in a logistic regression model that accounted for additional demographic factors (estimate = −27.57, p = 0.004). These findings suggest involvement of HM miRNAs and particularly miR-224-5p in infant growth, warranting further investigation. To our knowledge, this is the largest study of HM miRNAs and early-life obesity and contributes to the understanding of the relationship between HM miRNAs and infant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initial stage of an infant's life, from 0 to 12 months, is a critical period in their development. Growth optimization during this period depends on nutrition, emotional support, and early stimulation. Particularly, an infant's sleep quality is a key adaptive mechanism that influences their growth and well-being. This study aims to understand the impact of infant massage on the sleep quality of infants aged 0-12 months and to evaluate the influence of infant massage on weight gain in this age group. Therefore, this study conducts a systematic review of the impact of infant massage on infants aged 0-12 months, using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases from 2018 to 2023. Of 855 articles, 29 met the inclusion criteria according to PRISMA guidelines. The results show that regular infant massage, ideally 3-4 times a week for 15-30 minutes, significantly improves sleep quality and weight gain in infants aged 0-12 months. The effectiveness of infant massage is influenced by various factors such as environmental conditions, daily nutrition, massage routines, daily activities of the baby, and health conditions. This study implies that infant massage can be an important and effective intervention to support healthy infant growth and development, particularly in improving sleep quality and weight gain in infants aged 0-12 months, thereby encouraging the incorporation of infant massage as an integral part of daily baby care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are important carbohydrates in human milk that infants cannot digest, acting as prebiotics linked to infant health. The risk of childhood obesity increases with maternal obesity, potentially mediated through the gut microbiota affected by the available HMOs. Studies on whether maternal obesity affects HMO abundance, yield conflicting results. This study aimed to investigate the HMO profile and its association with maternal obesity measured by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and infant anthropometrics. The results were discussed in the context of existing literature. 90 human milk samples were collected at 3 months postpartum from mothers in three BMI-groups: 32 normal weight (BMI: 18.5–24.99 kg/m2), 34 overweight (BMI: 25–30 kg/m2), and 24 obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). The samples were analyzed using nano liquid chromatography chip quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry yielding 51 HMO structures and isomers. Their peak areas were integrated and normalized to determine relative abundances. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed associations between relative HMO abundance and donors’ secretor status and specific infant anthropometric variables, but not with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI. This study does not support the hypothesis that maternal overweight influences the HMO profile and highlights the importance of reporting results despite absence of significant correlations.

ABSTRACT Weaning is a crucial stage in an infant's development when they gradually move from being breastfed to receiving complementary foods. The typical age for introducing weaning foods is 4–6 months. This period is often characterized by rapid weight gain, so proper nutrition essential for optimal growth and development. Foods with a balanced nutrition are very important for regulating metabolism for healthy growth of children. Cereal grains and legumes have a major role in both commercial and homemade weaning foods. In developing countries, cereals and legumes are the optimal choices for producing nutrient‐dense, high‐protein, and high‐energy weaning foods. It is crucial to research and develop composite legume blends for their expanded utilization as weaning foods. Understanding the importance of complementary foods and introducing them appropriately are critical to the health and development of the infant. Furthermore, fortification and supplementation with minerals and vitamins can play a vital role in such foods. This article provides an overview of recommendations made by health authorities in relation to the onset of weaning, types/combination of foods, and infant dietary requirements and highlights the importance of including legumes in the weaning diet to address nutrient deficiencies, particularly in regions with high rates of malnutrition.

