Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study Research Articles

Eating behaviour, physical activity, TV exposure and sleeping habits in five year olds: a latent class analysis

BackgroundDiet, physical activity, sedentary behaviours, and sleep time are considered major contributory factors of the increased prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity. The aims of this study were to (1) identify behavioural clusters of 5 year old children based on lifestyle behaviours, (2) explore potential determinants of class membership, and (3) to determine if class membership was associated with body measure outcomes at 5 years of age.MethodsData on eating behaviour, engagement in active play, TV watching, and sleep duration in 1229 5 year old children from the Cork BASELINE birth cohort study was obtained through in-person interviews with parent. Latent class analysis was used to identify behavioural clusters. Potential determinants of cluster membership were investigated using multinomial logistic regression. Associations between the identified classes and cardio metabolic body measures were examined using multivariate logistic and linear regression, with cluster membership used as the independent variable.Results51% of children belonged to a normative class, while 28% of children were in a class characterised by high scores on food avoidance scales in combination with low enjoyment of food, and 20% experienced high scores on the food approach scales. Children in both these classes had lower conditional probabilities of engaging in active play for at least 1 hour per day and sleeping for a minimum of 10 h, and higher probability of watching TV for 2 hours or more, compared to the normative class. Low socioeconomic index (SEI) and no breastfeeding at 2 months were found to be associated with membership of the class associated with high scores on the food avoidance scale, while lower maternal education was associated with the class defined by high food approach scores. Children in the class with high scores on the food approach scales had higher fat mass index (FMI), lean mass index (LMI), and waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) compared to the normative class, and were at greater risk of overweight and obesity.ConclusionFindings suggest that eating behaviour appeared to influence overweight and obesity risk to a greater degree than activity levels at 5 years old. Further research of how potentially obesogenic behaviours in early life track over time and influence adiposity and other cardio metabolic outcomes is crucial to inform the timing of interventions.

The impact of short-term predominate breastfeeding on cognitive outcome at 5 years.

Breastfeeding is associated with IQ, school attendance and income. Despite the known benefits of breastfeeding, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6months is low globally. We examined the effect of short-term breastfeeding on long-term IQ. In this secondary analysis of the prospective Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study, children were categorised as predominantly breastfed (n=288) versus exclusively formula-fed (n=254) at 2-months of age. Infants (n=404) receiving mixed feeding were excluded. Outcome was assessed using the KBIT-II at 5years. Multivariable linear regression was used to adjust for confounding variables. Following adjustment for confounding variables, children, predominately breastfed at 2months of age, demonstrated increased overall IQ (2.00 points (95% CI: 0.35 to 3.65); P=.018) and non-verbal IQ at 5years of age (1.88 points (95% CI: 0.22 to 3.54); P=.027) compared with those never breastfed. No significant relationship was found with verbal IQ (P=.154). A significant increase in composite and non-verbal IQ at 5years of age was associated with short-term breastfeeding. This study adds to a growing body of evidence that short-term breastfeeding promotes healthy cognitive development.

Examination of protein intakes at 2-years and weight status and body composition at 5-years in the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort

