Gain in weight and length during early infancy

doi:10.1016/0378-3782(89)90057-1

Early Human Development

Volume 19, Issue 4, July 1989, Pages 223-239

https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-3782(89)90057-1 Get rights and content

Abstract

Although rate of growth is generally recognized as a valuable indicator of health status, few reference data are available for gain in weight or length during the period of most rapid growth in infancy. We have therefore summarized our data concerning gains in length and weight of 203 breast-fed males, 216 breast-fed females, 380 formula-fed males, and 340 formula-fed females. Seven sets of measurements (at ages 8, 14, 28, 42, 56, 84 and 112 days) were made with each infant. The 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th centile values together with the means and standard deviations are presented for selected age intervals on a feeding-specific (i.e. breastfed or formula-fed) and sex-specific basis. We believe that these data will be useful as a reference for interpreting results of infant studies.

References (15)

R.N. Baumgartner et al.
Incremental growth tables: supplementary to previously-published charts
Am. J. Clin. Nutr.
(1986)
S.J. Fomon et al.
Soy protein isolates in infant feeding
S.J. Fomon et al.
Methionine fortification of a soy protein formula fed to infants
Am. J. Clin. Nutr.
(1979)
S.J. Fomon et al.
Requirement for sulfur-containing amino acids in infancy
J. Nutr.
(1986)
S.J. Fomon
Infant Nutrition
S.J. Fomon et al.
Amino acid requirements for normal growth
S.J. Fomon et al.
Influence of formula concentration on caloric intake and growth of normal infants
Acta Paediatr. Scand.
(1975)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (65)

A Review of Studies on the Growth of Infants Fed Infant Formula
2019, Current Developments in Nutrition
Growth of infants fed isocaloric infant formulas differing in nutritional content was studied. Twenty-three of 109 randomized clinical trials reported some difference in weight, length, or head circumference between formula groups. Logistic regression demonstrated no relation between enrollment prior to 15 d or duration of observation of 15 wk (parameters specified in regulation), and the finding of a significant difference in a growth outcome. Sample size and year of publication also were not correlated with report of a significant growth difference, even though there was a significant correlation between a growth effect and the reporting of data separately by sex (P = 0.012). The difference in mean weight gain between control and test formula groups was comparable to that between formula-fed and breast-fed infants (1 g/d) and smaller than that between male and female infants (4 g/d). Encouraging alternate study designs with flexible enrollment ages and infants who transition from breastfeeding to formula would provide information on physiologic outcomes and common feeding behaviors, as well as growth.
Breastfeeding
2008, Disease-a-Month
Citation Excerpt :
Any infant who has lost more than 10% of birth weight, who has not regained his birth weight by 2 weeks of age, or who has an unexplained weight loss or failure to gain properly must be evaluated immediately for insufficient weight gain. The infant should be gaining 20-30 g per day once the mother's milk is “in” by day 3-5 postpartum.79 Insufficient weight gain may occur because (1) the infant is not feeding effectively, (2) the infant has a higher than expected calorie need, or (3) mother has an insufficient milk supply.
Growth and metabolism of infants born to women infected with human immunodeficiency virus and fed acidified whey-adapted starter formulas
2008, Nutrition
Citation Excerpt :
Sample size was calculated based on weight gain (grams) per day assessed in the first 4 mo of life in infants with negative results for HIV test at 6 wk of age. Based on a study by Nelson et al. [20], 28 infants were needed in each group to allow for a type I error of 5% and a power of 80%, with a tolerated difference between the chemical and biological acidified formulas set to −3.9 g/d in weight gain between visits 1 and 6 to conclude that infants fed the chemically acidified formula displayed growth rates equal to or greater than infants fed a similar biologically acidified formula (non-inferiority). Allowing for an attrition rate of 30% (the numbers expected to be HIV positive and/or lost to follow-up), the number required to enroll was 50 in each group.
To compare the effects of a biologically and chemically acidified formula with or without probiotics with a standard formula on growth of infants negative for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
This was a double-masked, randomized, clinical trial. Infants born to consenting HIV-positive women who had decided not to breast-feed before being approached for participating in the study were randomized to receive one of four milk formulas: a chemically acidified formula with or without probiotics (Bifidobacterium lactis), a biologically acidified formula, or a standard whey formula. Infants who subsequently became HIV-positive according to polymerase chain reaction at 6 wk were excluded. Their growth and biochemical status were monitored for 4–6 mo. The z scores at the last visit of infants in each of the four formula groups were compared using analysis of covariance correcting for the z scores at baseline. Blood gases and pH were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance corrected for center.
One hundred thirty-two HIV-negative infants were monitored for growth and biochemical parameters for 4–6 mo. There was an improvement of z scores for all formulas, and there were no differences in weight for age (P = 0.22), length for age (P = 0.56), head circumference for age (P = 0.66), or weight for length (P = 0.13). There were no differences in blood pH and biochemical parameters among the formula groups.
The growth of infants fed one of the three acidified formulas was not inferior to the standard formula. Growth and metabolism in HIV-negative infants fed the acidified formulas were not affected by the method of milk acidification.
Effects of a Novel High-Quality Protein Infant Formula on Energetic Efficiency and Tolerance: A Randomized Trial
2022, Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Breastfeeding and Child Development
2022, American Economic Journal: Applied Economics
Greater male vulnerability to stunting? Evaluating sex differences in growth, pathways and biocultural mechanisms
2021, Annals of Human Biology

View all citing articles on Scopus

View full text

Gain in weight and length during early infancy

Abstract

Am. J. Clin. Nutr.

Am. J. Clin. Nutr.

J. Nutr.

Infant Nutrition

Amino acid requirements for normal growth

Influence of formula concentration on caloric intake and growth of normal infants

Acta Paediatr. Scand.