Suplementação com fórmula infantil em recém-nascidos nas maternidades brasileiras: análise a partir do estudo Nascer no Brasil / Infant formula supplementation for newborns in brazilian maternity hospitals: an analysis based on the Born in Brazil study

O Passo Seis da Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança compreende não dar a recém-nascidos nenhum outro alimento ou bebida além do leite materno, a não ser que haja uma indicação médica. Apesar das diretrizes que justificam o uso apropriado de fórmula infantil na internação pós-parto, é comum sua utilização sem que haja indicação. Tendo em vista a necessidade de reduzir o uso desnecessário de fórmula infantil no pós-parto, este estudo objetivou analisar fatores associados à suplementação com fórmula infantil em recém-nascidos clinicamente estáveis na maternidade. A pesquisa foi realizada a partir de dados amostrais do estudo "Nascer no Brasil", coorte nacional de base hospitalar, realizada entre fevereiro de 2011 e outubro de 2012. Foram selecionados os recém-nascidos encaminhados ao alojamento conjunto após o nascimento. Foram excluídos nascidos de mães com sorologia positiva para o Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana, near miss materno, nascidos com malformações congênitas e internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Foram excluídos bebês que utilizaram outros líquidos, pois as indicações de seu uso diferem das indicações de suplementação por fórmula infantil. A amostra final incluiu 14.531 puérperas e recém-nascidos. As variáveis foram selecionadas a partir de um modelo conceitual das variáveis distais, intermediárias e proximais associadas ao desfecho. Foi construído um modelo de regressão logística hierarquizado a partir das variáveis cuja associação com o desfecho apresentaram p-valor ≤ 0,20, com nível de significância de 5% para o modelo final. Foram categorizados os motivos relatados pelas puérperas para seu bebê ter recebido fórmula infantil para análise descritiva e exploratória, verificando-se as proporções através de tabelas de contingência. 21,2% dos recém-nascidos receberam fórmula infantil durante a internação. Fatores associados ao uso de fórmula infantil: idade materna ≥ 35 anos (OR=1,51; IC95%:1,30-1,75), pré-natal em serviço privado (OR=2,22; IC:1,72- 2,85) /serviço público e privado (OR=1,67; IC:1,24-2,23), parto cesáreo (OR=1,83; IC:1,41-2,38), gravidez múltipla (OR=3,786; IC:2,02-7,06), não amamentação na sala de parto (OR=1,780; IC:1,43-2,21), parto em hospital privado (OR=1,695; IC:1,02-2,79), prematuridade (OR= 1,656; IC:1,32-2,06), extremos de peso ao nascer (< 2,500 g: OR=2,084; IC: 1,585-2,741/ ≥4,000g: OR=1,672; IC:1,31-2,11), idade adolescente (OR= 0,651; IC:0,55-0,76), baixo nível de escolaridade materna (OR=0,579; IC:0,43-0,77), multiparidade (OR=0,588; IC:0,510-0,678). Metade do total de razões maternas para uso de fórmula correspondeu a "leite não havia descido/ pouco leite", motivo não aceitável como justificativa para fornecimento de suplemento. Apenas 5,6% corresponderam aos critérios para indicações ou possíveis indicações para a suplementação com fórmula. As razões maternas mais prevalentes são passíveis de intervenção pelos profissionais de saúde, como o aconselhamento e manejo clínico individualizado em amamentação. Dos fatores associados, destacam-se parto cesáreo e a não amamentação na sala de parto, mostrando que é necessário fortalecer políticas que estimulem as boas práticas na assistência ao parto e nascimento, a fim de promover o aleitamento materno exclusivo e proteger mães e recém-nascidos de todas as classes sociais contra o uso indevido de fórmula infantil.

