PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Infant Formula”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,549 records · Page 86Linked to original sources

Advances in the management of digestive problems during the first months of life.

UNLABELLED: A study was carried out on 168 full-term infants with digestive problems such as regurgitation and/or constipation to evaluate the efficacy of new infant formulas containing partially hydrolysed whey protein, modified vegetable oil with a high beta-palmitic acid content, prebiotic oligosaccharides and starch. Infants receiving the new formulas had an increase in stool frequency of 0.60 between day 1 and day 7 (95% CI 0.19-1.01; p=0.004) and 0.53 (95% CI 0.11-0.90; p=0.015) between day 7 and day 14. A reduction of 1.06 in the number of regurgitation episodes was reported between day 1 and day 7 (95% CI 0.24-1.88; p=0.012) and 1.31 (95% CI 0.42-2.21; p=0.005) between day 7 and day 14. CONCLUSION: A prebiotic mixture of galacto-/fructo-oligosaccharides with a high beta-palmitic acid content may reduce digestive problems and improve intestinal tolerance in infants during the first months of life.

Carbohydrates↗

Oligosaccharides might stimulate calcium absorption in formula-fed preterm infants.

UNLABELLED: Among other components of human milk, oligosaccharides might contribute to the high efficiency of calcium absorption of breastfed infants. In adults, it can be shown that dietary oligosaccharides can improve calcium absorption. The present analysis was performed to evaluate a possible influence of dietary oligosaccharides on parameters of calcium metabolism in preterm infants. The concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in plasma and in spot urine samples as well as the plasma activity of the alkaline phosphatase were measured in preterm infants fed either a standard formula (n = 15) or a formula supplemented with dietary oligosaccharides (n = 15) at the end of a 4-wk feeding period. CONCLUSIONS: There was no influence of the different diets on the plasma concentration of calcium and phosphorus or on the plasma activity of alkaline phosphatase. In urine, there was a tendency towards higher calcium concentrations in the group fed the supplemented formula compared concentrations in the group fed the standard formula. The concentrations of phosphate were not significantly different and, as a consequence, there was a tendency towards a higher Ca/P molar ratio in the group fed the supplemented formula. The data indicate that the calcium absorption might be influenced by the dietary oligosaccharides. Thus, the possible effect of dietary oligosaccharides on calcium homeostasis should be included in the discussion concerning the consequences of the use of dietary oligosaccharides in preterm infant nutrition.

Absorption↗

Growth and bone mineral status of discharged very low birth weight infants fed different formulas or human milk.

The objective of this study was to determine whether the growth and bone mineral status of discharged preterm infants fed human milk differed from those of infants fed one of three different formulas varying in calcium content (545 mg/L, 660 mg/L, or 1290 mg/L). A randomized, blinded study was conducted for 16 weeks after discharge in 16 human milk-fed and 43 formula-fed infants. All formula-fed infants received one of the three study formulas from discharge to 8 weeks afterward, and the standard formula, which contained 545 mg/L calcium, from 8 to 16 weeks. The human milk-fed infants gained weight more slowly than the formula-fed infants. The human milk-fed infants also had lower gains in length and higher serum alkaline phosphatase values than the formula-fed infants. The infants who received the formula containing the highest calcium concentration (1290 mg/L) had greater bone mineral density during the first 8 weeks of the study. We conclude that preterm infants recently discharged from the hospital may benefit from higher calcium intake than is provided by either human milk or standard term formula.

Anthropometry↗

Effect of an acidified milk on diarrhoea and the carrier state in infants of low socio-economic stratum.

The effect on diarrhoeal disease of an acidified, modified powdered cow's milk infant formula (Pelargon) was evaluated in 82 infants (Group I) for six months; 104 infants who received the same formula but non acidified, served as controls (Group II). Nutritional status remained satisfactory in both groups throughout the observation period. Some children rejected the taste of the acidified milk. The incidence of diarrhoea was lower in Group I (p less than 0.001). The proportion of days in which the children suffered from acute diarrhoea, and the duration of the episodes were also lower in the children given the acidified milk (p less than 0.001). The rate of detection of enteropathogens and the species identified were comparable in both groups. Carrier rates for bacterial enteropathogens fell over time in Group I while they rose in Group II (p less than 0.001). Carrier rates for enteric parasites were comparable to those expected in our setting for this age group. These results suggest that acidified milk exerts a protective effect against diarrhoeal disease.

