Relationship between lipid profile, anthropometric indicators, and appetite-regulating hormones in infants according to type of feeding / Relación entre perfil lipídico, indicadores antropométricos y hormonas reguladoras del apetito en lactantes según tipo de alimentación

Background: infants receiving full breastfeeding (FBF) regulate their appetites differently from those receiving human milk substitutes (HMS). In addition, early exposure to the dietary cholesterol in human milk could lead to better cholesterol regulation in later stages of life. Therefore, the purpose was to compare lipid profiles in 4-month-old infants and to correlate lipid profile with anthropometric indicators and appetite-regulating hormones according to the type of feeding. Methods: this was a cross-sectional and correlational study, which included 145 mother-infant dyads according to the type of feeding; 64 received FBF, 47 partial breastfeeding (PBF), and 34 HMS. The complete lipid profile, total ghrelin, leptin, peptide YY, and glucagon-like peptide type 1 were measured. Z-scores for weight/age, length/age, weight/length, triceps (TSF) and subscapular folds (SSF) and body mass index for age were also obtained. Results: there were significant differences in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol according to the type of feeding. In the HMS group, an inverse relationship was observed between ghrelin and triglycerides (p = 0.038), ghrelin and total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.026), and peptide YY and HDL cholesterol (p = 0.017). In the PBF group, a direct relationship was observed between length/age (z) and triglycerides (p = 0.001) and between subscapular folds and TC (p = 0.049). In infants receiving HMS, a direct correlation was observed between weight/age (z) and TC (p = 0.045) and between length/age (z) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.010). Conclusion: these findings show a relationship between growth, energy reserve, lipid profile, and modulation of appetite-regulating hormones according to the type of feeding they received. (AU)

Introducción: los lactantes que reciben lactancia materna completa (LMC) regulan su apetito de manera diferente a los que reciben sucedáneos de la leche humana (SLH). Además, la exposición temprana al colesterol en la leche humana conduciría a mejor regulación del colesterol en etapas posteriores de la vida. El propósito fue de comparar el perfil lípidos en lactantes de cuatro meses y correlacionarlo con indicadores antropométricos y hormonas reguladoras del apetito según el tipo de alimentación. Métodos: en un estudio transversal y correlacional se incluyeron 145 díadas madre-lactante según el tipo de alimentación; 64 recibieron LMC, 47 lactancia materna parcial (LMP) y 34 SLH. Se midió el perfil lipídico, grelina total, leptina, péptido YY y péptido tipo 1 similar al glucagón. Se obtuvieron puntajes Z para peso/edad, longitud/edad, peso/longitud, pliegue cutáneo tricipital y subescapular e índice de masa corporal para la edad. Resultados: hubo diferencias significativas en triglicéridos y colesterol LDL según el tipo de alimentación. En el grupo HMS se observó una relación inversa entre grelina y triglicéridos (p = 0,038), grelina y colesterol total (TC) (p = 0,026), y péptido YY y colesterol HDL (p = 0,017). En el grupo PBF hubo relación directa entre longitud/edad (z) y triglicéridos (p = 0,001) y entre pliegues subescapulares y CT (p = 0,049). En los lactantes que recibieron HMS, se observó una correlación directa entre peso/edad (z) y CT (p = 0,045) y entre longitud/edad (z) y colesterol LDL (p = 0,010). Conclusión: los hallazgos muestran una relación entre perfil lipídico, crecimiento, reserva energética y modulación de las hormonas reguladoras del apetito según el tipo de alimentación. (AU)

Association between Maternal and Toddler Appetitive Traits in a Mexican Population.

The Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire for toddlers (CEBQ-T-Mex) and the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ-Esp) measure appetitive traits (ATs) in children and adults, respectively, both validated for use in Spanish. ATs are inherited variations in appetite, present from birth, that are reasonably stable throughout childhood and can explain why some infants over- or undereat in response to environmental exposures. "Food approach" traits predispose to overweight while "food avoidance" traits provide protection, but little is known about the relationships between parents' and their toddler's ATs. The aim was to examine the associations between maternal and toddler appetitive traits, using the AEBQ-Esp and CEBQ-T-Mex, and to examine the associations between ATs and Body Mass Index z-scores (BMIz). Sociodemographic data and the weights and heights of mothers and toddlers (aged 12-36 months) were collected from a teaching hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico. Mothers completed both the AEBQ-Esp and the CEBQ-T-Mex. Direct correlations were found between the ATs of toddlers and their mother (p < 0.005), except for "Slowness in Eating" (SE), and only an inverse correlation was found between the "Satiety Responsiveness" (SR) of toddlers and their BMIz (r = -0.147; p = 0.007). These results suggest that ATs could potentially run in families. These may be useful targets for family-wide interventions to support the development and maintenance of healthy eating behaviours in childhood.

Anthropometric Indicators and Dietary Intake in Toddlers Aged from 12 to 24 Months Who Attended Private Clinics in the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara.

The objective was to evaluate the anthropometric indicators and dietary intake of toddlers attending private clinics in Guadalajara. In a cross-sectional study, 101 toddlers aged 12 to 24 months were included. They were born full term, had an adequate weight for gestational age, and attended private clinics in Guadalajara. Two 24 h dietary recalls were administered. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and anthropometric indices were estimated. Student's t test or the Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and odds ratio were used for quantitative or qualitative variables. Males had lower Z scores for the weight/age index than females. During the week, energy intake was excessive in males [OR = 5.5 (95% CI 1.4, 20.8)], and cholesterol intake was insufficient in females [OR = 3.03 (95% CI 1.2, 7.1)]. On weekends, energy [OR = 2.5 (95% CI 1.1, 5.7)] and fiber intake [OR = 3.1 (95% CI 1.2, 7.8)] were insufficient in females. Most of the toddlers who attend the private clinics in the upper-middle socioeconomic stratum of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area had excessive protein intake, excessive consumption of added sugars was frequent, and there was insufficient intake of vitamin D and calcium. Sex was shown to be a factor influencing nutrient intake in these toddlers aged 12-24 months. Males had a Z-score of weight/age lower than females, suggesting nutritional risk.

Relationship between lipid profile, anthropometric indicators, and appetite-regulating hormones in infants according to type of feeding.

Introduction: Background: infants receiving full breastfeeding (FBF) regulate their appetites differently from those receiving human milk substitutes (HMS). In addition, early exposure to the dietary cholesterol in human milk could lead to better cholesterol regulation in later stages of life. Therefore, the purpose was to compare lipid profiles in 4-month-old infants and to correlate lipid profile with anthropometric indicators and appetite-regulating hormones according to the type of feeding. Methods: this was a cross-sectional and correlational study, which included 145 mother-infant dyads according to the type of feeding; 64 received FBF, 47 partial breastfeeding (PBF), and 34 HMS. The complete lipid profile, total ghrelin, leptin, peptide YY, and glucagon-like peptide type 1 were measured. Z-scores for weight/age, length/age, weight/length, triceps (TSF) and subscapular folds (SSF) and body mass index for age were also obtained. Results: there were significant differences in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol according to the type of feeding. In the HMS group, an inverse relationship was observed between ghrelin and triglycerides (p = 0.038), ghrelin and total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.026), and peptide YY and HDL cholesterol (p = 0.017). In the PBF group, a direct relationship was observed between length/age (z) and triglycerides (p = 0.001) and between subscapular folds and TC (p = 0.049). In infants receiving HMS, a direct correlation was observed between weight/age (z) and TC (p = 0.045) and between length/age (z) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.010). Conclusion: these findings show a relationship between growth, energy reserve, lipid profile, and modulation of appetite-regulating hormones according to the type of feeding they received.