AbstractDietary protein is critical for normal growth and development through its contribution of essential amino acids. In high-resource settings, protein intakes are generally adequate. Previous studies have suggested that higher protein intakes in infancy and early childhood are associated with higher body mass index in later childhood.This analysis was performed in a subgroup of 2-year-old children (n = 468) with detailed dietary intake data (2-d weighed food record) participating in an extensively-characterised, prospective birth cohort, the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study (n = 2183). Body weight and height were measured at 2- and 5-years, and indices of body composition (fat mass, fat free mass) were obtained at 5 years in a subgroup of 295 children. Total protein intake was estimated at 2-years and the contribution of animal and plant sources to total protein intake was quantified. Children were split into thirds of protein intake (as % total energy, %TE) and anthropometry and body composition at 5 years was compared across groups. The relationship between protein intake (total and animal sources) and BMI-SDS, fat mass index-SDS and fat free mass index-SDS was explored in multivariate linear regression models, adjusted for common confounders (energy intake, gestational age, duration of breastfeeding, birthweight-SDS, maternal education).Mean (SD) daily protein intake was 41.3 (11.2) g/d, representing 16.1 %TE (girls: 16.2 %TE; boys: 15.9 %TE, P = 0.202) and all children met EFSA average requirement and population reference intake thresholds. Meat (25%), cows’ milk (22%), breads (7%), yoghurt (6%), breakfast cereals (6%) and cheese (5%) were key sources of protein intake in toddlers. The majority of dietary protein intake was from animal sources (69%).Girls with high %TE from protein [mean (SD): 19.7 (2.6) %TE] were significantly heavier and taller at 5 years than their counterparts [low: 13.1 (1.4) %TE; medium: 16.0 (0.7) %TE], and had significantly higher fat free mass, fat free mass index and total body bone area (indicative of body size), but not fat mass. When adjusted for confounders in multivariate regression models, no association was observed between total protein intake and BMI-SDS, fat mass index-SDS or fat free mass index-SDS at 5 years.Children with high animal protein intakes (as %TE) had significantly higher fat free mass than their low and medium group counterparts; however, when adjusted for height and other confounders, no association was observed.Protein intakes in early childhood were associated with larger body size, but not BMI or body composition at 5-years.

Antenatal Vitamin D Exposure and Childhood Eczema, Food Allergy, Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis at 2 and 5 Years of Age in the Atopic Disease-Specific Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study

Associations between intrauterine vitamin D status and atopic outcomes were examined in an extensively characterized maternal-infant cohort.Of 1537 recruited to the BASELINE prospective birth cohort, 1412 white mothers were included in the analysis of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) status and atopic disease, and cord 25(OH)D data were available from 1035 infants.Circulating 25(OH)D was measured in maternal sera at 15 weeks’ gestation and in umbilical cord blood by using a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–accredited liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry platform. Interview-led questionnaires regarding medical history, environment, and diet and clinical assessments were conducted on day 2 and at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months. Associations with clinically validated atopic disease outcomes (eczema, food allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis) at 2 and 5 years were examined by using multivariable logistic regression.Persistent eczema, food allergy, and aeroallergen sensitization at age 2 years were present in 5%, 4%, and 8%, respectively. Asthma and allergic rhinitis at age 5 years were present in 15% and 5%, respectively. Between children with and without atopic conditions, there were no significant differences in distributions of maternal 25(OH)D concentrations (mean: 58.4 [SD: 26.2] and mean: 58.5 [SD: 26.1] nmol/L) at 15 weeks’ gestation and cord concentrations (mean: 35.2 [SD: 17.8] and mean: 35.4 [SD: 18.3] nmol/L). Neither maternal nor cord 25(OH)D nor both considered in a single model were significant predictors of atopic disease in fully adjusted or stratified models.No association was demonstrated between antenatal vitamin D exposure and validated, prospectively collected measures of childhood atopic conditions.As described by the authors, randomized controlled trial data have reported a 26% reduction in risk of childhood asthma and recurrent wheeze at age 3 years associated with vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy, suggesting a crucial window of opportunity for vitamin D’s impact on lung maturation. Contributions to the different results in the current study may have included use of an accredited 25(OH)D assay with more reliable results and lower prevalence of asthma and wheezing at 5 years. Differences in associations between randomized controlled trial and cohort data highlight the need for the exploration of genetic variants associated with immunoglobulin E synthesis or vitamin D receptor polymorphisms to distinguish circumstances in which vitamin D status may influence risk of childhood wheezing and atopic conditions.

