Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • Original Article
  • Published:

Maternal and pediatric nutrition

Maternal obesity and offspring dietary patterns at 9 months of age

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 69, pages 668–675 (2015)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background/Objectives:

Differences in the quality of complementary feeding between infants of obese and nonobese mothers have not been examined sufficiently. The aim of this paper was to compare dietary patterns, foods, nutrients and energy intakes of 9-month-old Danish infants in a cohort comprising obese mothers (SKOT II, n=184; SKOT, Danish abbreviation of small children's diet and well-being) with a cohort consisting mainly of nonobese mothers (SKOT I, n=329).

Subjects/Methods:

Dietary intake was assessed by 7-day records, and dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis.

Results:

SKOT I was characterized by a lower maternal body mass index (BMI) and a higher social class than SKOT II in relation to parental education and occupation. Infants in SKOT II had lower scores on a Health-Conscious Food pattern reflected at the food group level, for example, with lower intake of the food groups Fruit and Vegetable but higher intake of WheatBreadNoWholegrain in SKOT II compared with SKOT I. Moreover, SKOT II had shorter durations of breastfeeding, earlier introductions of complementary feeding, higher energy intake from protein but lower energy intakes from monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids at 9 months. SKOT II had higher weight-for-age and length-for-age z-scores, but no differences in BMI z-scores, as compared with SKOT I at 9 months.

Conclusions:

Infants of obese mothers from a lower social class seem to have a less healthy diet and higher weight and length z-scores at 9 months. Therefore, the promotion of healthy complementary feeding might be beneficial for the prevention of health implications, such as obesity, later in life for these infants.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Buy this article

  • Purchase on Springer Link
  • Instant access to full article PDF
Buy now

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Frias AE, Grove KL . Obesity: a transgenerational problem linked to nutrition during pregnancy. Semin Reprod Med 2012; 30: 472–478.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Harder T, Bergmann R, Kallischnigg G, Plagemann A . Duration of breastfeeding and risk of overweight: a meta-analysis. Am J Epidemiol 2005; 162: 397–403.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Durand EF, Logan C, Carruth A . Association of maternal obesity and childhood obesity: implications for healthcare providers. J Community Health Nurs 2007; 24: 167–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Thompson AL . Intergenerational impact of maternal obesity and postnatal feeding practices on pediatric obesity. Nutr Rev 2013; 71 (Suppl 1), S55–S61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Baker JL, Michaelsen KF, Sorensen TI, Rasmussen KM . High prepregnant body mass index is associated with early termination of full and any breastfeeding in Danish women. Am J Clin Nutr 2007; 86: 404–411.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Lepe M, Bacardi GM, Castaneda-Gonzalez LM, Perez Morales ME, Jimenez CA . Effect of maternal obesity on lactation: systematic review. Nutr Hosp 2011; 26: 1266–1269.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Michaelsen KF, Greer FR . Protein needs early in life and long-term health. Am J Clin Nutr 2014; 99: 718S–722S.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Pearce J, Langley-Evans SC . The types of food introduced during complementary feeding and risk of childhood obesity: a systematic review. Int J Obes (Lond) 2013; 37: 477–485.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Kiefte-de Jong JC, de Vries JH, Bleeker SE, Jaddoe VW, Hofman A, Raat H et al. Socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants of 'Western-like' and 'Health conscious' dietary patterns in toddlers. Br J Nutr 2013; 109: 137–147.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Robinson S, Marriott L, Poole J, Crozier S, Broland S, Lawrence W et al. Dietary patterns in infancy: the importance of maternal and family influences on feeding practice. Br J Nutr 2007; 98: 1029–1037.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Smithers LG, Brazionis L, Golley RK, Mittinty MN, Northstone K, Emmett P et al. Associations between dietary patterns at 6 and 15 months of age and sociodemographic factors. Eur J Clin Nutr 2012; 66: 658–666.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Ystrom E, Niegel S, Vollrath ME . The impact of maternal negative affectivity on dietary patterns of 18-month-old children in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Matern Child Nutr 2009; 5: 234–242.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Madsen AL, Schack-Nielsen L, Larnkjaer A, Molgaard C, Michaelsen KF . Determinants of blood glucose and insulin in healthy 9-month-old term Danish infants; the SKOT cohort. Diabet Med 2010; 27: 1350–1357.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Renault KM, Norgaard K, Nilas L, Carlsen EM, Cortes D, Pryds O et al. The Treatment of Obese Pregnant Women (TOP) study: a randomized controlled trial of the effect of physical activity intervention assessed by pedometer with or without dietary intervention in obese pregnant women. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2014; 210: 134–139.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Carlsen EM, Kyhnaeb A, Renault KM, Cortes D, Michaelsen KF, Pryds O . Telephone-based support prolongs breastfeeding duration in obese women: a randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2013; 98: 1226–1232.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Gondolf UH, Tetens I, Hills AP, Michaelsen KF, Trolle E . Validation of a pre-coded food record for infants and young children. Eur J Clin Nutr 2012; 66: 91–96.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Molander E, Virtanen S, Thorgeisdottir H, Aarum AKO, Mattisson I . Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2012 Integrating Nutrition and Physical Activity. Nordic Council of Ministers: Copenhagen, Denmark, 2013.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Wells JC, Davies PS . Can body size predict infant energy requirements? Arch Dis Child 1999; 81: 429–430.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Michaelsen KF, Larsen PS, Thomsen BL, Samuelson G . The Copenhagen Cohort Study on Infant Nutrition and Growth: breast-milk intake, human milk macronutrient content, and influencing factors. Am J Clin Nutr 1994; 59: 600–611.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Statistics Denmark. Family income. Available at: http://www.dst.dk/en/Statistik/emner/indkomster/familieindkomster.aspx (accessed 6 December 2013).