Introducción: Introducción: los lactantes que reciben lactancia materna completa (LMC) regulan su apetito de manera diferente a los que reciben sucedáneos de la leche humana (SLH). Además, la exposición temprana al colesterol en la leche humana conduciría a mejor regulación del colesterol en etapas posteriores de la vida. El propósito fue de comparar el perfil lípidos en lactantes de cuatro meses y correlacionarlo con indicadores antropométricos y hormonas reguladoras del apetito según el tipo de alimentación. Métodos: en un estudio transversal y correlacional se incluyeron 145 díadas madre-lactante según el tipo de alimentación; 64 recibieron LMC, 47 lactancia materna parcial (LMP) y 34 SLH. Se midió el perfil lipídico, grelina total , leptina , péptido YY y péptido tipo 1 similar al glucagón. Se obtuvieron puntajes Z para peso/edad, longitud/edad, peso/longitud, pliegue cutáneo tricipital y subescapular e índice de masa corporal para la edad. Resultados: hubo diferencias significativas en triglicéridos y colesterol LDL según el tipo de alimentación. En el grupo HMS se observó una relación inversa entre grelina y triglicéridos (p = 0,038), grelina y colesterol total (TC) (p = 0,026), y péptido YY y colesterol HDL (p = 0,017). En el grupo PBF hubo relación directa entre longitud/edad (z) y triglicéridos (p = 0,001) y entre pliegues subescapulares y CT (p = 0,049). En los lactantes que recibieron HMS, se observó una correlación directa entre peso/edad (z) y CT (p = 0,045) y entre longitud/edad (z) y colesterol LDL (p = 0,010). Conclusión: los hallazgos muestran una relación entre perfil lipídico, crecimiento, reserva energética y modulación de las hormonas reguladoras del apetito según el tipo de alimentación.

Gurka vs Slaughter equations to estimate the fat percentage in children with cerebral palsy from all subtypes and levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System.

BACKGROUND: Body composition assessment in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is a challenge, specially the fat percentage. There are different methods that can be used to estimate the fat percentage in this population, such as anthropometric equations, but there is still a need to determine which is the best and most accurate. The purpose of the study was to determine the method that best estimates the fat percentage in children from all CP subtypes and levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study in which 108 children with CP diagnosed by a pediatric neurologist were included with any type of dysfunction and from all levels of the GFMCS. Slaughter equation, Gurka equation and Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as reference method, were used. Groups were stratified by sex, CP subtypes, GMFCS level and Tanner stage. Median differences, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's correlation coefficients and simple regressions were used, also multivariate models were performed. RESULTS: The Slaughter equation differed from the other methods in the total population and when it was compared by sex, CP subtypes, gross motor function and Tanner stage. The Gurka equation showed significant differences by sex and gross motor function. Gurka equation correlated positively and significantly with BIA to estimate the fat percentage in all the CP subtypes and levels of the GMFCS. Tricipital skinfold (TSF), arm fat area (AFA) and weight for age index (W/A) showed the highest variability with respect to fat percentage. CONCLUSION: Gurka equation is more appropriate and accurate than Slaughter equation to estimate the fat percentage in children with CP from all subtypes and levels of the GMFCS.

Adiposity and feeding practices in the first two years of life among toddlers in Guadalajara, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Feeding practices in the first two years of life have a direct impact on nutritional status and adiposity. The purpose of this study was to identify the differences in feeding practices during the first two years of life by sex and type of feeding in the first semester of postnatal life and their relationships with adiposity in toddlers. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study that included 150 toddlers aged 12 to 24 months who were healthy, full-term, and had adequate weight for their gestational ages, was conducted at the New Civil Hospital and at a private practice in Guadalajara. Body compositions were obtained by bioelectrical impedance (BIA) measurements, and a modified questionnaire was used. Then, the parents completed two 24-h dietary recalls. In addition to the descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used in the contrast analysis of the quantitative variables. To analyze the qualitative variables, we used X2 tests. Afterward, linear regression tests were conducted to identify the relationships between adiposity and feeding practices during the first two years. RESULTS: There were direct relationships between adiposity and duration of full breastfeeding (r = 0.610, p = 0.021), age of introduction of ultra-processed products (r = 0.311, p = 0.011), sugar (r = 0.186; p = 0.024) and age at which eggs were introduced (r = -0.202; p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Adiposity was related to feeding practices in the first two years of life in toddlers.

Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria in Human Milk and Maternal Adiposity.