Antenatal Vitamin D Status Is Not Associated with Standard Neurodevelopmental Assessments at Age 5 Years in a Well-Characterized Prospective Maternal-Infant Cohort

Although animal studies show evidence for a role of vitamin D during brain development, data from human studies show conflicting signals. We aimed to explore associations between maternal and neonatal vitamin D status with childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes. Comprehensive clinical, demographic, and lifestyle data were collected prospectively in 734 maternal-infant dyads from the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations were quantified at 15 weeks of gestation and in umbilical cord sera at birth via a CDC-accredited liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Children were assessed at age 5 y through the use of the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (2nd Edition, KBIT-2) and the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). Linear regression was used to explore associations between 25(OH)D and neurodevelopmental outcomes. 25(OH)D concentrations were <30 nmol/L in 15% of maternal and 45% of umbilical cord sera and <50 nmol/L in 42% of mothers and 80% of cords. At age 5 y, the mean±SD KBIT-2 intelligence quotient (IQ) composite score was 104.6±8.6; scores were 107.2±10.0 in verbal and 99.8±8.8 in nonverbal tasks. Developmental delay (scores <85) was seen in <3% of children across all domains. The mean±SD CBCL total problem score was 21.3±17.5; scores in the abnormal/clinical range for internal, external, and total problem scales were present in 12%, 4%, and 6% of participants, respectively. KBIT-2 and CBCL subscale scores at 5 y were not different between children exposed to low antenatal vitamin D status, either at 30 or 50 nmol/L 25(OH)D thresholds. Neither maternal nor cord 25(OH)D (per 10 nmol/L) were associated with KBIT-2 IQ composite scores [adjusted β (95% CI): maternal -0.01 (-0.03, 0.02); cord 0.01 (-0.03, 0.04] or CBCL total problem scores [maternal 0.01 (-0.04, 0.05); cord 0.01 (-0.07, 0.09)]. In this well-characterized prospective maternal-infant cohort, we found no evidence that antenatal 25(OH)D concentrations are associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 5 y. The BASELINE Study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01498965; the SCOPE Study was registered at http://www.anzctr.org.au as ACTRN12607000551493.

Correlation of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and -II Concentrations at Birth Measured by Mass Spectrometry and Growth from Birth to Two Months

Background: Immunoassays used to measure insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and -II concentrations are susceptible to interference from IGF-binding proteins. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of IGF-I and -II concentrations at birth with neonatal anthropometry using a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LCMS) assay. Methods: LCMS was used to measure IGF-I and -II concentrations in umbilical cord blood of term, healthy infants enrolled in the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study. Weight, length, and occipitofrontal head circumference (OFC) were measured at birth and 2 months. Results: Cord blood IGF-I and -II concentrations were measured in 1,100 infants. Mean (SD) IGF-I and -II concentrations were 52.5 (23.9) ng/mL and 424.3 (98.2) ng/mL, respectively. IGF-I and -II concentrations at birth were associated (p < 0.05) with weight (R² = 0.19, R² = 0.01), length (R² = 0.07, R² = 0.004), and OFC (R² = 0.03, R² = 0.04) at birth. Low IGF-I concentrations at birth were associated with increases in weight (p < 0.001) and OFC (p < 0.01) Z-scores in the first 2 months. Conclusion: Using an LCMS assay, we have shown that anthropometric parameters at birth are associated with IGF-I and weakly with IGF-II concentrations. This indicates that, at the time of birth, IGF-I is the more important growth factor for regulating infant growth.

Variation in iodine food composition data has a major impact on estimates of iodine intake in young children.

The reliability of an estimate of iodine intake is largely dependent on the quality of the food composition data. We aimed to assess the impact of variations in food composition data for iodine and season on the estimates of iodine intake in young children. Cross-sectional dietary intake study of Irish 2-year-olds participating in the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study (n=468; 30% of the cohort at the 2-year follow-up) were used to assess the impact of variation in iodine food composition data on estimates of iodine intake, dietary adequacy and risk of exceeding the tolerable upper intake level (UL). Mean (SD) iodine intakes calculated using UK (147 (71)) and Irish (177 (93)) food composition data were significantly different (P < 0.001) (mean difference (95% confidence interval) = 30 (26-33) µg/day) and largely adequate (7-14% below the estimated average requirement). Intakes at the 95th percentile were 138% and 173% of the UL using UK and Irish food composition data, respectively, of which milk accounted for 106% and 150% of the UL. This translated into 22% and 35% of toddlers exceeding the UL, using UK and Irish composition data, respectively. The mean (SD) daily intake of cow's milk among the 91% of consumers was 309 (208) ml. Intakes of cow's milk at the 75th and 95th percentiles were 452 and 706 ml, respectively. Using Irish composition data for iodine in cows' milk, a daily intake of 450 ml could result in a toddler exceeding the UL from milk alone. Variability in food composition has a large impact on assessments of iodine intake, particularly among young children for whom milk contributes a large proportion of their daily nutrient intake. Although this is unlikely to result in long-term adverse effects, our study highlights the need for development of valid biomarkers of individual iodine status.

