ESPE Yearbook of Paediatric Endocrinology

To read the full abstract: J Nutr. 2020 Jun1;150(6):1405–1412.

There is increasing evidence that dairy milk positively affects linear growth, weight and body composition in children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (1)(2). This effect of milk on growth has been proposed to be mediated by IGF-I (2), (3). The aim of this double-blinded, controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of milk supplements on circulating IGF-I and to assess IGF-I as a correlate of growth and cognition in children. The study enrolled 261 healthy children (median age 6–9 years) from 13 schools in Ghana. They were divided into 3 groups on the basis of milk intake (Milk8 = 8.8 g milk protein; Milk/Rice = 4.4 g milk + 4.4 g rice protein; Milk4 = 4.4 g milk protein) and control children who received a powder containing multiple micronutrients. Auxology, body composition (assessed by bioelectric impedance analysis), IGF-I and free amino acids (analyzed by dried blood spots at 3.5 and 8.5 months) and cognitive function (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery-CANTAB) were measured. Only Milk8 group showed a statistically significant increase in IGF-I compared to control subjects (+15.3; 95% CI: 9.4, 31.2). During the intervention, IGF-I increased more in girls than in boys. The change in IGF-I levels was positively associated with changes in amino acids (valine, leucine, Amino-butyric acid, Threonine, Trytophan), height, weight, fat free mass and 4 of 5 CANTAB domains.

The authors concluded that milk intake improved growth and body composition through stimulation of IGF-I production. Furthermore, they speculate that IGF-I plays a key role in ameliorating cognitive function, an action consistent with the well-known role of IGF-I in brain development and maturation. The mechanisms underlying the observed effect of milk intake on IGF-I production and the gender related different response to milk remain to be elucidated.

References:

1. Grenov B, Larnkjær A, Mølgaard C, Michaelsen KF. Role of Milk and Dairy Products in Growth of the Child. Nestle Nutr Inst Workshop Ser. 2020;93:77–90. doi: 10.1159/000503357. Epub 2020 Jan 28.

2. Koletzko B, Demmelmair H, Grote V, Totzauer M. Optimized protein intakes in term infants support physiological growth and promote long-term health. Semin Perinatol. 2019 Nov;43(7):151–153.

3. Kang K, Sotunde OF, Weiler HA. Effects of milk and milk-product consumption on growth among children and adolescents aged 6– 18 years: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Adv Nutr 2019;10(2):250–61.