The main objective was to explore the relationship between the microbiota of human milk and adiposity in Mexican mothers during the first lactation stage. METHODS: Seventy lactating women were included. Adiposity by anthropometric measurements and by bioelectric impedance was obtained. The donation of human milk was requested, from which bacterial DNA was extracted and qPCR of the 16S region was performed. The Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman and Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regressions models were also calculated. RESULTS: The median percentage of Bacteroidetes had a direct and significant correlation with normal adiposity, current BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. The correlation with current BMI became significantly inverse in women with BMI ≥ 25. In women with normal BMI, the percentage of Actinobacteria showed a direct and significant correlation with current BMI, waist circumference, and percentage of body fat. Multiple linear regressions showed that pre-pregnancy BMI was the variable with the highest predictive value with the Bacteroidetes phyla in normal BMI and in BMI ≥ 25. CONCLUSIONS: the adiposity of the woman before pregnancy and during lactation would have an important effect on the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria in human milk.

Bone mineral density and body composition in normal weight, overweight and obese children.

BACKGROUND: There is a possibility that excess body fat affects bone mass gain and may compromise skeletal health in obese children. The purpose of the study was to identify the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition in normal weight, overweight and obese children. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 6- to 11-year-old children who attended the hospital's outpatient clinic. They were apparently healthy and had no history of prematurity, low birth weight, or chronic diseases. Body mass index (BMI) was used to identify subjects as normal weight, overweight or obese. BMD and body composition were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The BMD values (total and lumbar spine) were compared between normal weight, overweight and obese children. Correlation coefficients were calculated, and multivariate models were performed. RESULTS: Forty-nine children were included: 16 with normal weight, 15 that were overweight and 18 with obesity; the mean age was 8.4 ± 1.7 years. All the participants had a normal BMD (> - 2 SD). BMD was higher in obese children and had a positive correlation with total and trunk lean mass in the three study groups (p < 0.001). In obese children, an inverse correlation of lumbar spine BMD (Z score) with total and trunk fat mass (p < 0.05) was identified. In the multivariate models (with the whole group), the total lean mass was the only significant variable that explained BMD variability. CONCLUSIONS: BMD in obese children was higher than that in normal weight children, which is explained by their greater lean mass and not by excess body fat. In obese children, a higher fat mass was related to a lower lumbar spine BMD. Lean mass had a direct correlation with BMD in the three study groups and was the most important predictor of BMD, reflecting the importance of strengthening the muscular system through performing physical activity and practicing a healthy lifestyle.

Volviéndonos mejores: necesidad de acción inmediata ante el reto de la obesidad. Una postura de profesionales de la salud.

La creciente epidemia de obesidad ha sido uno de los retos más importantes de salud pública en México durante los últimos años. Con apoyo de la Federación Mundial de Obesidad, en 2021 formamos un grupo de profesionales para identificar y resumir las acciones prioritarias en las que puede enfocarse nuestro país para hacer frente a esta epidemia. Al proceso de desarrollo y discusión de este grupo se sumaron más de 1 000 profesionales de la salud para retomar recomendaciones de documentos y guías de alto nivel previamente publicados. En conmemoración del Día Mundial de la Obesidad, en este 2022 se presenta esta postura como insumo para el desarrollo de acciones en el ámbito profesional y de los diferentes sectores, en la que se incluyen 10 recomendaciones de acción, desde la perspectiva poblacional hasta la atención individualizada, y se enfatiza en la importancia de la participación social, de las intervenciones integrales con visión centrada en la persona y de la sostenibilidad planetaria, además de mejorar la educación y las campañas de difusión, propiciar un ambiente promotor de entornos activos y blindar de conflictos de interés los esfuerzos de prevención y control. La postura hace un llamado para abordar la obesidad de manera seria, con base en la evidencia científica, oportuna e integral, con enfoque de curso de vida, de forma ética y sensible, y sin perpetuar las barreras del estigma de peso en la sociedad.

