To test the primary hypothesis that a
possible causal factor for the
difference in long-term obesity risk
between breast and formula fed infants
is the much lower protein content of
breast milk compared to infant
formulae.
To do this by performing a double
blind randomised multicentre
intervention trial in healthy infants,
comparing isocaloric infant formulae
with high and low protein contents,
balanced by fat.
To validate the primary hypothesis with
epidemiological observational studies evaluating the effects of different
habitual protein intakes with traditional complementary feeding regimes in
infants in the same 5 countries.
To evaluate the relationship between
different types of infant feeding
regimes on a novel, early anthropometric
marker, namely the difference between
length at two years and length at birth,
or later obesity development.
To investigate the effects of these
infant feeding regimes on body
composition, energy expenditure,
physical activity, protein metabolism,
renal function, leptin and its binding
protein and on insulin like growth
factor1.
To disseminate the results widely to the
user communities.
To explore effective preventive
strategies by modification of the
composition and use of dietary products
for infants and thus contribute to
significant potential health benefits
for the European population.
Expected achievements:
Improved health and quality of life by
preventing childhood obesity,
Promotion of the benefits of
breast-feeding,
A better understanding of consumer
(parental) attitudes to infant feeding.
Applications
The potential for the development of
new infant foods (formula and
complementary foods),
The provision of safety data for
infant formula with adequate protein
content,
The provision of information for the
training of health professionals to make
it easier for them to advise consumers
about infant feeding.
