Comparison Of Growth Patterns In Exclusively Breastfed Vs Formula Fed Infants In First Year Of Life

Dr M. Vaishnavi; Dr Aryama Aniruddhan VJ; Dr Sruthi Yechuri; Dr N E Sudharsan; Dr Balagopal

doi:10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.379

Authors

Dr M. Vaishnavi
Dr Aryama Aniruddhan VJ
Dr Sruthi Yechuri
Dr N E Sudharsan
Dr Balagopal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.379

Keywords:

Infant nutrition, Breastfeeding, Formula feeding, Growth patterns, Body composition, Weight gain velocity, Infant development, Anthropometry, Bioelectrical impedance analysis, Growth standards

Abstract

Background: The influence of early feeding practices on infant growth trajectories has been a subject of increasing interest due to potential associations with long-term health outcomes. This study aimed to compare growth patterns between exclusively breastfed and formula-fed infants during the first year of life.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted with 50 healthy term infants (25 exclusively breastfed, 25 exclusively formula-fed) enrolled within the first week of life. Anthropometric measurements including weight, length, and head circumference were obtained at enrollment and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis at 3, 6, and 12 months. Growth parameters were converted to z-scores using WHO Child Growth Standards. Growth velocity and centile crossing patterns were also analyzed.

Results: The feeding groups showed comparable baseline characteristics except for maternal education, which was higher among breastfeeding mothers (p=0.042). Formula-fed infants exhibited significantly higher weight from 4 months onward (p<0.05) and higher weight-for-age and weight-for-length z-scores from 6 months onward (p<0.05), whereas length and head circumference remained comparable between groups. Growth velocity analysis revealed higher weight gain rates in formula-fed infants, particularly during 0-2 months (36.5 vs. 31.8 g/day, p=0.004). Body composition differed significantly, with formula-fed infants showing greater fat mass at all assessment points and higher body fat percentage at 6 and 12 months (p<0.01). Notably, 40.0% of formula-fed infants crossed upward by ≥2 weight-for-length centile lines compared to only 4.0% of breastfed infants (p=0.003).

Conclusions: Exclusive formula feeding was associated with accelerated weight gain, higher fat mass accumulation, and more frequent upward centile crossing despite comparable linear growth when compared to exclusive breastfeeding. These distinct growth trajectories highlight the importance of feeding mode as a determinant of early body composition development, with potential implications for future metabolic health.

Author Biographies

Dr M. Vaishnavi

Postgraduate, Department of Paediatrics

Dr Aryama Aniruddhan VJ

Assistant professor, Department of Paediatrics

Dr Sruthi Yechuri

Postgraduate, Department of Paediatrics

Dr N E Sudharsan

Assistant professor, Department of Paediatrics

Dr Balagopal

Professor, Department of Paediatrics

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