Animals↗

Role of food protein intolerance in infants with persistent distress attributed to reflux esophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Distressed behavior is common in infants and is often attributed to gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or food protein intolerance. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a hypoallergenic amino acid-based infant formula (AAF) on distressed behavior and GER symptoms in infants who failed to respond to extensively hydrolyzed formula and antireflux medications. STUDY DESIGN: Nineteen distressed infants (9 boys and 10 girls; median age, 5.0 months) with presumed GER underwent gastroscopy (n = 17) and esophageal 24-hour pH monitoring (n = 14). Double-blind placebo-controlled (DBPC) formula challenges of AAF versus previously besttolerated formula were conducted. RESULTS: Nine infants had histologic evidence of esophagitis, and 9 had inflammatory changes in the stomach and/or duodenum. Symptoms remitted in all infants within 2 weeks of the start of feeding with AAF. On DBPC challenge after a median period of 3 months of receiving AAF, 12 infants were intolerant to active formula (distress score, 287 vs 580 min/wk,P =. 01; symptom score, 23.1 vs 36.1, P =.03). Seven infants did not relapse and were considered tolerant (distress score, 470 vs 581, P =.77; symptom score, 29.5 vs 20.2; P =.89). CONCLUSION: Treatment with AAF may reduce distressed behavior and symptoms of GER in infants with food protein intolerance.

Amino Acids↗

Dosage-related bifidogenic effects of galacto- and fructooligosaccharides in formula-fed term infants.

BACKGROUND: Human milk oligosaccharides have been shown to stimulate selectively the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in the intestine. In this study, the bifidogenic effect of an experimental prebiotic oligosaccharide mixture consisting of low-molecular-weight galactooligosaccharides and high-molecular-weight fructooligosaccharides was analyzed in 90 term infants. METHODS: Two test formulas were supplemented with either 0.4 g/dL or with 0.8 g/dL oligosaccharides. In the control formula, maltodextrin was used as placebo. At study day 1 and study day 28, the fecal species, colony forming units (cfu) and pH were measured and stool characteristics, growth, and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: At study day 1, the median number of Bifidobacteria did not differ among the groups (0.4 g/dL group, mean [interquartile range] 8.5 [1.9] cfu/g; 0.8 g/dL group, 7.7 [6.1] cfu/g; and the placebo group, 8.8 [6.1] cfu/g) (figures in square brackets are interquartile range). At the end of the 28-day feeding period, the number of Bifidobacteria was significantly increased for both groups receiving supplemented formulas (the 0.4 g/dL group, 9.3 [4.9] cfu/g; the 0.8 g/dL group, 9.7 [0.8] cfu/g) versus the placebo group (7.2 [4.9] cfu/g, P < 0.001). This effect was dose dependent (0.4 g/dL versus 0.8 g/dL, P < 0.01). The number of Lactobacilli also increased significantly in both groups fed the supplemented formulas (versus placebo, P < 0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference between the group fed formula with 0.4 g/dL oligosaccharides and the group fed formula with 0.8 g/dL oligosaccharides. The dosage of supplement significantly influenced the change in fecal pH (P < 0.05) (placebo, pH 5.5-6.1; 0.4 g/dL formula, pH 5.48-5.44; 0.8 g/dL formula, pH 5.54-5.19). Slight changes in the stool frequency resulted in a significant difference between the placebo group and the group fed the 0.8 g/dL formula at day 28 (P < 0.01). Supplementation had a significant dose-dependent influence on stool consistency (0.8 g/dL versus placebo, P < 0.0001; 0.8 g/dL versus 0.4 g/dL, P < 0.01). Supplementation had no influence on the incidence of side effects (crying, regurgitation, vomiting) or growth. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that supplementation of a term infant's formula with a mixture of galacto- and fructooligosaccharides has a dose-dependent stimulating effect on the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in the intestine and results in softer stool with increasing dosage of supplementation.

