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Researchers from the University of California San Francisco recently found the risk of early rapid weight gain and obesity at age 2 years among infants that were exposed to antibiotics in the first 6 months of life.
The researchers evaluated the type and frequency of antibiotic exposure at 6 months and 1 year of life and their descriptions of infant dietary intake. The cohort of women studied was 97% Latina and was recruited at prenatal clinics in 2012 and 2014.
Recent studies suggest that there are harmful effects of antibiotics on the healthy gut in this developmental period before 12 months of age and can increase obesity risk, reported Childhood Obesity.
Results indicated that antibiotics exposure, most commonly amoxicillin was greater among obese 2-year-olds (40%) compared to nonobese (13%).
Other studies indicate that breastfeeding may help babies have less antibiotic exposure, have healthy weights, and have decreased risks for obesity.
Among the women in the study, 95% of women started off breastfeeding, but only 33% maintained breastfeeding at the 4-6 weeks mark and only 6% at the 6 months mark. Also to note from the study by 6 months 27% of infants were consuming 100% fruit juice, 24% by 1 year of age were
Also to note from the study by 6 months 27% of infants were consuming 100% fruit juice and 24% of children by 1 year of age were consuming sugar-sweetened beverages and increased to 62% of children consuming sugary beverages by 2 years of age.
Research suggest that Latino kids are more exposed to sugary beverages at young ages than their white peers, consuming more sugary beverages at these young ages also lead to unhealthy weights, and higher chronic disease risks.
To read more about this study click here, or read more about how Latino kids are impacted by breastfeeding and sugary drinks.
By The Numbers
142
Percent
Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years