Iron status, body size, and growth in the first 2years of life.

Rapid growth in infancy has been shown to adversely affect iron status up to 1year; however the effect of growth on iron status in the second year of life has been largely unexplored. We aimed to investigate the impact of growth and body size in the first 2years on iron status at 2years. In the prospective, maternal-infant Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study, infant weight and length were measured at birth, 2, 6, 12, and 24months and absolute weight (kg) and length (cm) gain from 0 to 2, 0 to 6, 0 to 12, 6 to 12, 12 to 24, and 0 to 24months were calculated. At 2years (n=704), haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and serum ferritin (umbilical cord concentrations also) were measured. At 2years, 5% had iron deficiency (ferritin<12μg/L) and 1% had iron deficiency anaemia (haemoglobin<110g/L+ferritin<12μg/L). Weight gain from 6 to 12, 0 to 24, and 12 to 24months were all inversely associated with ferritin concentrations at 2years but only the association with weight gain from 12 to 24months was robust after adjustment for potential confounders including cord ferritin (adj. estimate 95% CI: -4.40 [-8.43, -0.37]μg/L, p=.033). Length gain from 0 to 24months was positively associated with haemoglobin at 2years (0.42 [0.07, 0.76]g/L, p=.019), only prior to further adjustment for cord ferritin. To conclude, weight gain in the second year was inversely associated with iron stores at 2years, even after accounting for iron status at birth. Further examinations of iron requirements, dietary intakes, and growth patterns in children in the second year of life in high-resource settings are warranted.

Infant formula feeding practices in a prospective population based study.

BackgroundIt is recommended that formula-fed infants are given standard whey-based infant formula throughout the first year of life, unless otherwise advised by healthcare professionals. To our knowledge it has not yet been explored if parents are using a whey-based infant formula throughout the first 12 months of life. Reasons for parental choice of formula are also unknown. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to describe parental administration of whey-based and non whey-based infant formula in the first year of life.MethodsData collected as part of the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study examined infant feeding practices at 2, 6 and 12 months of age. Descriptive analysis explored infant feeding practices and parental reasons for changing from a whey-based to a non whey-based infant formula. Multiple logistic regression investigated parental and infant characteristics associated with the use of whey-based infant formula.ResultsIn total, 62.4%, 40.4% and 12.8% parent(s) at 2, 6 and 12 months, respectively, gave their infant whey-based infant formula. No parental or infant characteristic was found to consistently influence the use of whey-based infant formula. The most common reason reported by parent(s) for changing their infant’s formula to a non whey-based formula was that they perceived their baby as being hungry.ConclusionThe majority of parent(s) commence their infants on whey-based formula, but most change to non whey-based formula before 12 months of age. Parental perception of infant satiety and not healthcare advice was the most common reason for changing from a whey-based to a non whey-based infant formula. Additional research is now required to investigate the effect of whey-based and non whey-based infant formula on infant growth.

Thin-for-gestational age infants are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental delay at 2 years

BackgroundInfants born small-for-gestational age (SGA) are at increased risk of developmental difficulties. Identifying those most at risk is challenging. We examined the effect of neonatal body composition and customised birthweight...

Cord blood leptin and gains in body weight and fat mass during infancy.

