Too much protein for babies can lead to obesity in later life – but tofu is ok, research says

Feeding children too much protein in their first years of life can increase their chance of being overweight when they reach the primary school years, researchers from Deakin University have found. 

Plant-based proteins, however, were encouraged by lead researcher Dr Miaobing (Jazzmin) Zheng, who said that eating less protein from animal sources, and more protein from plants will establish healthy eating habits that will reduce the risk of obesity in later life. 

“Protein is an essential nutrient for healthy growth and development and meat and dairy foods are rich sources of iron and calcium which are essential for early physical and neurological development for children,” Dr Zheng said, countering this point with her findings, which show that babies don’t need as much protein as adults and, in fact, require only small amounts of high-quality protein in their diets, in addition to breastmilk or formula.

“High protein intake in adults is widely considered beneficial for weight loss due to its satiating effects but our research shows high protein intake in babies can place them at greater risk of being overweight and obese in later childhood,” she explained.

A number of separate studies were used to reach the findings, including data analysis of children participating in the Melbourne INFANT Program and a systematic review of current research.

In the first study, Dr Zheng found that nine-month-old babies were consuming twice as much protein as recommended for children between seven and 12 months.

“The babies who were eating greater amounts of protein, particularly meat-based protein, at nine months of age were more likely to be obese by the age of five,” Dr Zheng said.

In the second study, involving a systematic review of 16 studies across seven countries, Dr Zheng confirmed that higher total protein intake during the first two years of life was associated with higher obesity risk in later childhood and early adolescence, from three to 10 years of age.

The association was largely the result of babies eating animal-based proteins, such as meat, fish, eggs, yoghurt and cheese, rather than plant-based proteins, such as cooked beans/peas/lentils, tofu and nut butters.

Dr Zheng said the results show that parents should be feeding their babies moderate amounts of protein with a good mix from both animal and plant-based foods.

“I hope these findings will give healthcare professionals the evidence they need to provide better dietary advice to new parents as well as contribute evidence for improved dietary recommendations for protein intake, both quantity and quality, during infancy.”

To access the findings, please see here.