Infant diet and type 1 diabetes in China.

Infant milk and food introduction may be linked to type 1 diabetes risk in high incidence populations. Dietary data through age 12 months was collected for 247 type 1 diabetic cases and 443 controls in China, a low incidence population, to determine if milk and solid food intake differed. Age range at introduction to milk and formulas was similar in cases and controls but solid food introduction more often occurred before age 3 months in cases. Logistic regression analyses showed soy milk formula consumption at 4-6 ( [Formula: see text]; 95% CI: 1.1-3.4) and 7-12 months of age ( [Formula: see text]; 95% CI: 1.0-2.1) was associated with a twofold higher risk of type 1 diabetes, while steamed bread consumption (4-6 months, [Formula: see text]; 95% CI: 0.28-0.68; 7-12 months, [Formula: see text]; 95% CI: 0.34-0.69) and higher SES (4-6 months, [Formula: see text]; 95% CI: 0.39-0.78; 7-12 months, [Formula: see text]; 95% CI: 0.40-0.83) were negatively associated. Drinking cow's milk at 7-12 months ( [Formula: see text]; 95% CI: 0.43-0.85) was negatively associated with type 1 diabetes while consuming vegetables at 4-6 months ( [Formula: see text]; 95% CI: 1.0-2.2) was positively associated. Results suggest that infant milk and solid food intake are associated with type 1 diabetes in China. Prospective studies may determine how these dietary factors impact disease etiology, particularly for at-risk-populations.