The Step Six of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative involves not giving newborns any food or drink other than breast milk, unless there is a medical indication. Despite the guidelines that justify the appropriate use of infant formula in postpartum hospitalization, its use without indication is common. Considering the need to reduce the unnecessary use of infant formula in the postpartum period, this study aimed to analyze factors associated with infant formula supplementation in clinically stable newborns in the maternity ward. The research was carried out using sample data from the study "Born in Brazil", a national hospital-based cohort, carried out between February 2011 and October 2012. Newborns referred to rooming-in after birth were selected. Infants born to mothers with positive serology for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, maternal near miss, born with congenital malformations and hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit were excluded. Babies who used other liquids were excluded, as the indications for their use differ from the indications for supplementation with infant formula. The final sample included 14,531 postpartum women and newborns. The variables were selected from a conceptual model of distal, intermediate and proximal variables associated with the outcome. A hierarchical logistic regression model was constructed from the variables whose association with the outcome presented p-value ≤ 0.20, with a significance level of 5% for the final model. The reasons reported by the puerperal women for having received infant formula were categorized for descriptive and exploratory analysis, verifying the proportions through contingency tables. 21.2% of newborns received infant formula during hospitalization. Factors associated with the use of infant formula: maternal age ≥ 35 years (OR=1.51; 95%CI:1.30-1.75), prenatal care in a private service (OR=2.22; CI:1.72 - 2.85) / public and private service (OR=1.67; CI:1.24-2.23), cesarean delivery (OR=1.83; CI:1.41-2.38), multiple pregnancy (OR=3.786; CI:2.02-7.06), non-breastfeeding in the delivery room (OR=1.780; CI:1.43-2.21), delivery in a private hospital (OR=1.695; CI:1 .02-2.79), prematurity (OR= 1.656; CI: 1.32-2.06), extremes of birth weight (< 2.500 g: OR=2.084; CI: 1.585-2.741/ ≥4.000g: OR =1.672; CI:1.31-2.11), adolescent age (OR=0.651; CI:0.55-0.76), low maternal education (OR=0.579; CI:0.43-0.77) , multiparity (OR=0.588; IC:0.510-0.678). Half of the total maternal reasons for using formula corresponded to "there was not enough milk/low milk", a reason not acceptable as a justification for providing the supplement. Only 5.6% met the criteria for indications or possible indications for formula supplementation. The most prevalent maternal reasons are subject to intervention by health professionals, such as counseling and individualized clinical management of breastfeeding. Of the associated factors, cesarean delivery and non-breastfeeding in the delivery room stand out, showing that it is necessary to strengthen policies that encourage good practices in childbirth and birth care to promote exclusive breastfeeding and protect mothers and newborns of all social classes against the misuse of infant formula.

Complementary Foods and Milk-Based Formulas Provide Excess Protein but Suboptimal Key Micronutrients and Essential Fatty Acids in the Intakes of Infants and Toddlers from Urban Settings in Malaysia.

This study determined the intakes of complementary foods (CFs) and milk-based formulas (MFs) by a total of 119 subjects aged 6-23.9 months from urban day care centers. Dietary intakes were assessed using two-day weighed food records. Intake adequacy of energy and nutrients was compared to the Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI) for Malaysia. The most commonly consumed CFs were cereals (rice, noodles, bread). The subjects derived approximately half of their energy requirements (kcals) from CFs (57 ± 35%) and MFs (56 ± 31%). Protein intake was in excess of their RNI requirements, from both CFs (145 ± 72%) and MFs (133 ± 88%). Main sources of protein included meat, dairy products, and western fast food. Intake of CFs provided less than the RNI requirements for vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, folate, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and zinc. Neither CF nor MF intake met the Adequate Intake (AI) requirements for essential fatty acids. These findings indicate imbalances in the dietary intake of the subjects that may have adverse health implications, including increased risk of rapid weight gain from excess protein intake, and linear growth faltering and intellectual impairment from multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Interventions are needed to improve child feeding knowledge and practices among parents and child care providers.

Young children formula consumption and iron deficiency at 24 months in the general population: A national-level study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Iron deficiency (ID) is considered the most frequent micronutrient deficiency in industrialized countries where strategies for its primary prevention vary widely and are insufficiently evaluated. We aimed to study the effectiveness for iron status of a national iron deficiency prevention strategy based on recommendations for young-child formula (YCF) use after age 12 months, taking into consideration other sources of iron and the family's socio-economic status. METHODS: In a cross-sectional observational study conducted in primary care pediatrician offices throughout France from 2016 to 2017, infants aged 24 months were consecutively included for a food survey and blood sampling. Associations between YCF consumption and serum ferritin (SF) level were studied by multivariable regression after adjustment on sociodemographic, perinatal and dietary characteristics, notably other intakes of iron. RESULTS: Among the 561 infants analyzed, the ID prevalence was 6.6% (37/561; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.7-9.0). Daily iron intake excluding YCF and total daily iron intake including YCF were below the 5-mg/day recommended average requirements for 63% and 18% of children, respectively. ID frequency was significantly decreased (or SF level was independently higher) with any YCF consumption after age 10 months (odds ratio 0.15, 95% CI 0.07-0.31), current YCF consumption at age 24 months (median SF level 29 vs 21 µg/L if none), prolonged YCF consumption (28 µg/L if >12 months vs 17 µg/L if none), and increasing daily volume of YCF consumed at age 24 months from a small volume (e.g., 29 µg/L if <100 mL/day vs 21 µg/L if none). CONCLUSIONS: Current or past YCF use was independently associated with a better iron status at age 24 months than non-use. The strategy recommending YCF use at weaning after age 12 months seems effective in the general population. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02484274.