Volviéndonos mejores: necesidad de acción inmediata ante el reto de la obesidad. Una postura de profesionales de la salud / Becoming better: the need for immediate action to address obesity. A position statement from health professionals

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Abstract: In recent decades, the growing obesity epidemic in Mexico has become one of the most important public health challenges faced by the country. With support from the World Obesity Federation, we formed a working group in 2021 to identify and summarize priority actions that Mexico can take to face this epidemic. More than 1 000 health professionals joined the development and discussion process. Recommendations from previously published, high-level documents and guidelines were taken into account. In commemoration of World Obesity Day 2022, this statement is presented as input for health care professionals to develop actions to address obesity. The statement includes 10 recommendations that include population-level and individual-level actions. It emphasizes the importance of social participation, comprehensive interventions with a person- centered perspective, planetary sustainability, on improving education and communication campaigns, as well as fostering a built environment that promotes active living, and shielding prevention and control efforts from conflicts of interest. The statement calls for obesity to be treated seriously, based on scientific evidence, in a timely and comprehensive manner, employing a life-course and ethical approach that does not perpetuate weight stigma in society.

Intergenerational transmission of appetite: Associations between mother-child dyads in a Mexican population.

The Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) and the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ) measure 'food approach' [Food responsiveness (FR); Emotional overeating (EOE); Enjoyment of food (EF); Desire to Drink] and 'food avoidant' [Satiety responsiveness (SR); Emotional undereating (EUE); Food fussiness (FF); Slowness in eating (SE)] appetitive traits (ATs) in children and adults, respectively. 'Food approach' traits predispose to overweight while 'food avoidance' traits provide protection, but little is known about the relationships between parents' and their offspring's ATs. The aim was to examine the associations between maternal and child appetitive traits, using the AEBQ-Esp and CEBQ-Mex adapted for use in Mexican populations. Sociodemographic data, weights and heights of mothers and their children (aged 3-13 years), who were recruited from a teaching hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico, were measured. Mothers completed both the AEBQ-Esp and the CEBQ-Mex. The CEBQ-Mex was developed, and its reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha and Omega, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to assess its validity. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to assess associations between mothers' and children's Ats. The sample included 842 mother-child dyads (mother's mean age = 34.8±SD6.9 years, BMI 29.7±6.1 kg/m2; children's mean age = 8.5 ±SD2.5 years, BMIz 1.5±1.6). Internal reliability was moderate to high [Cronbach alpha = .68-.86; Omega = .71-.87] for the CEBQ-Mex and validity was confirmed for an 8-factor model through CFA [RMSEA = 0.065; CFI = 0.840, NFI = 0.805; IFI = 0.842; and χ2(df = 532) = 2939.51, p < 0.001]. All but one of the children's appetitive traits showed small to moderate, significant correlations with their mother's counterpart [FR (r = .22; p<001); EOE (r = .30; p < .001); EF (r = .15; < .001); SR (r = .16; p < .001); EUE (r = .34; p < .001) and FF (r = .14; p < .001). Only SE was not significantly associated with maternal SE (r = .01; p>.05). ATs tend to run in families, signalling the intergenerational transmission of eating behaviours. These may be useful targets for family-wide interventions to support the development and maintenance of healthy eating behaviours in childhood.

Examining the validity and consistency of the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire-Español (AEBQ-Esp) and its relationship to BMI in a Mexican population.

PURPOSE: Appetitive traits in adults and their associations with weight can be measured using the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ). The aim of this study was to confirm the factor structure of the Spanish AEBQ (AEBQ-Esp) in a Mexican sample and explore associations between the eight traits with body mass index (BMI). METHOD: A sample of 1023 adults, mean age of 36.8 ± 12.8 years, was recruited from Guadalajara, Mexico. Researchers weighed and measured participants, and they completed the AEBQ-Esp either online or in paper format and reported sociodemographic data. To test two alternative factor structures (eight factors including Hunger; seven factors excluding Hunger), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used. Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha; test-retest reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients. Multivariate linear regressions were used to test for associations between the AEBQ subscales and BMI, adjusted for age, sex, format of AEBQ responses, education, marital and employment status. RESULTS: A seven-factor structure was the best model fit using CFA, excluding the Hunger subscale but similar to the original AEBQ. Internal reliability was good for all subscales (Cronbach's α = 0.70-0.86), and the intra-class correlation coefficient (0.70-0.91) reflected good test-retest reliability. In the fully adjusted models, Satiety Responsiveness [ß = - 0.61; (- 1.01, - 0.21)] and Slowness in Eating [ß = - 0.70; (- 1.01, - 0.39)] were negatively associated with BMI, and Emotional Over-Eating [ß = 0.94; (0.62, 1.27)] was positively associated with BMI. CONCLUSIONS: The AEBQ-Esp (excluding Hunger) appears to be a valid and reliable psychometric questionnaire for measuring appetitive traits in a Mexican Spanish-speaking population. Some traits appear to be associated with BMI in adulthood and warrant further exploration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies. Although this was just an observational study, it was well designed and provided new evidence.

