Exclusive Breastfeeding Linked to Higher Fat Mass in Indian Infants

A study conducted in urban Southern India found that infants who were exclusively breastfed (EBF) during early infancy had higher fat mass and lower fat-free mass than their non-EBF counterparts.

The research followed 135 healthy term newborns from birth to six months, assessing breastfeeding practices, maternal and sociodemographic factors, and infant body composition. At three months, 78.8% of infants were exclusively breastfed, but this rate dropped to 22.1% by six months.

Findings revealed that EBF infants had significantly higher odds of increased fat mass at three and six months, alongside lower fat-free mass measures. The results highlight that exclusive breastfeeding in Indian infants is associated with altered body composition during early infancy, with a trend toward greater fat mass accumulation and reduced lean mass development.