Breastfeeding Initiation, Duration, and Supplementation Among Mexican-Origin Women in Texas.

BACKGROUND: Mexican-origin women breastfeed at similar rates as white women in the United States, yet they usually breastfeed for less time. In our study, we seek to identify differences in Mexican-origin women's breastfeeding intentions, initiation, continuation, and supplementation across nativity and country-of-education groups. METHODS: The data are from a prospective cohort study of postpartum women ages 18 to 44 recruited from 8 Texas hospitals. We included 1235 Mexican-origin women who were born and educated in either Texas or Mexico. Women were interviewed at delivery and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post partum. Breastfeeding intentions and initiation were reported at baseline, continuation was collected at each interview, and weeks until supplementation was assessed for both solids and formula. Women were classified into 3 categories: born and educated in Mexico, born and educated in the United States, and born in Mexico and educated in the United States. RESULTS: Breastfeeding initiation and continuation varied by nativity and country of birth, although all women reported similar breastfeeding intentions. Women born and educated in Mexico initiated and continued breastfeeding in higher proportions than women born and educated in the United States. Mexican-born and US-educated women formed an intermediate group. Early supplementation with formula and solid foods was similar across groups, and early supplementation with formula negatively impacted duration across all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Nativity and country of education are important predictors of breastfeeding and should be assessed in pediatric and postpartum settings to tailor breastfeeding support. Support is especially warranted among US-born women, and additional educational interventions should be developed to forestall early supplementation with formula across all acculturation groups.

Standard and Specialized Infant Formulas in Europe: Making, Marketing, and Health Outcomes.

Infant formulas are the only suitable substitute for human milk. The most common infant formulas are standard formulas based on cow's milk. In addition, there are formulas for infants showing signs and symptoms of intolerance and for clinical conditions such as allergy, prematurity, and gastrointestinal diseases. A comprehensive review of the literature was made to review the composition of standard and specialized infant formulas and analyze indications for use, real or presumed nutrition differences and properties, and impact on infant growth. A brief consideration on costs is outlined for each formula. Over the past few years, industrial production and advertising of infant formulas have increased. Human milk still remains the most complete source of nutrition for infants and should be continued according to the current recommendations. Few differences exist between infant formulas, both for the nutrition action and the macronutrient/micronutrient composition. Specialized infant formulas have limited indications for use and high costs. The role of the pediatrician is crucial in the management of infant nutrition, promotion of breastfeeding, and prescribing of specialized formulas only in specific clinical conditions.

Complementary feeding practices in Mexican healthy infants: How close are they to the current guidelines? / Prácticas de alimentación complementaria en lactantes sanos en México: ¿qué tan apegadas se encuentran al consenso actual?

Abstract Background: The foundations for the growth and optimal development of every human being are laid in the first 2 years of life. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) up to 6 months of age and the introduction of complementary feeding (CF) from this age are considered the preventive interventions with the most significant impact on a child's life. The objective of this study was to determine if pediatricians base their recommendations by following the Guidelines for CF in Healthy Infants (GCFHI) and if mothers have any awareness and knowledge of these recommendations. Methods: Surveys based on the GCFHI were conducted in a group of mothers (n = 377) and pediatricians (n = 104) living in Mexico. Results: Not all pediatricians recommended the EBF, and 76% recommended infant formula before 6 months of age. Regarding mothers, 76.9% practiced the EBF for the first 6 months. Vegetables were the leading starting food of CF suggested by pediatricians and mothers (87% and 91%, respectively), contrasting with food sources of iron (44%), which are the foods of choice according to the GCFHI. The practices performed by the mothers were statistically different from the recommendations of the pediatricians. Conclusions: The results reflect a lack of updating regarding CF. It is imperative to reinforce efforts to maintain the EBF for 6 months and to continue it together with the CF, as well as to promote the beginning of CF based on macro- and micro-nutrients.

