Alspac

The Alspac Study

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), also known as the “Children of the 90s” study, is a unique ongoing research project based at the University of Bristol, UK. It enrolled 14,000 pregnant mothers in 1991–2 with the aim of assessing the genetic and environmental factors that influence child health and development.

In order to provide diet, nutrient and food group information, mothers, children and children’s teachers in the study, completed food-frequency questionnaires. A randomly selected sub sample (known as “Children in Focus”) provided detailed food records. A selection of study findings on infant diet and nutrition are presented below.

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Drink consumption changes during infancy

A comparison of infants’ drink consumption at 4 and 8 months of age revealed some interesting differences.¹ The mean volume of drinks consumed fell from 861 ml/day at 4 months to 662 ml/day at 8 months. Over this period the proportion of infants receiving breast milk fell. Consumption of fruit drinks (such as squash, cordial, or juice) and herbal drinks rose substantially between 4 and 8 months. Contrary to British infant feeding recommendations, 14% of infants were receiving no milk at 8 months of age.¹

Mothers’ education influences infants’ diet

Maternal sociodemographic characteristics had a significant influence on the type of milk and other drinks consumed by infants at 4 and 8 months of age.² The most important factor at 4 months was the mother’s educational level which particularly explained breast milk use; others included maternal age and the presence of older siblings. At 8 months of age, some children were receiving cows’ or animal milk as their main drink, contrary to recommendations. This was most likely among mothers living in council accommodation, those with vocational education, those with two or more children, and those with difficulty affording food.

Maternal education continued to be related to children’s food and nutrient intake at 18 months. Children whose mothers had low levels of education were less likely to eat cheese, fish, yoghurt, wholemeal bread, breakfast cereal, fruit, and fruit juice, and more likely to eat chocolate, white bread, diet soft drinks, tea and chips.

Late introduction of “lumpy” foods may be detrimental

A study was carried out to examine the link between the introduction of lumpy solids at varying ages and feeding difficulties. Results showed that infants introduced to lumpy foods late (after 10 months of age), were more difficult to feed and had more definite likes and dislikes than those introduced to lumpy foods earlier.³

Diet influences ferritin and haemoglobin levels at 18 months

Levels of ferritin (a measure of the body’s iron stores) and haemoglobin at 18 months were influenced by various dietary components. Ferritin levels were negatively associated with the intake of calcium and the amount of cows’ consumed, while haemoglobin levels were positively associated with vitamin C intake. Haemoglobin levels were higher in children who ate fruit and vegetables and also higher in those who consumed meat and poultry.⁵

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Most children are well-nourished at 18 months

At 18 months of age, average intakes of energy and nearly all nutrients were significantly higher in boys than in girls. Moreover, intakes of energy and most nutrients were above the estimated average requirements. The exceptions were vitamin D, iron and zinc suggesting that vitamin D supplements and iron- and zinc-rich foods should be encouraged in preschool children.⁴

References:
1.Emmett P, North K, Noble S. Types of drinks consumed by infants at 4 and 8 months of age: a descriptive study. The ALSPAC Study Team. Public Health Nutr 2000; 3: 211–217. Abstract

2.North K, Emmett P, Noble S. Types of drinks consumed by infants at 4 and 8 months of age: sociodemographic variations. J Hum Nutr Dietet 2000; 13: 71–82. Abstract

3.Northstone K, Emmett P, Nethersole F. The effect of age of introduction to lumpy solids on foods eaten and reported feeding difficulties at 6 and 15 months. J Hum Nutr Dietet 2001; 14: 43–54. Abstract

4.Cowin I, Emmett P. Diet in a group of 18-month-old children in South West England, and comparison with the results of a national survey. J Hum Nutr Dietet 2000; 13: 87–100. Abstract

5.Cowin I, Emond A, Emmett P, et al. Association between composition of the diet and haemoglobin and ferritin levels in 18-month-old children. Eur J Clin Nutr 2001; 55: 278–286. Full text

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Breast feeding is best for babies. Infant milks are intended to replace breast milk when mothers do not breast feed. Good maternal nutrition is important for the preparation and maintenance of breast feeding. Introducing partial bottle feeding may have a negative effect on breast feeding and reversing a decision not to breast feed is difficult. You should always seek the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant milks and on all matters of infant feeding. Infant milk should always be prepared and used as directed. Unnecessary or improper use of infant milk may present a health hazard. Social and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding.

This information is intended for use only by residents of the UK and ROI