Early protein intakes and adiposity: reloaded or downloaded?

Acta Paediatr. 2004 Jun;93(6):725-6.

Abstract

It has been hypothesized that feeding human milk through the first year of life may have a protective effect towards a later adiposity development, in contrast with formula feeding. The low protein content of human milk has been hypothesized as a plausible biological hypothesis. Regardless, it is often underscored that feeding human milk is associated with a higher rate of weight gain in the first two months of life.

Conclusion: In our opinion, it seems that the protective effect of human milk, if any, on adiposity development is far more complex, and tightly bound to the peculiarity of human milk composition and breastfeeding practice.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / drug effects*
  • Adipose Tissue / growth & development
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Milk Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Milk Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Milk, Human*
  • Weight Gain / drug effects

Substances

  • Milk Proteins