Validity and Reliability of the Baby and Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire, Toddler Version (BEBQ-Mex and CEBQ-T-Mex) in a Low Sociodemographic Sample Recruited in a Mexican Hospital.

The objective of this study was to validate and measure the internal reliability of the Baby and Child Eating Behavior Questionnaires for Toddlers (BEBQ-Mex and CEBQ-T-Mex), that evaluate appetitive trait (ATs). Mothers recruited from a public hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico, completed the BEBQ-Mex or CEBQ-T-Mex along with information on sociodemographic characteristics. Internal reliability of the BEBQ-Mex was sufficient for Food Responsiveness (FR) (Cronbach α = 0.82), while Enjoyment of Food (EF) and Satiety Responsiveness (SR) showed poor reliability (α = 0.56) and Slowness in Eating (SE) had unacceptable reliability (a = 0.36). All reliability values for the CEBQ-T-Mex were acceptable (>0.70), except for SE (α = 0.64). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed an adequate model fit for the BEBQ-Mex, except the SE subscale. CFA for the CEBQ-T-Mex confirmed the six-factor structure. Mothers of a low sociodemographic background were unable to recognize their infants' ATs; the BEBQ-Mex partly met the criteria for validity and reliability. Mothers from similar sociodemographic characteristics were more able to recognize the ATs of their toddlers than their infants; the CEBQ-T-Mex was found to be a valid and reliable tool. Findings support the need to help mothers' ability to recognize their infants' ATs, which have been previously associated with weight and growth.

Influence of Breastfeeding Factors on Polyamine Content in Human Milk.

The polyamine content of human breast milk, which is the first exogenous source of polyamines for the newborn, can be affected by several factors associated with the mother, the infant, or breastfeeding itself. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different breastfeeding factors on the polyamines found in human milk. For this study, a cohort of 83 mothers was considered for up to 4 months, and a subgroup of 33 mothers were followed during the first six months of breastfeeding. Two breast milk samples were collected at each sampling point (foremilk and hindmilk) and the polyamine content was determined by UHPLC-FL. Polyamine levels varied considerably between the mothers and tended to decrease over time. Putrescine was the minor polyamine, whereas spermidine and spermine contents were very similar. The concentrations of the three polyamines were significantly higher in hindmilk than foremilk (p < 0.001). Spermidine and spermine levels decreased significantly through the lactation progress (p < 0.05). Finally, slightly higher levels of polyamines were observed in the milk of mothers providing partial, rather than full, breastfeeding, although the differences were not significant. The polyamine content in human milk was found to change during a single feed (foremilk versus hindmilk) and as lactation progressed, mainly in response to the specific circumstances of the newborn.

Percentile Reference Values for the Neck Circumference of Mexican Children.

Neck circumference was studied for the first time in a pediatric population in 2010. Since then, various countries have proposed cutoff values to identify overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. However, no reference values have been established for the Mexican child population. The aim of this study is to provide percentile reference values for the neck circumference of Mexican schoolchildren. Only normal-weight schoolchildren aged 6-11 years were included. Percentiles and growth charts were constructed based on the "Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale and Shape" (GAMLSS). A total of 1059 schoolchildren (52.9% female) was evaluated. Weight, height, and BMI values were higher for males; however, this difference was not statistically significant. The 50th percentile for females was 24.6 cm at six years old and 28.25 cm at 11 years old, and for males, it was 25.75 cm and 28.76 cm, respectively. Both males and females displayed a pronounced increase in neck circumference between 10 and 11 years of age. The greatest variability was found in the 11-year-old group, with an increase of 5.5 cm for males and 5.4 cm for females. This study presents the first reference values for neck circumference for a Mexican child population.