Bifidobacterium↗

Low plasma taurine and later neurodevelopment.

Dietary taurine intake may explain the benefits of both breast milk and preterm formula to neurodevelopment. Low plasma neonatal taurine was associated with lower scores on the Bayley mental development index at 18 months and the WISC-R arithmetic subtest at 7 years. Currently it is not mandatory to add taurine to infant formulas.

Breast Feeding↗

Hypoallergenicity of an extensively hydrolyzed whey formula.

Several different protein hydrolysate-based infant formulas have been promoted as hypoallergenic and considered suitable for the dietary management of cow's milk allergy (CMA). Accepting that none of the hydrolysate-based products is completely safe, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that these formulas should be tested in a double-blind placebo-controlled setting and tolerated by at least 90% of children with proven CMA. In principle, this recommendation is also endorsed by the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (ESPGAN) and the European Society of Paediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology (ESPACI). In this two-center study, 32 children with proven CMA were tested with the extensive hydrolysate whey formula Nutrilon Pepti, for comparison with Profylac (extensive) and Nan HA (partial) whey hydrolysate products. Skin-prick tests (SPTs) were, respectively, positive to the three hydrolysate formulas in 19%, 15%, and 32% of children. After oral challenge it was concluded that 97% (95% CI: 85-100%) of the children tolerated Nutrilon Pepti, 94% (95% CI: 75-100%) tolerated Profylac, and 64% (95% CI: 37-81%) tolerated Nan HA. This study demonstrates that the extensive hydrolysates Nutrilon Pepti and Profylac are well tolerated in a population of children with proven CMA and that both products can be considered safe for their intended use. This study confirms that a very small number of children react even to extensively hydrolyzed formulas. SPT prior to oral exposure to the hydrolysate-based formulas can indicate whether a child is at risk of showing reactions to the product. Introduction of new products to these children should be carried out under a doctor's supervision. However, the majority of the SPT-positive children did tolerate the two extensively hydrolyzed whey-based formulas tested.

Allergens↗

Diet- and colonization-dependent intestinal dysfunction predisposes to necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm pigs.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Preterm birth and formula feeding are key risk factors associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants, but little is known about intestinal conditions that predispose to disease. Thus, structural, functional, and microbiologic indices were used to investigate the etiology of spontaneous NEC development in preterm pigs. METHODS: Piglets were delivered by cesarean section at 92% gestation, reared in infant incubators, and fed infant formula or colostrum every 3 hours (n = 120) until tissue collection at 1-2 days of age. RESULTS: Clinical and histopathologic signs of NEC were observed in 57% of pigs fed FORMULA (26/46) and in 5% of pigs fed COLOSTRUM (2/38) (P < .05). Relative to COLOSTRUM, both healthy and sick FORMULA pigs had reduced intestinal villous heights, enzyme activities, nutrient absorption, and antioxidant levels and higher inducible nitric oxide synthetase activity (P < .05). In healthy pigs, mucosal microbial diversity remained low and diet independent. NEC pigs showed bacterial overgrowth, and a high mucosal density of Clostridium perfringens was detected in some but not all pigs. Germ-free conditions and antiserum against Clostridium perfringens toxin prevented intestinal dysfunction and NEC in formula-fed pigs, whereas the gut trophic factors, epidermal growth factor, and glucagon-like peptide 2 had limited effects. CONCLUSIONS: A subclinical, formula-induced mucosal atrophy and dysfunction predispose to NEC and bacterial overgrowth. The adverse feeding effects are colonization dependent and may be reduced by factors in colostrum that include antibodies against aggressive toxins such as those of Clostridium perfringens.

Animals↗

Plasma and red cell folate values and folate requirements in formula-fed term infants.

