The vast majority of mothers are unaware that babies in Ireland are consuming, on average, too much protein during their early development, new research has found.

According to the findings, 93% of mothers are unaware of this, while just 9% are aware that too much protein during the first 1,000 days can cause rapid growth.

"As a baby develops, the level of protein in breast milk decreases to meet a baby's changing needs. However, according to this research, just 10% of mums are aware of this. Some 61% of respondents believed that the level of protein either increased or that it remained the same," explained registered dietitian, Aveen Bannon.

She pointed out that whether a baby is breast or bottle fed, ‘it is essential their protein intake changes to meet their requirements at different stages in their development'.

"Research has proven that, on average, breastfed babies grow at a steadier rate than bottle fed babies and protein intake is a big factor in this. This growth rate is associated with better health outcomes in later life, for example, a reduced risk of being overweight or obese in later life," Ms Bannon noted.

However, the research found that 76% of mothers were not provided with adequate information about their baby's protein requirements.

Meanwhile, the research also looked at where mothers get information about their baby's needs. Some 55% look to healthcare professionals for advice, while 50% look to the internet. Just 10% used other sources, such as books.

The research included almost 1,000 women and was conducted by iReach on behalf of SMA Nutrition.