Milk and nutrient intake of breast-fed infants from 1 to 6 months: relation to growth and fatness

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1983;2(3):497-506. doi: 10.1097/00005176-198302030-00018.

Abstract

Dietary intake, milk composition, growth, and activity were monitored monthly for 20 breast-fed infants from 1 to 6 months. Breast milk intake (of infants receiving no more than 50 kcal from other foods) ranged from 341 to 1,096 ml/day, with mean intake increasing from 673 to 896 ml/day from 1 to 6 months. Energy intake per kilogram body weight averaged 113 kcal/kg/day at 1 month, decreasing to 85-89 kcal/kg/day at 5-6 months--considerably lower than the recommended 115 kcal/kg/day. At 6 months, all infants except one were above the 10th percentile of weight-for-age. Nutrient content of milk samples was similar to previously reported values. Protein, iron, zinc, copper, sodium, and potassium levels declined during the first 6 months. Intakes of iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium were lower than recommended allowances for infants. Weight-for-length and weight gain were significantly correlated with total energy intake, but not with activity level, during the first 6 months.

MeSH terms

  • Body Weight
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Energy Intake
  • Female
  • Growth*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Food*
  • Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Milk, Human
  • Nutritional Requirements
  • Obesity / etiology