Introduction: Improving breastfeeding practices does not always link to interventions relying only on improving nutrition awareness and education but needs cultural and behavioral insights. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the changes in core breastfeeding indicators as a result of the use of social marketing (SM) approach for improving breastfeeding practices of Egyptian women and the physical growth of infants aged 6 to 12 months. The core breastfeeding indicators were: Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, Predominant and exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months (EBF), Bottle feeding with formula, continued breastfeeding to 1 and 2 years, and responsiveness to cues of hunger and satiety. Methods: A quasi-experimental longitudinal study with a posttest-only control design was done over 3 years in three phases; the first was in-depth interviews and formative research followed by health education and counseling interventions and ended by measuring the outcome. Motivating mothers' voluntary behaviors toward breastfeeding promotion "feeding your baby like a baby" was done using SM principles: product, price, place, and promotion. The interventions targeted 646 pregnant women in their last trimester and delivered mothers and 1454 women in their childbearing period. The statistical analysis was done by using SPSS program, version 26. Results: Most mothers showed significantly increased awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and became interested in breastfeeding their children outside the house using the breastfeeding cover (Gawn) (p < 0.05). Breastfeeding initiation, exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months, frequency of breastfeeding per day, and percentage of children who continued breastfeeding till 2 years, were significantly increased (from 30%, 23%, 56%, and 32% to 62%, 47.3%, 69%, and 43.5% respectively). The girls who recorded underweight results over boys during the first year of life were significantly improved (p < 0.01) after the intervention (from 52.1% to 18.8% respectively). At the same time, girls found to be obese before the intervention (15.6%) became no longer obese. Conclusions: Improvement for the majority of the key breastfeeding indicators and physical growth of infants indicates that raising a healthy generation should start by promoting breastfeeding practices that are respectable to societal norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current research suggests that energy transfer through human milk influences infant nutritional development and initiates metabolic programming, influencing eating patterns into adulthood. To date, this research has predominantly been conducted among women in high income settings and/or among undernourished women. We will investigate the relationship between maternal body composition, metabolic hormones in human milk, and infant satiety to explore mechanisms of developmental satiety programming and implications for early infant growth and body composition in Samoans; a population at high risk and prevalence for overweight and obesity. Our aims are (1) to examine how maternal body composition influences metabolic hormone transfer from mother to infant through human milk, and (2) to examine the influences of maternal metabolic hormone transfer and infant feeding patterns on early infant growth and satiety. Methods: We will examine temporal changes in hormone transfers to infants through human milk in a prospective longitudinal cohort of n = 80 Samoan mother-infant dyads. Data will be collected at three time points (1, 3, & 4 months postpartum). At each study visit we will collect human milk and fingerpick blood samples from breastfeeding mother-infant dyads to measure the hormones leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin. Additionally, we will obtain body composition measurements from the dyad, observe breastfeeding behavior, conduct semi-structured interviews, and use questionnaires to document infant hunger and feeding cues and satiety responsiveness. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate analyses will be conducted to address each aim. Discussion: This research is designed to advance our understanding of variation in the developmental programming of satiety and implications for early infant growth and body composition. The use of a prospective longitudinal cohort alongside data collection that utilizes a mixed methods approach will allow us to capture a more accurate representation on both biological and cultural variables at play in a population at high risk of overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate how Close Collaboration with Parents (CC), a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)-wide educational model for healthcare staff to improve their family-centred care practices, affects the length of stay (LOS), growth, and later hospital visits and rehospitalizations of preterm infants. Methods: This register-based study included all preterm infants born below 35 weeks of gestation in Finland from 2006 to 2020. Eligible infants were classified into the Full Close Collaboration (Full-CC) group (n = 2,104) if the NICUs of both the delivery and discharge hospitals had implemented the intervention; into the Partial-CC group (n = 515) if only one of the NICUs had implemented the intervention; and into the control group (n = 11,621) if neither had implemented the intervention. Results: The adjusted LOS, the primary outcome, was 1.8 days or 6% shorter in the Full-CC group than in the control group (geometric mean ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.89–1.00). Growth was better in the Full-CC group compared to the control group: adjusted group difference 11.7 g/week (95% CI, 1.4–22.0) for weight, 1.3 mm/week (95% CI, 0.6–2.0) for length. The Full-CC group infants had lower odds of having any unscheduled outpatient visits compared to the control group (adjusted odds ratio 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67–0.98). No significant differences were found in any other comparisons. Discussion/Conclusion: The unit-wide intervention improving family-centred care practices in NICUs may lead to more efficient use of hospital resources by shortening the LOS, improving growth, and decreasing hospital visits of preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cleft Lip (CL) and Cleft Palate (CP) are associated with several complications that have a significant negative impact on the Quality of Life (QoL) of affected children and caregivers. Compared to their healthy counterparts, children with these conditions experience feeding difficulties, cosmetic abnormalities, and, most importantly, diminished physical and cognitive growth, especially during the first year of their lives. Aim: To evaluate the growth parameters in CL and/or CP infants and the QoL of parents with a CL and/or CP child before and after primary surgery. Materials and Methods: For this observational study, data was collected longitudinally from the same set of Cleft lip and cleft palate (CL/CP)/CL&CP infants and their parents before and after the primary surgery. The study was conducted at the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, West Bengal, ABMSS Kolkata Comprehensive Cleft Care Centre, West Bengal, and IMA Vaccination Centre Barasat, West Bengal, India, from December 2020 to May 2022. In this study, 66 children and 64 parents were included in each study and control group. Growth parameters {weight, length, Head Circumference (HC)} were measured using a weight analogue machine, infantometer, and HC measuring tape, and compared with those of healthy infants. The QoL of parents with CL and/or CP infants was quantified using a questionnaire form of "Revised Impact on Family Scale (RIOFS)" filled out by parents before and after six months of primary surgery and compared with the QoL of same-age healthy infants. The responses to the RIOFS questionnaire were scored according to recommended guidelines. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics 23.0 was used for data analysis. Results: Among the study groups, statistically significant differences in mean height, weight, and HC were observed between the groups of all infants with CL, CP, and CL with CP before and after the primary surgery (p<0.001). The QoL of parents from the study group improved post-surgery. The difference in mean RIOFS score between study Group-3 and study Group-4 after the primary surgery was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: The growth of CL and/or CP infants and the QoL of their caregivers are compromised compared to healthy infants. After primary surgery, the growth of CL and/or CP infants and the QoL of their parents partially improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: early exposure to cadmium toxic metal has been suggested to be associated with reduced infants/children growth; nevertheless, the available evidence is contradictory. Objective: this meta-analysis aimed to examine the association of cadmium exposure through biological samples to growth measurements of infants/children, including body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), BMI-for-age (BMI Z-score), weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and weight-for-height (WHZ) z-scores. Methods: a systematic search in PubMed and Scopus was implemented to obtain the related studies. The standardized beta coefficients (ß) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) were used as effect sizes to test the associations using the random effects analysis. Results: a total of 15 studies with 6,181 participants were included in the meta-analysis. In the overall analysis, pooled analysis of available data revealed that cadmium exposure was inversely linked to height (ß = -0.06, 95 % CI = -0.12 to -0.01) and WAZ (ß = -0.01, 95 % CI = -0.02 to -0.003). These relationships were also supported by prospective cohort studies and urinary cadmium exposure. In the stratified analysis, cadmium exposure was negatively linked to the weight of children in prospective cohort studies, in studies that assessed urinary cadmium exposure. No significant association was detected between cadmium exposure and BMI, BMI Z-score, WHZ, and HAZ in the overall and subgroup analyses. Conclusions: this meta-analysis emphasized the importance of cadmium exposure as a risk factor for growth failure in infants/children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human milk is a biofluid with a unique composition among mammalian milks. Besides this milk's major components, its bioactive compounds, like hormones, immune factors, and oligosaccharides, are unique and important for infant growth and development. The best form of nutrition for term and preterm infants is the mother's own milk. However, in the absence of the mother's own milk, donor milk should be made available. Milk banks support neonatal intensive care units by providing preterm infants with human milk that generally has reasonable nutritive value for this sensitive population. However, neither mother's own milk nor donor milk has sufficient energy content for the growth of preterm babies, so adequate human milk supplementation is crucial for their progress. Due to the different characteristics of human breast milk, as well as ubiquitous environmental pollutants, such as microplastics, new methods are required for monitoring the quality and characteristics of human milk, which will lay a solid foundation for the further development and progress of human milk research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whey protein hydrolysates are recognized for their substantial functional and biological properties. Their high digestibility and amino acid composition make them a valuable ingredient to hydrolyzed whey infant formulas, enhancing both product functionality and nutritional values for infant growth. It is important to understand the functional and biological properties of whey protein hydrolysates for their applications in infant formula systems. This review explored preparation methods of whey protein hydrolysates for infant formula-based applications. The effects of whey protein hydrolysate on the physicochemical