Background: High consumption of animal protein has been associated with accelerated growth and high infant BMI at 12 months of age.1 Rapid infant growth rates have been associated with increased risk of obesity in adolescence and adulthood. 2,3 While young children’s protein intakes have been described, we know little about the food sources of protein, nor the correlates or tracking of protein intakes across early life.
Aim: To describe food sources, correlates, and tracking of protein intakes in 424 young Victorian children using three 24-hour dietary recalls (children aged 9 and 18 months, 3.5 and 5 years) with mothers participating in longitudinal study The Melbourne InFANT Program.
Methods: Descriptive statistics described food-group contributions to total protein intakes at all ages. Associations between demographic and behaviour variables and protein density were examined. Tracking of protein intakes across childhood was assessed as correlations of residualised protein intakes.
Results: Mean (SD) protein (gms) intake was 29.7(10.8), 46.3(11.4), 54.3(13.7) and 59.9(14.7) at 9, 18 months, 3. 5 and 5 years respectively. Protein intakes at all ages were approximately 200% greater than age appropriate Australian recommendations. Tracking of protein intake was observed between all age groups. Further, intake at 9 and 18 months predicted intake at 5 years. The primary source of protein at 9 months was breast/formula milk. At later ages the principal sources were milk/milk products, breads/cereals and meat/meat products.
Higher protein density (g/1000kJ) at 9 and 18 months was associated with earlier cessation of breastfeeding (p<.0005).
Conclusion: Young children’s protein intakes exceed the Australian recommended daily intakes across the first five years of life and may increase the risk of adiposity. Understanding food sources and correlates of protein intake informs our understanding of how and why we might intervene to support appropriate intakes and in turn reduce protein-related obesity risk.