Resumen Introducción: En los primeros dos años de vida se crean las bases para el crecimiento y desarrollo óptimo de todo ser humano. La lactancia materna exclusiva (LME) hasta los 6 meses de edad y la introducción de alimentación complementaria (AC) a partir de esta edad están consideradas como las intervenciones preventivas de mayor impacto en la vida de un niño. El presente trabajo evalúa en qué medida los pediatras basan sus recomendaciones en el Consenso para las prácticas de alimentación complementaria en lactantes sanos (CALCS) y si las madres están familiarizadas con estas recomendaciones. Métodos: Se realizaron encuestas para madres (n = 377) y pediatras (n = 104) residentes en México basadas en el CALCS. Resultados: Se detectó que no todos los pediatras recomendaron la LME, y el 76% la complementa con sucedáneos de la leche materna antes de los 6 meses. El 76.9% de las madres practicaron la LME por 6 meses. Las verduras fueron el principal alimento de inicio de AC sugerido por pediatras y madres (87% y 91%, respectivamente), lo que contrasta con alimentos fuente de hierro (44%) que según el CALCS son los alimentos de elección. Las prácticas de las madres tuvieron diferencias significativas con las recomendaciones de los pediatras. Conclusiones: Hay una falta de formación y actualización en esta materia. Es imperativo reforzar los esfuerzos para mantener la LME por 6 meses y continuarla junto con la AC, así como promover el inicio de la AC con base en los macro y micronutrientes.

A Baby Formula Designed for Chinese Babies: Content Analysis of Milk Formula Advertisements on Chinese Parenting Apps.

BACKGROUND: China is the largest market for infant formula. With the increasing use of smartphones, apps have become the latest tool used to promote milk formula. Formula manufacturers and distributors both have seized the popularity of apps as an avenue for marketing. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify and analyze milk formula ads featured on Chinese pregnancy and parenting apps, to build the first complete picture of app-based milk formula marketing techniques being used by milk formula brand variants on these apps, and to more fully understand the ad content that potentially undermines public health messaging about infant and young child feeding. METHODS: We searched for free-to-download Chinese parenting apps in the 360 App Store, the biggest Android app store in China. The final sample consisted of 353 unique formula ads from the 79 apps that met the inclusion criteria. We developed a content analysis coding tool for categorizing the marketing techniques used in ads, which included a total of 22 coding options developed across 4 categories: emotional imagery, marketing elements, claims, and advertising disclosure. RESULTS: The 353 milk formula ads were distributed across 31 companies, 44 brands, and 79 brand variants. Overall, 15 of 31 corporations were international with the remaining 16 being Chinese owned. An image of a natural pasture was the most commonly used emotional image among the brand variants (16/79). All variants included branding elements, and 75 variants linked directly to e-shops. Special price promotions were promoted by nearly half (n=39) of all variants. A total of 5 variants included a celebrity endorsement in their advertising. A total of 25 of the 79 variants made a product quality claim. Only 14 variants made a direct advertisement disclosure. CONCLUSIONS: The purpose of marketing messages is to widen the use of formula and normalize formula as an appropriate food for all infants and young children, rather than as a specialized food for those unable to breastfeed. Policy makers should take steps to establish an appropriate regulatory framework and provide detailed monitoring and enforcement to ensure that milk formula marketing practices do not undermine breastfeeding norms and behaviors.

Complementary feeding practices in Mexican healthy infants: How close are they to the current guidelines?

Background: The foundations for the growth and optimal development of every human being are laid in the first 2 years of life. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) up to 6 months of age and the introduction of complementary feeding (CF) from this age are considered the preventive interventions with the most significant impact on a child's life. The objective of this study was to determine if pediatricians base their recommendations by following the Guidelines for CF in Healthy Infants (GCFHI) and if mothers have any awareness and knowledge of these recommendations. Methods: Surveys based on the GCFHI were conducted in a group of mothers (n = 377) and pediatricians (n = 104) living in Mexico. Results: Not all pediatricians recommended the EBF, and 76% recommended infant formula before 6 months of age. Regarding mothers, 76.9% practiced the EBF for the first 6 months. Vegetables were the leading starting food of CF suggested by pediatricians and mothers (87% and 91%, respectively), contrasting with food sources of iron (44%), which are the foods of choice according to the GCFHI. The practices performed by the mothers were statistically different from the recommendations of the pediatricians. Conclusions: The results reflect a lack of updating regarding CF. It is imperative to reinforce efforts to maintain the EBF for 6 months and to continue it together with the CF, as well as to promote the beginning of CF based on macro- and micro-nutrients.