and biological properties of hydrolyzed whey infant formulas were summarized. The influences of whey protein hydrolysates on the functional and nutritional properties of formulas from manufacturing to infant consumption were discussed. Whey protein hydrolysates are crucial components in the preparation of infant formula, tailored to meet the functional and nutritional demands of the product. The selection of enzyme types and hydrolysis parameters is decisive for obtaining "optimal" whey protein hydrolysates thatmatch the intended characteristics. "Optimal" whey protein hydrolysates offer diverse functionalities, including solubility, emulsification and production stability to hydrolyzed whey infant formulas during manufacturing processes and formulations. They simultaneously promote protein digestibility, infant growth and other potential health benefits, including reduced allergenic potential, as supported by in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials. Overall, the precise selection of enzymes and hydrolysis parameters in the production of whey protein hydrolysates is crucial in achieving the desired characteristics and functional benefits for hydrolyzed whey infant formulas, making them critical in the development of infant nutrition products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast milk contains various crucial nutrients and biologically active substances and is ideal for newborns. This study aimed to analyze the composition of breast milk from mothers of premature and full-term infants and its influences on the growth of infants. Methods: Infant-mother dyads examined at our Hospital (March 2016 to May 2017) were included. Milk was collected at 0–1 month, 2–3 months, and 5–6 months and analyzed using a MIRIS human milk analyzer. Z-scores of weight-for-length (WLZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and length-for-age (LAZ) were calculated. Results: This study included full-term (> 37 weeks of gestation, n = 177) and premature (< 37 weeks, n = 94) infant-mother dyads. The premature infants showed higher ΔWAZ, ΔLAZ, and ΔWLZ from infancy to toddlerhood for the physical growth speed, compared with term infants (P < 0.001). All proteins and true protein components of breast milk decreased with infants' age (P < 0.001). For premature and full-term infants, differences in ΔWAZ and ΔLAZ from birth to infancy and the difference in ΔLAZ, WAZ, and LAZ in toddlerhood were positively associated with non-protein nitrogen (NPN) (all P < 0.05), while the Z-score differences in ΔWLZ from birth to infancy were negatively associated with NPN (all P < 0.05). For premature babies, from birth to infancy stage, ΔWAZ was positively correlated with NPN and carbohydrates while negatively correlated with dry matter (all P < 0.05), and ΔLAZ correlated with NPN (β = 0.428, P = 0.005). Conclusion: Breastfeeding helped premature infants compensatory growth when compared to term infants. Whileduring early infancy stage ΔWLZ gain was negatively associated with increased amounts of NPN in breast milk. This might mean although NPN increase the Z-scores of weight-for-age and length-for-age, with no rise in adipose tissue mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the importance of growth monitoring in assessing the adequacy of an infant's breastmilk or formula intake. Topics include the need for accurate serial growth measures, the commonality of feeding difficulties in early infancy, and the role of multidisciplinary support in managing feeding issues and supporting parents.

High protein intake during infancy results in accelerated early weight gain and potentially later obesity. The aim of this follow-up study at 12 months was to evaluate if modified low-protein formulas fed during early infancy have long-term effects on growth and metabolism. In a double-blinded RCT, the ALFoNS study, 245 healthy-term infants received low-protein formulas with either alpha-lactalbumin-enriched whey (α-lac-EW; 1.75 g protein/100 kcal), casein glycomacropeptide-reduced whey (CGMP-RW; 1.76 g protein/100 kcal), or standard infant formula (SF; 2.2 g protein/100 kcal) between 2 and 6 months of age. Breastfed (BF) infants served as a reference. At 12 months, anthropometrics and dietary intake were assessed, and serum was analyzed for insulin, C-peptide, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Weight gain between 6 and 12 months and BMI at 12 months were higher in the SF than in the BF infants (p = 0.019; p < 0.001, respectively), but were not significantly different between the low-protein formula groups and the BF group. S-insulin and C-peptide were higher in the SF than in the BF group (p < 0.001; p = 0.003, respectively), but more alike in the low-protein formula groups and the BF group. Serum IGF-1 at 12 months was similar in all study groups. Conclusion: Feeding modified low-protein formula during early infancy seems to reduce insulin resistance, resulting in more similar growth, serum insulin, and C-peptide concentrations to BF infants at 6-months post intervention. Feeding modified low-protein formula during early infancy results in more similar growth, serum insulin, and C-peptide concentrations to BF infants 6-months post intervention, probably due to reduced insulin resistance in the low-protein groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examined the effects of a peer-led integrated nutrition education intervention with maternal social support using Care Groups on infant growth among South Sudanese refugees in Uganda. Methods: A community-based cluster-randomized trial (RCT) was conducted among 390 pregnant women (third trimester). Two intervention study arms were Mothers-only(n = 131) and Parents-combined (n = 142) with a Control (n = 117). WHO infant growth standards defined length-for-age z-scores (LAZ) for stunting, weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) for underweight and weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ) for wasting. The Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) social support index was a proxy measure for social support. A split-plot ANOVA tested