Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the long term effects of breast feeding on growth, bone development and nutrient intakes in preschool children. Subjects were 62 preschool children. Anthropometric characteristics and bone mineral density of carpus were measured using DEXA. The questionnaire was composed of health status, life style, dietary behaviors, and dietary intakes and was completed by the children's mothers. The average age of the boys was 62.4 months and that of the girls was 62.1 months. Average birth height and weight of the subjects was 50.9 cm and 3.4 kg for boys and 50.3 cm and 3.3 kg for girls, respectively. The average height, weight, % body fat, and obesity index were 111.7 cm, 19.6 kg, 15.0%, -2.1% in boys and 109.4 cm, 18.7 kg, 17.5%, 0.2% in girls, respectively. Forty children were fed colostrum, 21 were fed breast milk, 29 were fed formula, and 12 were fed mixed milk. There was no significant difference in growth status between children who were fed colostrum and those who were not. Children who had mixed feedings were significantly taller than those who did not (p < 0.001), and children who had colostrum had significantly higher bone mineral density than those who did not (0.25 +/- 0.04 g/ cm2 vs. 0.23 +/-0.04 g/cm2, p < 0.05). However, the different feeding methods did not show any difference in bone mineral density. Except vitamin B6, folic acid and vitamin E, vitamin, mineral and calorie intakes did not meet the Korean RDAs. Calcium intake was especially lower than recommendations by as much as 62% and 70% in boys and girls, respectively. There was no significant difference in nutrient intakes between children who had colostrum and those who did not. However, children who were formula consumed significantly more animal fat than those who did not (p < 0.05). Neonatal feeding and breast or formula feeding seems to associate with height, bone mineral density and animal fat intakes in preschool children, based on the results of this study. A longitudinal study is needed to clarify this relationship.

• Keywords: breast feeding; colostrum; preschool children; growth; bone mineral density; nutrient intakes