Infant feeding practice on growth velocity in 4-6 month-olds
Abstract: In developing countries, 5-10% of infants
suffer from failure to thrive. Adequate feeding is the most crucial factor for
optimal growth in early life.
Objective To assess the differences in growth velocity at 4 to 6 months
of age, based on the infant feeding practices.
Methods This cross-sectional study involving 4 to 6 month-old babies from
6 public health centres in Yogyakarta was performed from August to November
2016. Data on body weight, and growth velocity as they related to weight at
birth were collected. Subjects were divided into groups according to their
feeding practices.
Results Of 173 subjects, 130 (75%) infants were exclusively breastfed, 19
infants (11%) were given breast milk and formula, 14 (8%) infants were given
breast milk and complementary food (8%), and 10 (6%) infants were given formula
and complementary food. The mean growth velocity z-scores by group were as
follows: exclusively breastfed 0.04 (SD 1.15) (95%CI -0.16 to 0.24), breast
milk and formula -0.61 (SD 0.84) (95%CI -1.01 to -0.21), breast milk and
complementary food -0.69 (SD 1.14) (95%CI -1.35 to -0.04), formula and
complementary food 0.23 (SD 1.50) (95%CI: -0.84 to 1.31). The mean difference
in growth velocity between the exclusively breastfed vs. breast milk and
formula groups was 0.65 (SD 0.28) (95%CI: 0.10 to 1.20; P=0.02); vs. breast
milk and complementary food was 0.73 (SD 0.32) (95%CI: 0.10 to 1.37; P=0.02);
and vs. formula and complementary food was -0.19 (SD 0.37) (95%CI: -0.93 to
0.55; P=0.61).
Conclusion Exclusively breastfed have the most optimal growth velocity
compared to infants who experience other feeding practices.
Keywords: growth velocity;
feeding practice; infants
Author: Joko Kurniawan, Alifah
Anggraini, Madarina Julia
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg180016
