Tailoring proteins for digestive comfort in early life
Formula-fed infants seem to often experience gastrointestinal problems, such as colic, constipation and regurgitation, leading to general discomfort, poor sleep and long crying intervals1. It has been suggested that this may be due to the higher protein content of infant formula compared to human milk2. For the immature gastrointestinal system, a higher protein content may be hard to digest3.
Several studies 3-10 have addressed this challenge, and it was found that, by altering the amount and type of proteins in infant formula, challenges leading to gastrointestinal problems1 were reduced.
At Arla Foods Ingredients, we offer several protein solutions for early life nutrition formulations targeting digestive comfort.
Alpha-lactalbumin
An easily digestible protein4 with an excellent amino acid composition5, alpha-lactalbumin can be used for lowering the protein levels in early life nutrition products. Several clinical studies found that infant formulas enriched with alpha-lactalbumin reduced feeding-related gastrointestinal events to a level similar to that of breast-fed infants3,6. Alpha-lactalbumin was also found to increase formula acceptability and tolerance overall7.
Hydrolysed proteins
Hydrolysed proteins are produced by a process, where intact proteins are pre-digested by enzymes. Studies found that the use of hydrolysed proteins in infant formulas reduced regurgitation, crying and feeding intolerance – especially in colicky or fussy infants8-10.
Optimised early life nutrition for digestive comfort
Video1:36Learn more about how to support digestive comfort in early life with alpha-lactalbumin and milk protein hydrolysates.
References:
1. Vandenplas et al. 2015. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 61; 531-537
2. Alexy et al. 1999. Ann Nutr 43; 14-22
3. Davis et al. 2008. Eur J Clin Nutr. 62 ; 1294-1301
4. Boirie et al. 1997. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 94; 14930-14935
5. Lönnerdal & Lien 2003. Nutr Rev. 61; 295-305
6. Dupont et al. 2010. Eur J Clin Nutr. 64 ; 765-767
7. Lien et al. 2004. J Pediatr Gastr Nutr. 38; 170-176
8. Hall et al. 2012. J Pdiatr Child Health. 48; 128-137
9. Salvatore et al. 2018. Acta Pediatr. 107; 1512-1520
10. Vandenplas et al. 2014. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 58; 549-552
