Energy intakes and growth from two months to three years in initially breast‐fed children

Abstract

Quantitative longitudinal data of breastmilk and total food intake of 48 Cambridge children have been analysed to calculate total energy intake from two months to 3 years of age. All children were breast‐fed until at least 4 months old, with very little formula milk being given. Energy intakes per kg body weight started at 114 and 110 kcal/kg at 2 months in the boys and girls, respectively, fell rapidly to 86 and 85 kcal/kg by 6 months, and rose to 89 kcal/kg in both sexes by one year. Although below Dietary Recommendations, these intakes were compatible with other recent measurements of total energy expenditure. Individual variation was wide, but there was strong longitudinal within subject correlation of energy intake, which could be partly attributed to body weight. It is suggested that level of eating in infancy establishes the pattern for early childhood. A smaller accumulation of subcutaneous fat is attributed to the less liberal feeding practices compared to a generation ago.