Infant Formula with Docosahexaenoic Acid, Maternal Smoking, and Body Mass Index of Children To Six Years of Age

Abstract

Research findings have suggested no differences in growth among term infants fed DHA supplemented formulas. Studies have found maternal smoking decreases length and increases weight of children. No studies have analyzed maternal smoking and DHA supplementation on growth of term infants to age six. The study aim was to determine if DHA supplementation in formula consumed from birth to one year and maternal smoking affects growth of children through six years. Anthropometric measures and maternal characteristics were collected at 16 study visits from birth to six years. DHA supplementation increased weight-for-age and height-for-age but not BMI-for-age percentiles from two to six years. Maternal smoking during pregnancy increased weight-for-age, height-for-age, and BMI-for-age percentiles. Weight-for-age was not affected by age, however, BMI increased by 6.5% per year. Energy intake was not related to DHA or maternal smoking during pregnancy, suggesting effects on body size and fatness were unrelated to energy intake differences.