UQ study sizes up bouncing babies
UQ researchers are conducting the first study into what influences the bounce and body size of babies in their first year of life.
Professor Ross Shepherd of the Children's Nutrition Research Centre in the Paediatrics and Child Health department has been awarded a NHMRC research grant for two years to study energy metabolism and body composition in normal healthy infants in their first 12 months.
Research dietitian Coral Reichman said knowledge of energy metabolism and body composition was of major biological and health importance, particularly during infancy when growth rates and changes in body composition are higher than at any other part of the life cycle.
"Information is needed in this age group for the estimation of recommended daily energy requirements, for the appropriate design of infant formulae and for reference standards for comparative studies of disease states where growth is effected," Mrs Reichman said.
It is the first longitudinal study to look at all components of energy metabolism and body composition.
"We will be able to evaluate any effects of feeding mode - breast, formula or mixed feeding - on body composition," said Mrs Reichman. "We know that formula fed babies tend to be heavier than breast fed babies and this information will help us to understand where this extra weight is being deposited in the body."
The study will also investigate whether the amount of energy used up in activity has any effect on where food energy is deposited in the body and seek to discover if active babies have more muscle mass.
"The parents' body fat will also be measured to allow investigation of any correlation between the body composition of the parents and that of the infant to be investigated," Mrs Reichman said.
"Differences in energy metabolism and body composition at this critical stage of development may have a major influence on future health, particularly the occurrence of obesity. With the incidence of obesity increasing in our society, it is important to understand any contributing factors which may help with future management and prevention."
Babies up to six weeks old are needed for the study. All tests are non-invasive and is carried out in the Body Composition Laboratory at the Royal Children's Hospital.
The first testing session occurs at six to eight weeks, with follow-ups at three, six, nine and 12 months. Both breast and formula fed babies are needed, but Mrs Reichman said formula-fed babies were needed at present.
For more information, contact Coral Reichman on (07) 3253-5243.
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