Introducción: En los primeros dos años de vida se crean las bases para el crecimiento y desarrollo óptimo de todo ser humano. La lactancia materna exclusiva (LME) hasta los 6 meses de edad y la introducción de alimentación complementaria (AC) a partir de esta edad están consideradas como las intervenciones preventivas de mayor impacto en la vida de un niño. El presente trabajo evalúa en qué medida los pediatras basan sus recomendaciones en el Consenso para las prácticas de alimentación complementaria en lactantes sanos (CALCS) y si las madres están familiarizadas con estas recomendaciones. Métodos: Se realizaron encuestas para madres (n = 377) y pediatras (n = 104) residentes en México basadas en el CALCS. Resultados: : Se detectó que no todos los pediatras recomendaron la LME, y el 76% la complementa con sucedáneos de la leche materna antes de los 6 meses. El 76.9% de las madres practicaron la LME por 6 meses. Las verduras fueron el principal alimento de inicio de AC sugerido por pediatras y madres (87% y 91%, respectivamente), lo que contrasta con alimentos fuente de hierro (44%) que según el CALCS son los alimentos de elección. Las prácticas de las madres tuvieron diferencias significativas con las recomendaciones de los pediatras. Conclusiones: Hay una falta de formación y actualización en esta materia. Es imperativo reforzar los esfuerzos para mantener la LME por 6 meses y continuarla junto con la AC, así como promover el inicio de la AC con base en los macro y micronutrientes.

In-hospital formula supplementation and breastfeeding initiation in infants born to women with pregestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the rate of in-hospital supplementation as it relates to early breastfeeding (BF) and early formula feeding (FF) and its effects on BF (exclusive and partial) at the time of discharge for infants born to women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM). METHODS: Retrospective cohort investigation of 282 women with PGDM who intended to BF and their asymptomatic infants admitted to the newborn nursery for blood glucose monitoring and routine care. Early feeding was defined by the initial feeding if given within four hours of birth. RESULTS: Of the 282 mother-infant dyads, for 134 (48%) early feeding was BF and for 148 (52%) early feeding was FF. Times from birth to BF and FF (median 1 hr, 0.3-6) were similar, while the time to first BF for those who FF and supplemented was longer (median 6 hr., 1-24). Ninety-seven infants (72%) who first BF also supplemented. Of these, 22 (23%) BF exclusively, 67 (69%) BF partially and 8 (8%) FF at discharge. One hundred seventeen (79%) who first FF also supplemented. Of these, 21 (18%) BF exclusively, 76 (65%) BF partially and 20 (17%) FF at discharge. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the type of first feeding, the majority of infants born to women with PGDM require supplementation. Even when medically indicated, in-hospital supplementation is an obstacle, albeit not absolute, to exclusive BF at discharge. Parents should be reminded that occasional supplementation should not deter resumption and continuation of BF.

Iron-fortified formula use in young children and association with socioeconomic factors in the French nationwide ELFE cohort.

AIM: To study the rate of iron-fortified infant formula (IFF) use in young children in France and its association with socioeconomic factors. METHODS: The ELFE national birth cohort included, in 2011, 18 329 living births in 349 hospitals randomly selected. The present analyses were restricted to children with follow-up at age two years. Milk consumption was evaluated by parental telephone interview, and its association with socioeconomic factors was studied. RESULTS: The 12 341 analysed children had a mean age of 26 months; 50% were girls. Rate of IFF use before two years old and at two years old was 65% and 43%, respectively. At age two years, use of IFF was lower with young age of the mother (adjusted OR [aOR] = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3-0.5), low educational level (aOR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9), high parity (aOR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.4), and mother smoking (aOR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.7-0.9) as well as low household income (aOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.4-0.7), and parents' unemployment (aOR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5-0.9). CONCLUSION: In this national population-based study, the rate of implementation of the ID prevention strategy was much lower at two years old than before two years old, and significantly lower in disadvantaged populations.