the interaction effects of social support, intervention, and time on infant growth after adjusting for covariates. Further, pairwise comparisons explained mean differences in infant growth among the study arms. Results: The mean infant birth weight was 3.1 ± 0.5 kg. Over the study period, infant stunting was most prevalent in the Control (≥ 14%) compared to Mothers-only (< 9.5%) and Parents-combined (< 7.4%) arms. There were significant interaction effects of the Care Group intervention and social support by time on infant mean LAZ (F (6, 560) = 28.91, p < 0.001), WAZ (F (5.8, 539.4) = 12.70, p = < 0.001) and WLZ (F (5.3, 492.5) = 3.38, p = 0.004). Simple main effects by the end of the study showed that the intervention improved infant mean LAZ (Mothers-only vs. Control (mean difference, MD) = 2.05, p < 0.001; Parents-combined vs. Control, MD = 2.00, p < 0.001) and WAZ (Mothers-only vs. Control, MD = 1.27, p < 0.001; Parents-combined vs. Control, MD = 1.28, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Maternal social support with an integrated nutrition education intervention significantly improved infant stunting and underweight. Nutrition-sensitive approaches focused on reducing child undernutrition among post-emergency refugees may benefit from using Care Groups in programs. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05584969. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of prematurity has been increasing since the twenty-first century. Premature neonates are extremely vulnerable and require a rich supply of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (ARA) and others. Typical breast milk serves as the primary source for infants under six months old to provide these nutrients. However, depending on the individual needs of preterm infants, a more diverse and intricate range of nutrients may be necessary. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current research progress on the physical and chemical properties, biological activity, function, and structure of breast milk, as well as explores the relationship between the main components of milk globular membrane and infant growth. Additionally, compare the nutritional composition of milk from different mammals and newborn milk powder, providing a comprehensive understanding of the differences in milk composition and detailed reference for meeting daily nutritional needs during lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) can exert both short-term and long-term effects on a child's health. Offspring born to mothers who suffer from PPD face an elevated susceptibility to encountering psychological disturbances and developmental delays. Moreover, there has been conjecture surrounding a plausible connection between maternal magnesium (Mg) levels and psychiatric manifestations. This study aims to investigate the relationship between maternal Mg levels and PPD and the correlation between PPD and an infant's growth and neurodevelopment at 6 and 12 months. Methods: This longitudinal study is a sub-study derived from the "PERSIAN Birth Cohort Study," encompassing 224 mother-infant pairs randomly enlisted during 2019-2020 in Isfahan. Maternal serum magnesium (Mg) levels were measured at 38 weeks of gestation. PPD was evaluated employing the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) four weeks postpartum. Measurements of birth size were undertaken, adhering to standardized protocols at birth, 6 months, and 12 months. Anthropometric parameters and the Persian version of the validated Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) were employed to assess infant neurodevelopmental status at 6 and 12 months. Results: Overall, 22.3% of mothers grappled with PPD. The mean (standard deviation) maternal magnesium levels (Mg) were 1.95 ± 0.23 mg/dL. No statistically significant association was detected between maternal serum magnesium (Mg) levels and the incidence of PPD. Correspondingly, no significant association emerged between PPD and indices of growth. However, a noteworthy distinction materialized in the communication scores of offspring born to depressed and non-depressed mothers following adjustments for confounding variables at 12 months (ß = 1.81; 95% confidence interval: 0.32-3.30). Furthermore, a substantial regression in communication skills became apparent between 6 and 12 months. Conclusions: This study failed to establish a significant association between maternal serum magnesium (Mg) levels and PPD. Nevertheless, research lends credence to an inverse correlation between maternal depression and subsequent behavioral difficulties in offspring, such as communication skills. Thus, the imperative nature of screening for PPD should be underscored to facilitate its early detection and intervention, thereby enhancing infant well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Responsive feeding serves as an important protective factor for infant growth and overall health development. This study based on self‐determination theory (SDT) aimed to assess the effects of a responsive breastfeeding (RBF) intervention programme on maternal breastfeeding and infant growth and development. A total of 110 mother–infant pairs were recruited and randomly divided into an intervention group (n = 55) and a control group (n = 55). The primary outcomes were breastfeeding motivation score, breastfeeding self‐efficacy (BSE) and exclusive breastfeeding rate; the secondary outcomes were infant physical development at 6 weeks and 3 months. A repeated measures ANOVA indicated that the intervention group had significantly higher Enjoyment scores compared to the control group at three time points: at discharge (MD: 5.28; 95% CI: 3.68 to 6.89; p

