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Published in: Pediatric Nephrology 10/2004

01-10-2004 | Original Article

Increased kidney growth in formula-fed versus breast-fed healthy infants

Authors: Ida M. Schmidt, Ida N. Damgaard, Kirsten A. Boisen, Claudia Mau, Marla Chellakooty, Klaus Olgaard, Katharina M. Main

Published in: Pediatric Nephrology | Issue 10/2004

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Abstract

A high protein intake results in increased kidney growth and glomerular filtration rate in human adults and young rats. It is unknown whether kidney size in young infants is influenced by increased protein intake in formula-fed compared with breast-fed infants. We investigated the effect of formula versus breast feeding on kidney growth in a cohort of 631 healthy children examined at birth, and at 3 and 18 months of age. Kidney size was determined by ultrasonography and related to gender, age, body size, and feeding category (fully breast fed, partially breast fed, or fully formula fed at 3 months). Serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and estimated creatinine clearance were measured at 3 months of age. Kidney growth and serum urea nitrogen were significantly increased in partially or fully formula-fed 3-month-old infants. This effect was more pronounced in boys than in girls. The changes in relative kidney size were temporary, as they did not persist at 18 months of age, when all children received a normal mixed diet. The immediate renal effects of formula feeding should be taken into consideration for recommendations concerning infant feeding. Whether there are any long-term effects of early increased protein intake on later kidney function remains to be seen.
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Metadata
Title
Increased kidney growth in formula-fed versus breast-fed healthy infants
Authors
Ida M. Schmidt
Ida N. Damgaard
Kirsten A. Boisen
Claudia Mau
Marla Chellakooty
Klaus Olgaard
Katharina M. Main
Publication date
01-10-2004
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Pediatric Nephrology / Issue 10/2004
Print ISSN: 0931-041X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-198X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-004-1567-0

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