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PHILADELPHIA, Apr 05, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia suggest that the kind of formula babies drink may determine food preferences.
The study, published in the April 2004 issue of Pediatrics, said feeding experiences during the first seven months of life may contribute to food likes and dislikes later in life.
For seven months, two groups of babies were fed a standard milk-based formula and a protein hydrolysate with
"pre-digested" that helps babies absorb them more easily.
While similar nutritionally, the milk-based formulas are described as bland and cereal-like, while hydrolysates taste exceedingly unpleasant to most adults. Infants accept hydrolysate formulas readily during the first four months of life.
Seven-month-old babies never fed the hydrolysate formula strongly rejected it, but infants accustomed to the formula appeared relaxed and happy while feeding.
In earlier studies, the researchers found that 4-to 5-year-old children fed hydrolysates during infancy were more accepting of sour taste and aroma.
Copyright 2004 by United Press International.
