Protein intake and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 at 12 months and associations with growth, body composition, and metabolic syndrome at 8 years

Objectives Metabolic programming may occur during early life and have long‐lasting effects on metabolic health. This study examined what impact early protein intake and levels of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF‐1) at 1 year of age had on growth, body composition and risk factors for metabolic syndrome at 8 years of age. Methods This was a prospective, observational, population‐based study of 551 healthy, Swedish children. We used food diaries handed in at 1 year of age, and IGF‐1 was measured at the same age. At 8 years of age, the children attended a clinical visit, where they underwent a dual X‐ray absorptiometry scan, blood sampling, and anthropometry measurements. Results Protein intake at 1 year of age was associated with high waist circumference and insulin resistance measured as homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, at 8 years of age. Conclusions Protein intake at 1 year of age may have an impact on later metabolic health, mainly in form of insulin resistance and waist circumference.