Plasma and red cell folate concentrations (L. casei activity) and other pertinent blood values have been studied during the first year of life in 64 term infants. After weaning and until 6 months of age, 33 infants were given milk formula I (88 nmole [39 micrograms] folate per liter) and 31 infants MF II (178 nmole [78 micrograms] folate per liter). These infants were compared with 35 breast-fed term infants, considered to have an optimal folate status. The mean folate concentration in the human milk consumed at 3 months of age was 124 nmole (55 micrograms) per liter. The infants fed MF I had low plasma and red cell folate concentrations during the first months of life. The infants fed MF II had folate values almost comparable to those of the breast-fed infants. The weight gain in the infants fed MF II was significantly higher than observed in the infants fed MF I during the first 6 months of life. No significant differences related to folate deficiency were observed between the hemoglobin, RBC, and VPRC values in the formula-fed infants and those recorded in the breast-fed infants. It is estimated that the optimal folate intake during the first months of life in formula-fed infants is about 170 nmole (75 micrograms) per day. This amount is higher than previously recommended. Infants from all groups had folate intake similar to, or above, the minimal daily requirement needed for the erythropoiesis.

Body Weight↗

Lymphatic fatty acids from rats fed human milk and formula containing coconut oil.

Human milk and infant formula containing coconut/soy oil were infused into the duodenum of rats to determine the incorporation of capric, lauric, myristic and palmitic acids into lymphatic triacylglycerol (TAG). The proportion of capric and lauric acids in the lymphatic TAG reflected the fatty acid composition of the diet. Based on positional analysis, it appears that more than 50% of the capric and lauric acids could have been absorbed from the intestine as sn-2 monoacylglycerols. In the rats fed human milk, 50% of palmitic acid in lymphatic TAG was in the sn-2 position. Because of the nonrandom distribution of palmitic acid in the lymphatic TAG, the nonspecific lipase in human milk, i.e., bile salt-stimulated lipase, did not appear to be a factor in milk lipid digestion.

Animals↗

Formulas for premature infants: fate of the calcium and phosphorus.

Formulas designed for feeding of premature infants contain minerals added by the manufacturer. Although it is known that these minerals may be poorly suspended in the formula, little is known about concentrations of minerals in formula delivered to the infant under conditions prevailing in premature infant nurseries. In partially empty bottles of Similac Special Care, concentrations of calcium and phosphorus of this residual formula were found to be substantially greater than concentrations in full bottles. Presumably, concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in formula delivered to the infants was relatively low. Enfamil Premature and SMA Preemie infant formulas contain lesser quantities of added calcium and demonstrated less tendency to sedimentation. Substantial decrease in concentration of calcium was observed with all three formulas during continuous infusion, but the decrease was greatest with Similac Special Care. Little or no change in concentrations of calcium and phosphorus were observed with simulated bolus feeding by gavage.

Calcium, Dietary↗

Oral water intoxication in infants. An American epidemic.

Between 1975 and 1990, a total of 34 patients with water intoxication were treated at St Louis (Mo) Children's Hospital, 24 of these in the last 3 years, indicating a marked increase in incidence of this previously rare condition. Thirty-one were infants living in poverty who ingested excessive amounts of water offered at home by their caretakers. Exhaustion of the supply of infant formula was the most common reason given for this substitution. Infants were treated by a single infusion of hypertonic saline or a slow infusion of isotonic saline. Central pontine myelinolysis was not observed as a complication of hypertonic saline therapy. Modification of the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children to provide sufficient formula for the growing infant and better education of mothers as to the hazards of excessive water ingestion might reduce the incidence of this preventable and life-threatening condition.

Disease Outbreaks↗

Impact of the Special Supplemental Food Program on infants.

The Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children, popularly known as WIC, provides participants with supplemental foods and nutrition education. The WIC participants are eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breast-feeding women, infants, and children up to their fifth birthday. The program currently serves 1.2 million infants each month. The U.S. Department of Agriculture National WIC Evaluation Study of Infants and Children is the most comprehensive assessment of WIC's impact on a national infant sample. Its findings indicate that WIC infants consumed more iron-fortified infant formula (the core of the WIC infant food package) than non-WIC infants and, as a result, had higher daily intakes of formula-related nutrients--namely, iron and vitamin C. Because of lower consumption of whole cow milk, WIC infants had lower daily intakes of milk-related nutrients--calcium, protein, magnesium, and vitamin B6. The research team concluded that increased dietary intake of specific nutrients occurs only during program participation and has no residual effect after participation ceases. Possible scientific and social science research that would be useful in federal policy decisions affecting infant participation in the WIC program is discussed.