  21. World Health Organization. WHO Anthro and macros (3.2.2), 2011. Available at: http://www.who.int/childgrowth/software/en/ accessed 5 January 2011.

  22. Cattell RB . The scree test for the number of factors. Multivar Behav Res 1966; 1: 245–276.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Brazionis L, Golley RK, Mittinty MN, Smithers LG, Emmett P, Northstone K et al. Characterization of transition diets spanning infancy and toddlerhood: a novel, multiple-time-point application of principal components analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2012; 95: 1200–1208.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Fisk CM, Crozier SR, Inskip HM, Godfrey KM, Cooper C, Robinson SM . Influences on the quality of young children's diets: the importance of maternal food choices. Br J Nutr 2011; 105: 287–296.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Bell LK, Golley RK, Daniels L, Magarey AM . Dietary patterns of Australian children aged 14 and 24 months, and associations with socio-demographic factors and adiposity. Eur J Clin Nutr 2013; 67: 638–645.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Friedman LS, Lukyanova EM, Serdiuk A, Shkiryak-Nizhnyk ZA, Chislovska NV, Zvinchuk AV et al. Social–environmental factors associated with elevated body mass index in a Ukrainian cohort of children. Int J Pediatr Obes 2009; 4: 81–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Reilly JJ, Armstrong J, Dorosty AR, Emmett PM, Ness A, Rogers I et al. Early life risk factors for obesity in childhood: cohort study. BMJ 2005; 330: 1357.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Robinson SM, Marriott LD, Crozier SR, Harvey NC, Gale CR, Inskip HM et al. Variations in infant feeding practice are associated with body composition in childhood: a prospective cohort study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009; 94: 2799–2805.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Poulsen A, Brot C, Scott A . Mad til spædbørn & småbørn-fra skemad til familiemad (Food for Infants and Toddlers-From Mashed Food to the Family's Food) [in Danish]. Komiteen for Sundhedsoplysning. Danish Health and Medicines Authority; Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries-Danish Veterinary and Food Administration: Copenhagen, Denmark, 2013.

  30. Agostoni C, Decsi T, Fewtrell M, Goulet O, Kolacek S, Koletzko B et al. Complementary feeding: a commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2008; 46: 99–110.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Dewey KG . Is breastfeeding protective against child obesity? J Hum Lact 2003; 19: 9–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Weng SF, Redsell SA, Swift JA, Yang M, Glazebrook CP . Systematic review and meta-analyses of risk factors for childhood overweight identifiable during infancy. Arch Dis Child 2012; 97: 1019–1026.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Rising R, Lifshitz F . Relationship between maternal obesity and infant feeding-interactions. Nutr J 2005; 4: 17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Trolle E, Gondolf UH, Ege M, Kørup K, Ygill KH, Christensen T . Danskernes kostvaner Spæd—og småbørn 2006–2007 (The National Dietary Survey; Infants and Toddlers 2006–2007) [in Danish]. DTU Food: Søborg, Denmark, 2013.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Koletzko B, von Kries R, Closa R, Escribano J, Scaglioni S, Giovannini M et al. Lower protein in infant formula is associated with lower weight up to age 2 y: a randomized clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2009; 89: 1836–1845.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Ekholm O, Kjøller M, Davidsen M, Hesse U, Eriksen L, Christensen AI et al undhed og sygelighed i Danmark 2005 & udviklingen siden 1987 (Health and Diseases in Denmark 2005 & The Development Since 1987) [in Danish]. The Danish National Institute of Publich Health: Copenhagen, Denmark, 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Statistics Denmark. Highest attained education of the population (15–69 years) by region, ancestry, education, age and sex. Available at: http://www.statistikbanken.dk/statbank5a/SelectVarVal/Define.asp?Maintable=KRHFU2&PLanguage=1 (accessed 7 April 2014).

Download references

Acknowledgements

We thank the children, families and project staff of the SKOT cohorts. KFM received grants from the Danish Directorate for Food, Fisheries and Agri Business to the SKOT I cohort as part of the project Complementary and Young Child Feeding (CYCF)—Impact on Short- and Long-Term Development and Health. KFM received grants from Aase and Ejnar Danielsens Foundation and Augustinus Foundation to SKOT II. Part of the SKOT II funding was also provided by the research program ‘Governing Obesity’ funded by the University of Copenhagen Excellence Program for Interdisciplinary Research (http://www.go.ku.dk).

Author Contributions

KFM, CM and AL designed the research; LBBA conducted the research, analyzed the data and wrote the paper; EMC designed and conducted the research; CBP and RB supported decisions during data analysis; and ET supported nutrition evaluations. All authors reviewed, contributed to and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    L B B Andersen, A Larnkjær, C Mølgaard & K F Michaelsen

  2. Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    C B Pipper

  3. National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg, Denmark

    E Trolle

  4. Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark

    R Bro

  5. Department of Pediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark

    E M Carlsen

Authors
  1. L B B Andersen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. C B Pipper
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. E Trolle
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. R Bro
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. A Larnkjær
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. E M Carlsen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. C Mølgaard
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. K F Michaelsen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to L B B Andersen.

Ethics declarations

Competing interests

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Andersen, L., Pipper, C., Trolle, E. et al. Maternal obesity and offspring dietary patterns at 9 months of age. Eur J Clin Nutr 69, 668–675 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2014.258

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2014.258

This article is cited by

Search

Advanced search

Quick links