Infant Diet Composition, (Animal) Protein, & Obesity

[Guest guest]

A little earlier but similar findings in

Infants/children

Int J Obes (Lond). 2005 Sep;29 Suppl 2:S8-13.

How much protein is safe?

Agostoni C, Scaglioni S, Ghisleni D, Verduci E,

Giovannini M, Riva E.

Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital,

University of Milan,

Milan,

Italy. carlo.agostoni@ unimi.it

BACKGROUND: Since breastfeeding and human milk seem to

prevent, while

high

dietary proteins in the first 2 y of life seem to

promote, later

overweight,

questions have been raised on the safe levels of

proteins in the early

years. How much protein (as a percentage of total

calorie intake) is

safe?

METHODS: Revision of available data on the protein

content of human

milk,

protein intake in the first 2 y of life and their

association with

body mass

development. RESULTS: We should move from the figure

of 7-8% in the

4-month

exclusively breastfed infants up to the maximum

acceptable levels of

14% in

12-24-month- old infants. When protein supply

represents less than 6%

and

energy is limited, fully breastfed infants are likely

to enter a

status of

negative nutrient balance. Over the limit of 14%

energy from proteins

in the

6-24 months period, some mechanisms may begin to

operate, leading

young

children towards an early adiposity rebound and

overweight

development,

beyond any genetic predisposition. Preliminary data

seem to indicate a

causal role for whole cow's milk proteins. CONCLUSION:

We suggest

maintaining breastfeeding as long as possible, and, in

case human milk

is

insufficient, to introduce infant formulas,

appropriate for age, up to

18-24

months, in order to keep protein intakes in the safe

range of 8-12%

within a

diet adequate in energy and balanced as far as macronutrients.