Study on Prebiotic-Supplemented Infant Formula
Introduction to Infant Nutrition
A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition examined the health benefits associated with infant formula that is supplemented with prebiotics. While breastfeeding is widely recommended for providing optimal nutrition to infants, infant formula serves as a healthy alternative when breastfeeding is not feasible.
Understanding Probiotics and Prebiotics
Some infant formula brands incorporate probiotics or prebiotics. Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that help to maintain a healthy gut environment, commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt. In contrast, prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that foster the growth of existing beneficial bacteria in the gut, contributing to overall gut health. Prebiotics are present in various fruits and vegetables, as well as in breast milk.
Previous Reviews on Supplemented Formulas
In 2011, the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) conducted a review of the available literature concerning the safety and health benefits of infant formula supplemented with probiotics or prebiotics. Their findings indicated no safety concerns related to these formulas, but they also noted a lack of strong evidence supporting any health benefits compared to unsupplemented infant formula.
Recent Research Findings
Since the 2011 review, additional studies on prebiotic-supplemented infant formula have emerged. Researchers in Poland conducted an updated review and published their results in the British Journal of Nutrition. They performed a comprehensive search of medical literature up to March 2017 and identified 41 relevant studies, including 25 new studies since the previous review. Their analysis focused on the safety and clinical effects of prebiotic infant formula concerning growth, feeding tolerance, stool frequency and consistency, incidences of diarrhea, respiratory infections, allergies, and the need for antibiotic treatments. They also investigated the formula’s role in promoting beneficial gut bacteria.
Conclusion on Prebiotic-Supplemented Formula
The updated review found no evidence of safety issues with prebiotic-supplemented infant formula. While there was some indication of health benefits—particularly related to stool softening—there was insufficient evidence to endorse the routine use of such formulas. The findings regarding the promotion of beneficial gut bacteria were inconsistent. Ultimately, the researchers concluded that their updated review did not alter the conclusions from the 2011 ESPGHAN review. They emphasized the ongoing need for individual assessment of the safety and effects of each prebiotic-supplemented product due to the limited data available.
Reference
Skorka A, Piescik-Lech M, Kolodziej M, et al. Infant Formulae supplemented with prebiotics: Are they better than unsupplemented formulae? An updated systematic review. Br J Nutrition doi:10.1017/S0007114518000120.