Growth in early infancy is hypothesized to affect chronic disease risk factors later in life. To date, most reports draw on European-ancestry cohorts with few repeated observations in early infancy. We investigated the association between infant growth before 6 months and lipid levels in adolescents in a Hispanic/Latino cohort. We characterized infant growth from birth to 5 months in male (n = 311) and female (n = 285) infants from the Santiago Longitudinal Study (1991-1996) using 3 metrics: weight (kg), length (cm), and weight-for-length (g/cm). Superimposition by translation and rotation (SITAR) and latent growth mixture models (LGMMs) were used to estimate the association between infant growth characteristics and lipid levels at age 17 years. We found a positive relationship between the SITAR length velocity parameter before 6 months of age and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in adolescence (11.5, 95% confidence interval; 3.4, 19.5), indicating higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels occurring with faster length growth. The strongest associations from the LGMMs were between higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and slower weight-for-length growth, following a pattern of associations between slower growth and adverse lipid profiles. Further research in this window of time can confirm the association between early infant growth as an exposure and adolescent cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Introduction: Vitamin D is essential for bone mineral metabolism and for the growth and development of the skeleton. The American Academy of Paediatrics and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics recommend the administration of 400 IU per day of oral Vitamin D to all infants in the first year of life. The authors hypothesised that routine supplementation of 400 IU of Vitamin D to exclusively breastfed infants would result in better physical growth. Aim: To examine the effect of routine vitamin D supplementation (400 IU/day) on the weight, length, and head circumference of term, exclusively breastfed infants at six months of age. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted at Department of Paediatrics, Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India, from November 2018 to March 2020, comparing the weight, length, and head circumference at birth and at six months of age for 111 exclusively breastfed term, appropriate for gestational age, healthy infants who were not supplemented with oral Vitamin D (Group-I) with 111 infants who were supplemented with 400 IU of oral Vitamin D daily (Group-II). Infants who presented at the Paediatric Out-Patient Department of SKNMC, Pune at around six months of age were enrolled in the study. Birth data and anthropometry at birth were recorded from available medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Quantitative data were presented with the mean and standard deviation. Comparison among the study groups was done using an unpaired t-test as per the results of the normality test. Association among the study groups was assessed with the help of a Student's t-test. A p-value of

Background: The purpose was to examine the potential associations of birth weight and infant growth with physical fitness (PF) components in childhood. Method: A random sample of 5125 dyads of children aged 8–9 years and their mothers were evaluated. Telephone interviews were carried out with the use of a standardized questionnaire for the collection of maternal lifestyle factors. Mothers were asked to provide information contained in their medical booklets and pregnancy ultrasound records. Data from 5 PF tests were used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness, speed, and body strength. Linear regression analysis was applied to assess the associations between birth weight and infant growth with PF test performances and logistic regression analysis to evaluate the associations of normal weight versus low birth weight and normal versus accelerated infant growth with PF tests performance categories (low vs high/average). Results: Birth weight was favorably associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (b = 0.12 stage increase per SD increase in birth weight, P =.047), lower body strength (b = 1.07, P =.037), upper body strength (b = 0.10, P =.038), and speed (b = −0.04, P =.001), and infant growth was associated with upper body strength (b = 0.21 cm increase per SD increase in infant weight gain, P <.001) after adjusting for children's body mass index and several perinatal factors. Low birth weight children had 35% increased odds for low performances in PF tests compared with their normal birth weight counterparts. Conclusion: Low birth weight negatively affects childhood PF, and hence, it could play an unfavorable role in the future health of the offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Structural differences exist in the brains of autistic individuals. To date only a few studies have explored the relationship between fetal brain growth and later infant autistic traits, and some have used fetal head circumference (HC) as a proxy for brain development. These findings have been inconsistent. Here we investigate whether fetal subregional brain measurements correlate with autistic traits in toddlers. Methods: A total of 219 singleton pregnancies (104 males and 115 females) were recruited at the Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, UK. 2D ultrasound was performed at 12-, 20- and between 26 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, measuring head circumference (HC), ventricular atrium (VA) and transcerebellar diameter (TCD). A total of 179 infants were followed up at 18–20 months of age and completed the quantitative checklist for autism in toddlers (Q-CHAT) to measure autistic traits. Results: Q-CHAT scores at 18–20 months of age were positively associated with TCD size at 20 weeks and with HC at 28 weeks, in univariate analyses, and in multiple regression models which controlled for sex, maternal age and birth weight. Limitations: Due to the nature and location of the study, ascertainment bias could also have contributed to the recruitment of volunteer mothers with a higher than typical range of autistic traits and/or with a significant interest in the neurodevelopment of their children. Conclusion: Prenatal brain growth is associated with toddler autistic traits and this can be ascertained via ultrasound starting at 20 weeks gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]