Influence of the Type of Breastfeeding and Human Milk Polyamines on Infant Anthropometric Parameters.

Feeding choices in the early months of life are key determinants of growth during infancy. Polyamines participate in cell proliferation and differentiation, and it has also been suggested that polyamine metabolism plays a role in adipogenesis. As the main exogenous source of polyamines in the infant is human milk, the aim of this work was to study if the type of breastfeeding received and the polyamine intake from human milk has an influence on infant anthropometric parameters. A cohort of 78 full-term healthy newborns was followed up until 4 months of age; 55 were fully and 23 partially breastfed. Anthropometric measurements were taken at 2 and 4 months, when human milk samples were also collected for analysis of polyamine content by UHPLC-FL. Fully breastfed infants had a better anthropometric profile than those partially breastfed (p < 0.05). Furthermore, polyamine intake in partially breastfed infants was significantly lower compared to those fully breastfed. However, only two of the 15 anthropometric indicators evaluated (triceps skinfold and mean upper arm circumference) showed a significant inverse association with polyamine content in human milk and intake (p < 0.05). Infant growth and body composition differ according to the type of breastfeeding received. Based on the weak associations between polyamines and anthropometric indicators, it is not possible to conclude the influence of polyamines in infant growth and body composition.

Full Breastfeeding Modifies Anthropometric and Body Composition Indicators in Nursing Mothers.

Background: It has been observed that breastfeeding mobilizes the deposits of fat that accumulate during pregnancy and promotes weight loss through energy expenditure. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that full breastfeeding (FBF) reduces anthropometric and body composition indicators in women between the 8th and the 16th week postpartum. Methods: In a nonrandom cohort study, 170 mothers at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México, were enrolled: FBF 74, partial breastfeeding (PBF) 57, and human milk substitutes (HMS) 39. Anthropometric indicators and body composition were measured at the 8th and 16th week postpartum. We performed analysis of variance to compare body composition according to the type of feeding and paired Student's t-test to compare the changes from the 8th to 16th week postpartum. Results: We found that FBF mothers had a trend to lower arm fat area and triceps skinfold than PBF and HMS mothers at 8 and 16 weeks postpartum. We observed a decrease in weight (p = 0.004), weight/age index (p = 0.003), body mass index (p = 0.003), hip circumference (p = 0.037), and lean mass (p = 0.003) from 8 to 16 weeks postpartum in mothers who offered FBF. The mid-upper arm circumference, the arm total area, and their z-score increased in the three feeding groups. Conclusions: Our results show that FBF mothers had some lower adiposity from 8 to 16 weeks postpartum compared with the result observed among PBF mothers and those who utilized HMS.

Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Agave Inulin in Children with Cerebral Palsy and Chronic Constipation: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial.

The main objective was to assess the efficacy of a probiotic (Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938), a prebiotic (agave inulin), and a synbiotic on the stool characteristics in children with cerebral palsy and chronic constipation. Thirty-seven children with cerebral palsy and chronic constipation were included. The probiotic group received 1 × 108 colony forming unit (cfu) of L. reuteri DSM 17938 plus placebo, the prebiotic group received 4 g of agave inulin plus placebo, the synbiotic group received L. reuteri DSM 17938 plus agave inulin, and the placebo group received two placebos for 28 days. The probiotic group showed a significant decrease in stool pH (p = 0.014). Stool consistency improved in the prebiotic group (p = 0.008). The probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic groups showed a significant improvement in the history of excessive stool retention, the presence of fecal mass in the rectum, and the history of painful defecation. L. reuteri concentration in feces was higher in the probiotic group than in the placebo group (p = 0.001) and showed an inverse correlation with stool pH in the probiotic group (r = -0.762, p = 0.028). This study showed that the use of L. reuteri DSM 17938 and/or agave inulin improved the stool characteristics such as the history of painful defecation and the presence of fecal mass in the rectum against placebo in children with cerebral palsy and chronic constipation.