713 AGE OF INTRODUCTION OF SOLID FOODS (<2 MONTHS) AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH ENERGY INTAKE AND ADIPOSITY DURING THE FIRST 3 YEARS OF LIFE

The age of introduction of solid foods and its effect on energy intake, growth and adiposity during the first 3 years of life were studied in 92 healthy male infants from the Greater Philadelphia area. The first solid foods introduced to infant diets were cereals (70%), fruits (4%), and a combination of cereals and fruits (26%). Solids were started by 2 months of age in 48% of infants, by 4 months in 89% and by 6 months in 99%. The age of introduction to solids was decided with basis on physicians' recommendation (39%), mothers' decision (38%), relatives' advice (11%), and other factors (12%). Infants introduced to solids by 2 months of age as compared to others introduced to solid foods after 2 months had: 1) higher but not statistically significant energy intake at 6, 12 and 18 months of age; 2) higher energy intake at 36 months (mean ± SEM 1585 ± 93 vs. 1375 ± 95 Kcal/day, p < 0.1); 3) greater triceps (8.2 ± 0.4 vs. 7.4 ± 1.1, p<0.05) and sum of 5 skinfold thickness (27.9 ± 0.3 vs. 25.3 ± 1.5 mm, p< 0.05 at 36 months. Fat cell diameter measured during the first year of life and other anthropometries (weight, height, head circumference, weight/height) measured at 6, 12, 18, and 36 months of age were not influenced by the age of introduction of solids. This study reveals that early initiation of solids (< 2 months) is associated with higher energy intake and greater adiposity at 3 years of age and that the present AAP recommendation for late initiation of solids into infants' diets needs to be more effectively reinforced by health professionals.