Starch Consumption Patterns in Infants and Young Children.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of starch into an infant's diet is an important milestone in the feeding journey. Intestinal maturity and the presence of digestive enzymes are necessary for the physiologic breakdown of starch and other complementary foods. However, little is known about the consumption patterns of starch containing foods during complementary feeding. METHOD: The 2008 Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) is a cross-sectional 24-hour dietary intake survey of a nationally representative sample of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from birth to 48 months of age. We looked at the age-based prevalence of consumption of starch-containing foods during complementary feeding. RESULTS: We found that about 90% of infants were consuming starch by 6 and 8.9 months, with less than half of infants being exposed to complementary foods from multiple food groups under 6 months. The most common food source of starch was iron-fortified infant cereals, followed by vegetables and fruits. Rice and oats were the most prevalent cereal types, while sweet potatoes, peas and squash were the most commonly consumed starch-containing vegetables. Bananas were the leading starch-containing fruit that was consumed. Around 9 and 11 months, the prevalence of iron-fortified cereals declined and were replaced with lower iron-containing ready-to-eat cereals. There was also a drop in the prevalence of fruit and vegetable consumption once the infant became a toddler. Most bread products consumed by toddlers were not whole grain, but their cereal choices were often whole grain. Other sources of starch were mixed dishes, which contained grains like bread or pasta combined with other types of foods. CONCLUSIONS: Starch enters the infant's diet around the time of complementary feeding, though earlier exposure may occur from certain carbohydrate components of infant formula. Most infants are exposed to starch from grains, followed by vegetables and fruits.

Variation in Formula Supplementation of Breastfed Newborn Infants in New York Hospitals.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the variation between 126 New York hospitals in formula supplementation among breastfed infants after adjusting for socioeconomic, maternal, and infant factors and stratifying by level of perinatal care. METHODS: We used 2014 birth certificate data for 160 911 breastfed infants to calculate hospital-specific formula supplementation percentages by using multivariable hierarchical logistic regression models. RESULTS: Formula supplementation percentages varied widely among hospitals, from 2.3% to 98.3%, and was lower among level 1 hospitals (18.2%) than higher-level hospitals (50.6%-57.0%). Significant disparities in supplementation were noted for race and ethnicity (adjusted odds ratios [aORs] were 1.54-2.05 for African Americans, 1.85-2.74 for Asian Americans, and 1.25-2.16 for Hispanics, compared with whites), maternal education (aORs were 2.01-2.95 for ≤12th grade, 1.74-1.85 for high school or general education development, and 1.18-1.28 for some college or a college degree, compared with a Master's degree), and insurance coverage (aOR was 1.27-1.60 for Medicaid insurance versus other). Formula supplementation was higher among mothers who smoked, had a cesarean delivery, or diabetes. At all 4 levels of perinatal care, there were exemplar hospitals that met the HealthyPeople 2020 supplementation goal of ≤14.2%. After adjusting for individual risk factors, the hospital-specific, risk-adjusted supplemental formula percentages still revealed a wide variation. CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of the exemplar hospitals could inform future efforts to improve maternity care practices and breastfeeding support to reduce unnecessary formula supplementation, reduce disparities, increase exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding duration, and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Determinants of Nonmedically Indicated In-Hospital Supplementation of Infants Whose Birthing Parents Intended to Exclusively Breastfeed.

BACKGROUND: Despite high rates of intention to exclusively breastfeed, rates of exclusive breastfeeding in Canada are low. Supplementation may begin in hospital and is associated with reduced breastfeeding duration. Research aim: The aim of this investigation was to explore determinants of in-hospital nonmedically indicated supplementation of infants whose birthing parents intended to exclusively breastfeed. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional one-group nonexperimental design, focused on participants who intended to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months ( n = 496). Data were collected between October 2011 and October 2015 in Newfoundland and Labrador. Variables measured included age; rural/urban location; education; income; race; marital status; parity; smoking status; having been breastfed as an infant; previous breastfeeding experience; Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale score; delivery mode; infant birth weight; birth satisfaction; skin-to-skin contact; length of participant's hospital stay; breastfeeding advice from a lactation consultant, registered nurse, or physician; and first impression of breastfeeding. We evaluated determinants of in-hospital nonmedically indicated supplementation using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 16.9% ( n = 84) of infants received nonmedically indicated supplementation in hospital. Multivariate modeling revealed four determinants: low total prenatal Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale score (odds ratio [OR] = 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.18, 3.27]), no previous breastfeeding experience (OR = 2.03, 95% CI [1.15, 3.61]), negative first impression of breastfeeding (OR = 2.67, 95% CI [1.61, 4.43]), and receiving breastfeeding advice from a hospital physician (OR = 2.86, 95% CI [1.59, 5.15]). CONCLUSION: Elements of the hospital experience, self-efficacy, and attitudes toward infant feeding are determinants of nonmedically indicated supplementation of infants whose birthing parents intended to exclusively breastfeed.

