Sources of variance in milk and caloric intakes in breast-fed infants: implications for lactation study design and interpretation

Abstract

Between-individual variation (BIV) and day-to-day variation (DDV) of total caloric and human milk intakes were examined in 17 infants. Nine were studied at months 5 and 6; 8 at months 6 and 7. All 17 were exclusively breast-fed for 5 full mo after which solid foods were added to the diet Each infant was studied for five consecutive 24-h periods during which serial measurements were made of milk intake (test weighing) and solid food intake (pre- and postfeeding jar weighing). Total daily caloric intakes (kcal/day) were (mean ± SD) 492 ± 57, 547 ± 70, and 567 ± 98 at months 5, 6, and 7, respectively. Estimates of caloric intakes (kcal/kg/day) adjusted for body weight were 65.9 ± 6.7, 72.6 ± 11.2, and 70.9 ± 13.0 at months 5, 6, and 7, respectively. Milk intakes (g/day) were 735 ± 85, 640 ± 106, and 562 ± 214 at months 5, 6, and 7, respectively. BIV of milk intake increased after the introduction of solid foods. DDV (expressed as coefficient of variation) of caloric intake was nearly constant at each monthly observation and BIV increased from 8.8 at month 5 to 14.6 at month 7. The numbers of 24-h periods and subjects required for estimates of known precision of caloric and milk intakes of older breast-fed infants can be determined from these estimates of variance.