Pork an important protein source for infant growth, study finds

Researchers at the University of Colorado (UC), US, have published a report that notes pork as an important protein source in an infant’s diet, during the transition to solid foods.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that infants between the ages of six to 12 months who consumed meat products have an advantage during early length growth.

To find out how consumption of meat affects early height, a selection of 64 formula-fed infants was split into two groups. One was fed complementary meat-based foods, such as puréed ham and beef, while the other was given dairy-based foods for seven months. Over the course of the study, researchers found that the infants in the puréed meats group experienced a higher rate of growth–nearly one inch more growth compared to the dairy-fed group.

UC assistant professor of paediatrics and lead author Minghua Tang said: “Meat, such as pork, provides important micronutrients, is an excellent source of protein and can be an important complementary food for infants who are ready for solid foods.

“Our research suggests introducing higher amounts of protein and introducing meat, such as pork, into the diet at five months could be potentially beneficial for linear growth.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) supported the research, and recommended that infants eat meat and poultry every day, while the US Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services plan to expand their dietary advice on infant nutrition in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines.

The National Pork Board said the research was ‘exciting’, with the manager of nutrition, communications and research Andria Huseth adding: “It shows nutrient-rich pork can play an important role in the whole family’s diet. It’s nutrient-rich, as well as a versatile, affordable and accessible protein.”

UC researchers hope to study the long-term effects of pork on infant growth in future trials.