Phototherapy for the Treatment of Neonatal Jaundice and Breastfeeding Duration and Exclusivity.

INTRODUCTION: Because neonatal jaundice remains one of the most commonly treated conditions of the newborn infant, it is important to assess the unintended consequences of treatment with phototherapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether treatment with phototherapy affects breastfeeding duration in newborns >35 weeks gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II. The exposure of interest was treatment of neonatal jaundice with phototherapy. The outcomes of interest were any breastfeeding through 12 months and exclusive breastfeeding through 4 months. Logistic regression models were developed to evaluate the association between the exposure and outcomes of interest. All models were adjusted for maternal age, race, education, household income, and gestational age, as well as for several potential markers of suboptimal breastfeeding. RESULTS: Our study included 4,441 infants, of which 220 (5%) received phototherapy. We found no difference in the likelihood of any breastfeeding through 9 months of age, however, by 12 months, infants exposed to phototherapy were less likely to still be breastfed than those who were not exposed (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.37-0.92). Infants exposed to phototherapy were less likely to be exclusively breastfed throughout the first 4 months of life. CONCLUSION: Although phototherapy use did not substantially impact rates of any breastfeeding during the first year, it was associated with decreased rates of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 4 months of life. This suggests that we need to tailor messaging to mothers of infants receiving phototherapy to promote exclusive breastfeeding.

Formula with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces incidence of allergy in early childhood.

BACKGROUND: Allergy has sharply increased in affluent Western countries in the last 30 years. N-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) may protect the immune system against development of allergy. METHODS: We prospectively categorized illnesses by body system in a subset of 91 children from the Kansas City cohort of the DIAMOND (DHA Intake and Measurement of Neural Development) study who had yearly medical records through 4 years of age. As infants, they were fed either a control formula without LCPUFA (n = 19) or one of three formulas with LCPUFA from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) (n = 72). RESULTS: Allergic illnesses in the first year were lower in the combined LCPUFA group compared to the control. LCPUFAs significantly delayed time to first allergic illness (p = 0.04) and skin allergic illness (p = 0.03) and resulted in a trend to reduced wheeze/asthma (p = 0.1). If the mother had no allergies, LCPUFAs reduced the risk of any allergic diseases (HR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.1, 0.56, p = 0.0.001) and skin allergic diseases (HR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.13, 0.93, p = 0.04). In contrast, if the mother had allergies, LCPUFAs reduced wheezing/asthma (HR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.07, 0.9, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: LCPUFA supplementation during infancy reduced the risk of skin and respiratory allergic diseases in childhood with effects influenced by maternal allergies.

Theoretical Impact of Replacing Whole Cow's Milk by Young-Child Formula on Nutrient Intakes of UK Young Children: Results of a Simulation Study.

BACKGROUND: Research into the role of young-child formulae (YCF) in a child's diet is limited and there is no consensual recommendation on its use. We evaluated the theoretical nutritional impact of replacing the existing practice of consuming cow's milk by YCF. METHODS: From the UK Diet and Nutrition Survey of Infants and Young Children, whole cow's milk consumers, aged 12-18 months (n = 591) were selected for simulation scenarios. In Scenario 1, we tested the replacement of all whole cow's milk (434 ± 187 ml/day) by a matching volume of YCF, and in Scenario 2, all whole cow's milk was replaced by the on-pack recommended daily intake of 300 ml. Nutrient intakes before and after simulation scenarios were compared and evaluated against nutrient recommendations. RESULTS: Intakes of protein and saturated fatty acids were significantly decreased, whereas essential fatty acid intakes were increased. The prevalence of nutrient inadequacy before simulation was 95.2% for vitamin D and 53.8% for iron. After simulation, inadequacy decreased to 4.9% (Scenario 1) and 0% (Scenario 2) for vitamin D and to 2.7% (Scenario 1) and 1.1% (Scenario 2) for iron. CONCLUSIONS: Replacement of habitual cow's milk intake by a matching volume or 300 ml of YCF may lead to nutritional intakes more in line with recommendations in young children.

Synbiotics-supplemented amino acid-based formula supports adequate growth in cow's milk allergic infants.

