Energy expenditure of Chinese infants in Guangdong Province, south China, determined with use of the doubly labeled water method

Abstract

The doubly labeled water method was used to measure the energy expenditure of a group of 41, 4- or 6-mo-old infants with a cross-sectional design. The infants were divided into two groups according to whether they were breast-fed (11 at 4 mo, 9 at 6 mo) or formula fed (11 at 4 mo, 10 at 6 mo). Anthropometric measurements were recorded at birth and at the beginning and end of the 8-d study. Anthropometric data, which were supported by the food intake and energy expenditure results, indicated that the infants were within the norms for European and American infants of the same age. Mean energy intakes of 352 kJ (84 kcal) kg(-1) x d(-1) at 4 and 6 mo were lower than the FAO/WHO/UNU recommended value of 452 kJ (108 kcal) x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and Chinese recommendations of 502 kJ (120 kcal) kg(-1) x d(-1). However, some authors believe that values of 398 kJ (95 kcal) kg(-1) x d(-1) at 4 mo and 356 kJ (85 kcal) kg(-1) x d(-1) at 6 mo are more appropriate. At 6 mo the infants' length-for-age and weight-for-age were at the National Center for Health Statistics 55th and 47th percentiles, respectively, whereas 58% were below the 50th percentile for weight-for-length. We conclude that at 4 mo infants receive sufficient energy for their requirements. However, at 6 mo energy requirements might well be greater than the revised recommendations, when infants are being weaned to alternative foods and are more prone to the influence of diet on their growth and development.

PIP: This cross-sectional study uses the doubly labeled water method to measure energy intake, energy expenditure, and energy used for growth in groups of 4- and 6-month old Chinese infants who were predominantly either breast-fed or formula fed. Anthropometric measurements were recorded at birth and at the beginning and end of the 8-day study. Anthropometric data, which were supported by the food intake and energy expenditure results, indicated that the infants were within the norms for European and American infants of the same age. Mean energy intakes were lower than the WHO recommended value. However, some authors believe that values of 398 kilojoule (kJ) at 4 months and 356 kJ at 6 months were more appropriate. At 6 months old, the infants¿ length-for-age and weight-for-age were at the National Center for Health Statistics 55% and 47%, respectively, whereas 58% were below the 50% for weight-for-length. Therefore, infants at 4 months were able to receive sufficient energy for their requirements. However, at 6 months energy requirements might be greater than the revised recommendations, when infants were being weaned to alternative foods and were more prone to the influence of diet on their growth and development.