Low early-life leptin concentrations may promote faster weight gain in infancy. We aimed to examine the associations between cord blood leptin concentrations and changes in weight and body composition during infancy. Serum leptin was measured at 15 weeks gestation, in umbilical cord blood collected at delivery and at 2 years in 334 children from the Cork Baseline Birth Cohort Study. Body composition was measured at 2 days and 2 months using air displacement plethysmography. Conditional change in weight standard deviation scores over a number of age intervals in the first 2 years and conditional change in fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) (kg/(length)m(2)) between birth and 2 months were calculated and associations with cord blood leptin were examined using linear regression. At birth, cord blood leptin was positively correlated with FMI (r = 0.48, P < 0.001) and showed a weaker correlation with FFMI (r = 0.12, P = 0.05). After adjustment for confounders, higher cord blood leptin (per ng/mL) was associated with slower conditional weight gain between birth and 2 months (β (95% CI): -0.024 (-0.035, -0.013), P < 0.001) but not over subsequent age intervals. Cord blood leptin was also inversely associated with conditional change in FMI (-0.021 (-0.034, -0.007, P = 0.003) but not FFMI between birth and 2 months. These are the first data to show that associations between higher cord blood leptin and slower weight gain during infancy are driven by lower increases in adiposity, at least in early infancy.

Iron intakes and status of 2‐year‐old children in the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study

Young children are at risk of iron deficiency and subsequent anaemia, resulting in long-term consequences for cognitive, motor and behavioural development. This study aimed to describe the iron intakes, status and determinants of status in 2-year-old children. Data were collected prospectively in the mother-child Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study from 15 weeks' gestation throughout early childhood. At the 24-month assessment, serum ferritin, haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume were measured, and food/nutrient intake data were collected using a 2-day weighed food diary. Iron status was assessed in 729 children (median [IQR] age: 2.1 [2.1, 2.2] years) and 468 completed a food diary. From the food diary, mean (SD) iron intakes were 6.8 (2.6) mg/day and 30% had intakes < UK Estimated Average Requirement (5.3 mg/day). Using WHO definitions, iron deficiency was observed in 4.6% (n = 31) and iron deficiency anaemia in five children (1.0%). Following an iron series workup, five more children were diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia. Twenty-one per cent had ferritin concentrations <15 µg/L. Inadequate iron intakes (OR [95% CI]: 1.94 [1.09, 3.48]) and unmodified cows' milk intakes ≥ 400 mL/day (1.95 [1.07, 3.56]) increased the risk of low iron status. Iron-fortified formula consumption was associated with decreased risk (0.21 [0.11, 0.41] P < 0.05). In this, the largest study in toddlers in Europe, a lower prevalence of low iron status was observed than in previous reports. Compliance with dietary recommendations to limit cows' milk intakes in young children and consumption of iron-fortified products appears to have contributed to improved iron status at two years.

Eating behaviour and weight status at 2 years of age: data from the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study.

To conduct an analysis of associations between eating behaviours and weight status in 2-year-old children. Data were collected prospectively in the maternal-infant dyad Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study. The weight status of children aged 2 years (n=1189) was assigned using the International Obesity Task Force BMI cutoffs using measured heights and weights. Eating behaviours were assessed using the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ). Eighty percent of children were of normal weight, 14% were overweight or obese and 6% were underweight. From the CEBQ, food approach behaviours including Enjoyment of Food (odds ratio (OR)=1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.46-2.48) and Food Responsiveness (OR=1.73, 95% CI=1.47-2.03) were associated with overweight/obesity (all P<0.001). The food avoidant behaviours of Satiety Responsiveness (OR=2.03, 95% CI=1.38-2.98) and Slowness in Eating (OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.01-2.04) were associated with underweight at 2 years (all P<0.05). Eating behaviours are associated with weight status as early as 2 years of age.