BACKGROUND: Children with cow's milk allergy (CMA) are at risk for inadequate nutritional intake and growth. Dietary management of CMA, therefore, requires diets that are not only hypoallergenic but also support adequate growth in this population. This study assessed growth of CMA infants when using a new amino acid-based formula (AAF) with prebiotics and probiotics (synbiotics) and evaluated its safety in the intended population. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled study, full-term infants with diagnosed CMA received either an AAF (control; n = 56) or AAF with synbiotics (oligofructose, long-chain inulin, acidic oligosaccharides, Bifidobacterium breve M-16V) (test; n = 54) for 16 wk. Primary outcome was growth, measured as weight, length and head circumference. Secondary outcomes included allergic symptoms and stool characteristics. RESULTS: Average age (±SD) of infants at inclusion was 4.5 ± 2.4 months. Both formulas equally supported growth according to WHO 2006 growth charts and resulted in similar increases of weight, length and head circumference. At week 16, differences (90% CI) in Z-scores (test-control) were as follows: weight 0.147 (-0.10; 0.39, p = 0.32), length -0.299 (-0.69; 0.09, p = 0.21) and head circumference 0.152 (-0.15; 0.45, p = 0.40). Weight-for-age and length-for-age Z-scores were not significantly different between the test and control groups. Both formulas were well tolerated and reduced allergic symptoms; the number of adverse events was not different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that shows that an AAF with a specific synbiotic blend, suitable for CMA infants, supports normal growth and growth similar to the AAF without synbiotics. This clinical trial is registered as NCT00664768.

Nutritional status of breast-fed and non-exclusively breast-fed infants from birth to age 5 months in 8 Chinese cities.

This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of infants aged 0 to 5 months by different feeding approaches. A cross-sectional study on infant nutrition was performed in eight cities in China. A total of 622 infants from birth to 2 months of age and 456 infants from 3 months to 5 months of age were included in this study. Mix-fed infants received breast milk and complementary foods from birth to 2 months of age. Approximately 38.2% of mix-fed infants received excessive vitamin A, and 15.6% of infants exceeded the tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) of zinc. For artificially fed infants who received only complementary foods, approximately 20% and 12.5% infants received inadequate dietary vitamin A and zinc intakes, respectively. The vitamin A and zinc intakes of half of the infants exceeded the ULs. Results showed that the usual intake distribution of the infants from 3 months to 5 months of age were similar to that of the infants from birth to 2 months of age. The common vitamin A and zinc intakes were also severely imbalanced. In addition, higher disease prevalence and lower Z scores of length-forage, weight-for-age, and weight-for-length were found in artificially fed infants and mix-fed infants compared with those in breast-fed infants. In conclusion, the usual nutrient intakes were adequate for the majority of Chinese infants, except for an important number of infants at risk for imbalance of vitamin A and zinc intakes.

Dietary behaviours and dental fluorosis among Gaza Strip children.

A high prevalence of dental fluorosis has been identified among children in the Gaza Strip. This study aimed to determine the history of breastfeeding and dietary behaviours among children in the Gaza Strip and to examine potential associations with the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis. A cross-sectional study recruited a stratified cluster random sample of 350 children aged 12-18 years and their mothers. Data about dietary behaviours in the first 7 years of life were collected by interview questionnaire. Dental fluorosis was determined using the Thyllstrup-Fejerskov index. A majority of children were breastfed exclusively in the first 6 months (82.9%) but 98.1% were given tea in the first year of life. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 78.0%. Both intake of animal proteins and plant proteins were negatively associated with the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis. Further studies to investigate fluoride intake is required to plan preventive interventions.

Donor breast milk versus infant formula for preterm infants: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of donor breast milk with infant formula in preterm infants. Separate comparisons with formula were made for donor breast milk that was: (1) given as a sole diet; (2) given as a supplement to mother's own breast milk; and (3) fortified with macronutrients and micronutrients. The main outcomes were death, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), infection, growth and development. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases-Cochrane, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and HMIC: DH. REVIEW METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis of trials and observational studies of preterm or low birthweight infants. RESULTS: Seven studies (including five randomised controlled trials), all from the 1970s and 1980s, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All studies compared the effect of sole donor breast milk with formula (combined n = 471). One of these also compared the effect of donor breast milk with formula given as a supplement to mother's own milk (n = 343). No studies examined fortified donor breast milk. A meta-analysis based on three studies found a lower risk of NEC in infants receiving donor breast milk compared with formula (combined RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.76). Donor breast milk was associated with slower growth in the early postnatal period, but its long-term effect is unclear. CONCLUSION: Donor breast milk is associated with a lower risk of NEC and slower growth in the early postnatal period, but the quality of the evidence is limited. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and measure the effect of fortified or supplemented donor breast milk.