Association of Milk Fat Intake on BMI Change and Nutrient Intake in WIC-Enrolled Toddlers.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the relationship between milk fat consumption from 24 to 36 months and (1) body mass index (BMI) z-score change from 24 to 36 months, and (2) nutrient intake at 36 months among toddlers who were Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)-eligible at study initiation.

DESIGN

Longitudinal analysis using WIC Infant Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 data collected from 2013 to 2020.

SETTING

Eighty WIC enrollment sites across 27 US states.

PARTICIPANTS

Included 2,373 toddlers (27.6% Black, 57.1% White, 15.4% other race; 39.1% Hispanic ethnicity) from households with low income.

INTERVENTIONS: None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in BMI z-score from 24 to 36 months and dietary intake (added sugars, saturated fat, total energy) at 36 months.

ANALYSIS: Linear regression models analyzing relationships between average milk fat consumption from 24 to 36 months and outcome measures.

RESULTS

Meeting milk fat consumption recommendations between 24 and 36 months (≤ 1%) associated with lower intake of saturated fat (all models) and energy intake (fully adjusted model), but not a change in BMI z-score or added sugars intake.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Further research is needed to understand associations between milk fat consumption, BMI, and dietary patterns in toddlers from households with low income to inform dietary recommendations and nutritional assistance guidelines.