The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention writes that your body uses carbohydrates (carbs) to make glucose which is the fuel that gives you energy. Your body either uses glucose immediately or stores it in your liver and muscles for when it is needed. Carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, and other grains, milk and milk products, and foods containing added sugars such as cakes, cookies, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Healthier foods which are higher in carbohydrates include ones that provide dietary fiber and whole grains as well as those without added sugars. In a news release on March 19, 2013, Ellen Goldbaum has reported for the University of Buffalo, High-carb intake in infancy has lifelong effects, UB study finds.
A University at Buffalo animal study has found that consumption of foods which are high in carbohydrates immediately after birth programs individuals for lifelong increased weight gain and obesity, even if the caloric intake is restricted in adulthood for a period of time. Mulchand S. Patel, PhD, has said, “This is the first time that we have shown in our rat model of obesity that there is a resistance to the reversal of this programming effect in adult life.” Patel has explained this research has applications to the obesity epidemic in the U.S., particularly as it relates to infant nutrition.
Patel has also said, “Many American baby foods and juices are high in carbohydrates, mainly simple sugars. Our hypothesis has been that the introduction of baby foods too early in life increases carbohydrate intake, thereby boosting insulin secretion and causing metabolic programming that in turn, predisposes the child to obesity later in life.” Patel and his associates have studied for over 20 years how the increased intake of carbohydrate-enriched calories just after birth can program individuals to overeat. In order to avoid metabolic reprogramming which predisposes a baby to obesity later in life, Patel says that parents should follow the American Academy of Pediatric guidelines, which state that solid foods should not be given before a baby is 4-6 months old.
