Influence of macronutrients on adiposity development: a follow up study of nutrition and growth from 10 months to 8 years of age.

Abstract

Protein at the age of 2 years is the only nutrient intake associated with fatness development pattern. A high protein intake increases body fatness at 8 years of age, via an early adiposity rebound. The association between protein intake and obesity is consistent with the increased stature and accelerated growth of obese children. A high fat low protein diet (such as human milk) is adapted to high energy demand for growth in early childhood. Our results suggest that high protein diet early in life could increase the risk of obesity and other pathologies later in life.