Adverse Effects of Infant Formula Made with Corn-Syrup Solids on the Development of Eating Behaviors in Hispanic Children.

Hailey E Hampson,Michael I Goran,Paige K Berger,Kelsey A Schmidt,Jasmine F Plows,Roshonda B Jones,Tanya L Alderete

doi:10.3390/nu14051115

Hailey E Hampson, Michael I Goran + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14051115

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Abstract

Few studies have investigated the influence of infant formulas made with added corn-syrup solids on the development of child eating behaviors. We examined associations of breastmilk (BM), traditional formula (TF), and formula containing corn-syrup solids (CSSF) with changes in eating behaviors over a period of 2 years. Feeding type was assessed at 6 months in 115 mother–infant pairs. Eating behaviors were assessed at 12, 18 and 24 months. Repeated Measures ANCOVA was used to determine changes in eating behaviors over time as a function of feeding type. Food fussiness and enjoyment of food differed between the feeding groups (p < 0.05) and changed over time for CSSF and TF (p < 0.01). Food fussiness increased from 12 to 18 and 12 to 24 months for CSSF and from 12 to 24 months for TF (p < 0.01), while it remained stable for BM. Enjoyment of food decreased from 12 to 24 months for CSSF (p < 0.01), while it remained stable for TF and BM. There was an interaction between feeding type and time for food fussiness and enjoyment of food (p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that Hispanic infants consuming CSSF may develop greater food fussiness and reduced enjoyment of food in the first 2 years of life compared to BM-fed infants.

Highlights

Added sugar is widespread in our food system and is characteristic of the WesternStyle diet
We found that the development of child eating behaviors in the first 2 years of life was affected by early exposure to formula made with corn-syrup solids as compared to traditional formula made with lactose and compared to breastmilk
Our findings provide additional insights into the early exposure to corn-syrup solids and infant eating behaviors examined in prior studies

Summary

Introduction

This is a concern as added sugar is associated with obesity development and a wide range of co-morbid conditions [1,2]. It is postulated that early exposure to sugars may indirectly influence obesity risk by shaping taste preferences, self-regulation of energy intake, and the reinforcing value of food [5–9]. These eating behaviors may lead to an overindulgence of sweet foods and rejection of bitter-tasting alternatives. This is relevant as food manufacturers incorporate sugars in the form of added corn-syrup solids into infant formulas and introductory solids, despite the most recent dietary guidelines recommending zero added sugars in the first 2 years of life [4]

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