Neonatal adiposity increases the risk of atopic dermatitis during the first year of life

Early nutrition and adiposity have been linked to atopic dermatitis (AD) development. We sought to describe risk factors for AD in the first year of life in infants participating in the Cork BASELINE birth cohort study (n = 1537). Prospective data on early-life events, infant feeding, and nutritional and environmental exposures were collected at 15 weeks' gestation, birth, and 2, 6, and 12 months of age. Body composition was assessed by using air displacement plethysmography at day 2 and 2 months. The primary outcome, persistent AD, was determined if the U.K. Working Party Diagnostic Criteria were satisfied at both 6 and 12 months. At 6 and 12 months, the point prevalence of AD was 14.2% (99% CI, 10.5% to 17.8%) and 13.7% (99% CI, 10.3% to 17.6%), respectively; 7.5% (99% CI, 5.0% to 9.9%) of infants had AD at both 6 and 12 months of age. At hospital discharge, 35% of infants were exclusively breast-fed, decreasing to 14% by 2 months. Complementary feeding was commenced at a median of 19 weeks (interquartile range, 17-22 weeks; 19% at <17 weeks and 6% at ≥26 weeks). Median fat mass at day 2 was 0.35 kg (interquartile range, 0.25-0.48 kg). A parental history of atopic disease was self-reported by 43% of mothers and 34% of fathers. Risk factors for AD at 6 and 12 months were maternal atopy (adjusted odds ratio, 2.99; 99% CI, 1.35-6.59; P = .0004) and fat mass of the 80th percentile or greater at day 2 (adjusted odds ratio, 2.31; 99% CI, 1.02-2.25; P = .009). This is the first report of neonatal adiposity as a predictor of AD at 6 and 12 months of age in a well-characterized atopic disease-specific birth cohort.

Early life factors associated with the exclusivity and duration of breast feeding in an Irish birth cohort study

Objectiveto investigate the influence of parental and infant characteristics on exclusive breast feeding from birth to six months of age and breast feeding rates at two, six and 12 months of age in Ireland. Methodologysecondary data analysis from the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study (http://www.baselinestudy.net/). Infants were seen at birth and two, six, and 12 months of age. Maternal and paternal history, neonatal course and feeding data were collected at birth and using parental questionnaires at each time point. Participants1094 singleton infants of primiparous women recruited at 20 weeks' gestation who were breastfeeding on discharge from the maternity hospital. Findingsat discharge from the maternity hospital and at two months, neonatal intensive-care unit admission had the strongest influence on exclusive breast feeding status (adjusted OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.07–0.41 at discharge) and at two months (adjusted OR=0.20, 95% CI 0.05–0.83). A shorter duration of breast feeding was significantly associated with younger maternal age, non-tertiary education, Irish nationality and neonatal intensive-care unit admission. There was a significant difference in the duration of any breast feeding between infants who were and were not admitted to the neonatal intensive-care unit, 28(10.50, 32) weeks versus 32(27, 40) weeks. Mothers whose maternity leave was between seven and 12 months (adjusted OR=2.76, 95% CI 1.51–5.05) breast fed for a longer duration compared to mothers who had less than six months of maternity leave. Key conclusionsadmission to the neonatal intensive care unit negatively influenced both exclusivity and duration of breast feeding. Length of maternity leave, and not employment status, was significantly associated with duration of breast feeding. Implications for practiceadditional support may be required to ensure continued breast feeding in infants admitted to the neonatal intensive-care unit. Length of maternity leave is a modifiable influence on breast feeding and offers the opportunity for intervention to improve our rates of breast feeding.

Low Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Irish Toddlers Despite Northerly Latitude and High Prevalence of Inadequate Intakes

While reports of inadequate vitamin D intakes, among children are widespread, data on the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy and deficiency, are inconsistent. We implemented an assessment of vitamin D intakes using a weighed food diary of two non‐consecutive days and measured serum 25(OH)D concentrations in two‐year old children participating in the Cork Baseline birth cohort study. Blood samples were collected in 742 children and analysed for serum 25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2 and 3‐epi‐25(OH)D3 using UPLC‐MS/MS. Food diaries were collected in 468 children. Mean total serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 63.4 nmol/L [54.6 in winter and 71.2 nmol/L in summer]. During the winter, 27.6% had a 25(OH)D &lt; 40nmol/L, which decreased to 2.3% in summer. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (&lt;30 nmol/L) was 4.6%. The C‐3 epimer and 25(OH)D2 were present in all samples. With an overall mean daily intake (MDI) of 3.6 μg/d, 96% of the sample had inadequate intakes &lt; 10 μg/d, 78% were &lt; 5 μg/d and 13% were &lt; 1 μg/d. Children who did not obtain vitamin D from fortified foods or supplements had intakes of 1.2 μg/d. The highest intakes were recorded in children who consumed infant formula targeted at toddlers, fortified with 1.5‐1.7 μg/100ml (7.2 μg/d) and consumers of D‐containing supplements (8.1 μg/d). We show a low prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Irish 2‐year olds despite high latitude (51o N) and self‐reported adherence to sun‐safe recommendations.

