Timing of infant formula introduction in relation to BMI and overweight at ages 1 and 3 years: the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study (BIGCS)

Mounting evidence suggests that the first few months of life are critical for the development of obesity. The relationships between the timing of solid food introduction and the risk of childhood obesity have been examined previously; however, evidence for the association of timing of infant formula introduction remains scarce. This study aimed to examine whether the timing of infant formula introduction is associated with growth z-scores and overweight at ages 1 and 3 years. This study included 5733 full-term (>= 37 gestational weeks) and normal birth weight (>= 2500 and < 4000 g) children in the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study, a prospective cohort study with data collected at 6 weeks, 6, 12 and 36 months. Compared with infant formula introduction at 0-3 months, introduction at 4-6 months was associated with the lower BMI, weight-for-age and weight-for-length z-scores at 1 and 3 years old. Also, introduction at 4-6 months was associated with the lower odds of at-risk of overweight at age 1 (adjusted OR 0 center dot 72, 95 % CI 0 center dot 55, 0 center dot 94) and 3 years (adjusted OR 0 center dot 50, 95 % CI 0 center dot 30, 0 center dot 85). Introduction at 4-6 months also decreased the odds of overweight at age 1 year (adjusted OR 0 center dot 42, 95 % CI 0 center dot 21, 0 center dot 84) but not at age 3 years. Based on our findings, compared with introduction within the first 3 months, introduction at 4-6 months has a reduction on later high BMI risk and at-risk of overweight. However, these results need to be replicated in other well-designed studies before more firm recommendations can be made.

Automated summary

Introducing infant formula at 4-6 months for full-term infants is associated with better growth and reduced risk of overweight at ages 1 and 3 years.