1.
Infant Formula Supplemented with Biotics: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives.
Salminen, S, Stahl, B, Vinderola, G, Szajewska, H
Nutrients. 2020;(7)
Abstract
Breastfeeding is natural and the optimal basis of infant nutrition and development, with many benefits for maternal health. Human milk is a dynamic fluid fulfilling an infant's specific nutritional requirements and guiding the growth, developmental, and physiological processes of the infant. Human milk is considered unique in composition, and it is influenced by several factors, such as maternal diet and health, body composition, and geographic region. Human milk stands as a model for infant formula providing nutritional solutions for infants not able to receive enough mother's milk. Infant formulas aim to mimic the composition and functionality of human milk by providing ingredients reflecting those of the latest human milk insights, such as oligosaccharides, bacteria, and bacterial metabolites. The objective of this narrative review is to discuss the most recent developments in infant formula with a special focus on human milk oligosaccharides and postbiotics.
2.
Supplementation of infant formula with probiotics/prebiotics: lessons learned with regard to documenting outcomes.
Szajewska, H
Journal of clinical gastroenterology. 2012;:S67-8
Abstract
In 2011, the Committee on Nutrition of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition systematically reviewed published evidence on the safety and health effects of the administration of formulae supplemented with probiotics and/or prebiotics compared with unsupplemented formulae. The document could serve as an example of problems relating to the choice and definition of outcomes assessing the addition of new ingredients to infant formulae. The studies were often too small with insufficient power to identify relevant effects, and the follow-up periods in the trials were too short. The clinical outcomes, even those relating to the same domain (eg, gastrointestinal infections) differed. Even if the same outcomes were measured, the definitions of the outcomes were heterogenous, often not widely agreed upon, or just lacking. The use of inappropriate outcome measures and/or their definitions may result in misleading conclusions. It may also lead to an overestimation or underestimation of potential benefits of the intervention or fail to reveal any potential benefits. There is a need for well-designed and carefully conducted randomized controlled trials, with relevant inclusion/exclusion criteria and adequate sample sizes. These studies should use validated clinical outcome measures.
3.
Prebiotic oligosaccharides in dietetic products for infants: a commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition.
Agostoni, C, Axelsson, I, Goulet, O, Koletzko, B, Michaelsen, KF, Puntis, JW, Rigo, J, Shamir, R, Szajewska, H, Turck, D, et al
Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. 2004;(5):465-73
Abstract
This article by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition summarizes available information on the effects of adding prebiotic oligosaccharides to infant and follow-on formulae. Currently there are only limited studies evaluating prebiotic substances in dietetic products for infants. Although administration of prebiotic oligosaccharides has the potential to increase the total number of bifidobacteria in feces and may also soften stools, there is no published evidence of clinical benefits of adding prebiotic oligosaccharides to dietetic products for infants. Data on oligosaccharide mixtures in infant formulae do not demonstrate adverse effects, but further evaluation is recommended. Combinations and dosages in addition to those so far studied need to be fully evaluated with respect to both safety and efficacy before their use in commercial infant food products. Well-designed and carefully conducted randomized controlled trials with relevant inclusion/exclusion criteria, adequate sample sizes and validated clinical outcome measures are needed both in preterm and term infants. Future trials should define optimal quantity and types of oligosaccharides with prebiotic function, optimal dosages and duration of intake, short and long term benefits and safety. At the present time, therefore, the Committee takes the view that no general recommendation on the use of oligosaccharide supplementation in infancy as a prophylactic or therapeutic measure can be made.