No association between food allergens in the complementary feeding diet and eczema during the first 12‐months in the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort

Method Prospective data on complementary feeding practices, using a detailed food diary over the first 6-weeks of complementary feeding, were collected as part of Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study (n 1537). An allergenic food was determined present, if labelled as an ingredient and not if stated as ‘may contain’. Eczema was determined if the UK working party diagnostic criteria were satisfied at 6 and 12 months.

Adherence with early infant feeding and complementary feeding guidelines in the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study.

To describe adherence with infant feeding and complementary feeding guidelines. Prospective study of infant feeding and complementary feeding practices were collected as part of the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study. Cork, Ireland. Data are described for the 823 infants for whom a diary was completed. Breast-feeding was initiated in 81 % of infants, and 34 %, 14 % and 1 % of infants were exclusively breast-fed at hospital discharge, 2 and 6 months, respectively. Stage one infant formula decreased from 71 % at 2 months to 13 % at 12 months. The majority of infants (79 %) were introduced to solids between 17 and 26 weeks and 18 % were given solid foods before 17 weeks. Mothers of infants who commenced complementary feeding prior to 17 weeks were younger (29·8 v. 31·5 years; P<0·001) and more likely to smoke (18 v. 8 %; P=0·004). The first food was usually baby rice (69 %), infant breakfast cereals (14 %) or fruit/vegetables (14 %). Meals were generally home-made (49 %), cereal-based (35 %), manufactured (10 %), dairy (3 %) and dessert-based (3 %). The median gap between the first-second, second-third, third-fourth and fourth-fifth new foods was 4, 2, 2 and 2 d, respectively. We present the largest prospective cohort study to date on early infant feeding in Ireland. The rate of breast-feeding is low by international norms. Most mothers introduce complementary foods between 4 and 6 months with lengthy gaps between each new food/food product. There is a high prevalence of exposure to infant breakfast cereals, which are composite foods, among the first foods introduced.

Cohort profile: The Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study: Babies after SCOPE: Evaluating the Longitudinal Impact on Neurological and Nutritional Endpoints

The Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study (Babies After Evaluating the Longitudinal Impact on Neurological and Nutritional Endpoints) was established with three main objectives: to investigate the effects of intrauterine growth restriction and early nutrition on metabolic health and neurodevelopment; to ascertain the incidence and determinants of food allergy and eczema in early childhood; and to describe early infant feeding, supplementation and nutritional status and their effects on physical and neurological growth and health outcomes. The SCOPE Ireland pregnancy cohort formed the basis of recruitment of infants to BASELINE [n 1537] and an additional 600 infants were recruited after delivery providing a total sample of 2137 between 2008 and 2011. Assessments were at day 2 and at 2, 6, 12 and 24 months, with 5-year assessments ongoing. Blood and DNA samples were biobanked at 15 and 20 weeks' gestation, birth, 24 months and 5 years. Body composition data were collected at 2 days and 2 months (air-displacement plethysmography) and at 5 years (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Trans-epidermal water loss was measured at 2 days, 2, 6 and 24 months. Detailed dietary and validated developmental assessments were conducted at 24 months. Researchers interested in collaboration can contact [baseline@ucc.ie] and further information be found at [http://www.baselinestudy.net/ or http://www.birthcohorts.net/].

Iron intakes and dietary sources in two year olds from the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study

Iron intakes and dietary sources in two year olds from the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study