LAUSR

Childhood obesity is of concern, with over a fifth of children in the UK starting school either overweight or obese. The early protein hypothesis suggests that excess protein intake in infancy is a risk factor for overweight and obesity in later childhood. During the complementary feeding period there is a rapid increase in protein intake. High animal protein intake at 12 months, in particular from dairy sources, has been associated with an unfavourable body composition at 7 years of age. It has been suggested that protein as a percentage of energy intake should not exceed 15 % in infants 12 months old, as higher than this may be associated with a higher risk of obesity in later life. Using the Diet and Nutrition Survey of Infants and Young Children this descriptive analysis reports protein intake and sources in 6 to 18 month olds in the UK, and compares intakes to the RNI.