Chalk up one more point for breastfeeding.
Breastfed milk has been known for its myriad benefits. But an essential though often unregarded fact is how it influences protein intake among infants and, subsequently, obesity.
Associated with less rapid weight gain among infants, breastfeeding leads to a 15- to 25-percent less chance of later obesity than bottle-feeding, said Dr. Berthold V. Koletzko, the current president of the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, who was in the country to share more on the “early protein hypothesis” during the “Rethink Protein” forum organized by Nestlé Philippines on April 20.
Profound impact
Breastfeeding has a profound impact on babies’ health, both in their childhood and their future adulthood. Studies had shown that formula-fed infants had larger weight and length gains than breastfed infants; those breastfed for six months weigh around 400 grams less than their formula-fed counterparts, while those breastfed for nine months are 600-650 grams less at 12 months.
It also has a profound impact on protein intake, which plays a critical role in the first 1,000 days of life. Too much of it opens babies to risk of later obesity and cardiovascular disease, said Dr. Jose M. Saavedra, the chief medical officer of Nestlé Nutrition, in an earlier “Rethink Protein” forum in February. Saavedra added that too much protein can lead to the increase in the amount of insulin produced and in turn in the amount of fat the baby is storing.
Meanwhile, citing studies on the “early protein hypothesis,” Koletzko said weight, weight-for-length and body mass index (BMI) were significantly higher among infants fed higher protein than those fed lower protein contents. Follow-up after six years showed a persistent and marked effect of infant feeding on BMI and obesity rate at early school age. Formula with higher protein content led to an increased BMI, more than breastmilk at early school age, whereas formula with lower protein content normalized BMI evolution, and markedly reduced obesity in contrast to higher protein content.
Recommendations
In line with these discoveries, Koletzko shared these recommendations:
- Breastfeeding appears to causally protect against later obesity which seems mediated in part by protein supply.
- Therefore, breastfeeding should be actively promoted, protected and supported.
- Infants not fully breastfed should get infant formulas with reduced protein contents but high-protein quality.
- The feeding of unmodified cows’ milk should be avoided in the first year of life whenever possible, because it contains three times as much protein as human milk.