Optimizing Feeding Practices Improves Outcomes During Early Childhood in Former Small for Gestational Age (SGA) Infants.
Obesity in small-for-gestational-age toddlers declined as feeding practices improved over a decade.
Optimizing Feeding Practices Improves Outcomes During Early Childhood in Former Small for Gestational Age (SGA) Infants.
Infants born small for gestational age (small for gestational age) are at increased risk of altered postnatal growth and early metabolic vulnerability.
To evaluate the influence of birth weight and early nutrition on anthropometric outcomes at 2-3 years of age in former small for gestational age infants in Romania, and to examine associations with allergies, respiratory infections, and food intolerances.
We conducted a retrospective comparative study including two cohorts of term small for gestational age infants born in a Romanian tertiary hospital in 2010-2011 (n = 600) and 2020-2021 (n = 508).
obesity at age 3 fell substantially over the decade
In the historical cohort, mixed feeding (vs. formula) predicted overweight/obesity at 2 years (aOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.52-4.43, p < 0.001); the association was directionally similar but not significant in the contemporary cohort (aOR 1.62, 95% CI 0.75-3.47, p = 0.215).
Breastfeeding was protective in both cohorts.
Food intolerances increased over time (16.3% to 27.6%, p < 0.001), while respiratory infections showed no significant differences.
In this Romanian small for gestational age population, early feeding practices improved substantially over one decade and were associated with more favorable weight outcomes, including a notable reduction in obesity.
Mixed feeding emerged as a potential risk factor for early overweight, whereas breastfeeding remained protective.
Despite these improvements, former small for gestational age infants continue to exhibit elevated risk for early-onset overweight and obesity, underscoring the need for targeted nutritional counseling and longitudinal monitoring.