OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to investigate whether a polymorphism in the insulin-like growth factor I promoter gene (IGF-I, wild-type, 192 base pairs) and in the insulin gene ( INS) variable number of tandem repeat locus influence birth weight and weight gain in infancy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. We obtained genomic DNA from 768 children. Exclusion criteria were multiple births, gestational diabetes, maternal diabetes, gestational age < 37 weeks, > 42 weeks, or unclear, and any condition potentially influencing weight gain. SD scores were calculated and adjusted for gestational age and gender. A gain in SD scores for weight between birth and 1 year > 0.67 SD scores was defined as accelerated weight gain. Genotyping was performed by fragment length analysis (IGF-I) and by fragment length analysis after using a restriction enzyme-based assay (INS variable number tandem repeat).

RESULTS. Accelerated weight gain was present in 205 of 768 children. IGF-I and INS variable number tandem repeat genotype were not associated with birth weight. The IGF-I 192-base pair allele was less frequent in children with accelerated weight gain and was shown to reduce the risk for accelerated weight gain in a logistic regression model.

CONCLUSION. The IGF-I 192-base pair allele may reduce the risk for rapid weight gain in early infancy.