Child, Preschool↗

Consequences of starting whole cow milk at 6 months of age.

Two groups of infants, one fed whole cow milk commencing at 6 months of age (n = 69) and the other continuing to receive iron-fortified infant formula (n = 98), were closely observed over their second 6 months of life. At 12 months of age, infants fed cow milk had significantly lower mean serum ferritin levels and mean corpuscular volume, higher free erythrocyte protoporphyrin values, and greater incidence of hemoglobin values less than 11 g/dl than did formula-fed infants. There were no significant differences in frequency of otitis media, wheezing episodes, nasal discharge or congestion, diaper dermatitis, constipation, guaiac-positive stools, or hospital admissions between the two groups. These data suggest that, to avoid iron deficiency, infants should continue to receive iron-fortified formula throughout the first year of life or a daily iron supplement if they are fed whole cow milk before their first birthday.

Animals↗

[The optimal protein quantity in infant nutrition].

Nowadays, the trend of recommendations to prepare infant formulas with only 2 per cent or less of protein does not correspond with the optimal protein demand and protein utilization in infants. Such formulas often prompt mothers to add carbohydrates to the protein half-strength milks in order to satisfy the infant's hunger. This often leads to the unwanted effect to obesity. There is no evidence to prove that infants above the age of 1 month should not receive 2.2 or 2.3% of protein in their formulas. This quantity is fully utilized by the infants; it has no disadvantages and is safe. Hence, the recommendations should not be based on the minimum daily requirements but on the optimal utilization, whereby the tendency to obesity can also be reduced.

Amino Acids↗

Effect on renal net acid excretion of various mineral contents in three lots of a common pre-term formula.

Three common lots (A, B, C) of a common formula for pre-term infants, which contained unintended, high differences in mineral contents were fed consecutively in a neonatal unit. In each feeding period parameters of calcium-phosphorus and acid-base metabolism were determined prospectively. Infants fed lot C showed unexpectedly high renal net acid excretion. In order to discover the origin of this different renal net acid excretion, the urinary concentration of further electrolytes, sulfate, urea and organic acids were determined retrospectively in three randomly selected groups with 10 pre-term infants each. Infants fed lot C showed a higher renal net acid excretion (2.97 mmol/kg per day) than infants fed lot A (1.75 mmol/kg per day) or lot B (1.72 mmol/kg per day). Based on the data of mineral and nitrogen intake and the urinary values of all main ions and urea it is assumed that the increased renal acid load in infants fed lot C is due to the additive effect of different mineral concentrations resulting in a low "alkali excess" (Na + K - Cl) of lot C and a decreased protein assimilation. The production of infant formulas for prematures should be more closely monitored to avoid marked deviation of the mineral contents in individual lots from the concentrations shown on the label.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Effect of sucking characteristics on breast milk creamatocrit.

One of the problems in the care of healthy children is that mothers often give infant formulae to their normally growing infants in the first 4 months of life because they believe that they are unable to satisfy them. However, the association of fat content in breast milk with the sucking pattern of the infant is not clearly known. In order to determine whether the fat concentration of human milk was associated with sucking characteristics of the infants, 80 healthy 2-month-old babies and their mothers were included in the study. Milk creamatocrit was assessed at the beginning, at the first, fifth and 10th minutes and at the end of breast feeding. The creamatocrit values increased as the time elapsed from the beginning of breast feeding. There was an inverse relationship between milk volume and creamatocrit at both the beginning and the end of breast feeding (P < 0.05). The mean milk volume was higher and the mean creamatocrit at the end of breast feeding was lower in the infants whose 2-month weight gain was higher than the 75th percentile (75P) compared with those whose 2-month weight gain was lower than the 25th percentile (25P) (for milk volume 105 +/- 36 mL vs. 76 +/- 30 mL, respectively, P < 0.05; and for creamatocrit value 11.4 +/- 4.0 vs. 14.3 +/- 3.8, respectively, P < 0.05). Milk volume is the most important factor affecting weight gain of exclusively breast-fed babies, and fat concentration of human milk is not a primary determining factor in individual differences in weight gain of the infants and appears to be secondary to factors such as number of feeds per day, duration of breast feeding and the volume of milk sucked.

Adult↗