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Intestinal permeability in different feedings in infancy

Gemma Colomé1, Carlos Sierra, Javier Blasco

  • 1Unidad de Gastroenterología y Nutrición Infantil, Hospital Materno-Infantil, Málaga, Spain.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|December 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Intestinal permeability in formula-fed infants is similar to breast-fed infants. Specific formula ingredients like prebiotics and nucleotides may influence gut barrier function, warranting further research.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Gastroenterology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Infant intestinal permeability (IP) is a key indicator of intestinal epithelial integrity.
  • Understanding IP differences between breast-fed and formula-fed infants is crucial for infant health.
  • Nutrient delivery and specific formula components may impact gut barrier function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare intestinal permeability (IP) in formula-fed infants versus healthy breast-fed infants.
  • To evaluate IP as a marker of intestinal epithelial integrity in early infancy.
  • To investigate the effects of different formula supplements on infant IP.

Main Methods:

  • A dual sugar absorption test using lactulose and mannitol was performed on 57 infants (<4 months).
  • Urinary lactulose/mannitol (L/M), lactulose/creatinine (L/C), and mannitol/creatinine (M/C) ratios were measured.
  • Infants were grouped into: breast-fed, prebiotic-supplemented formula, nucleotide-supplemented formula, LC-PUFA-supplemented formula, and combined supplemented formula.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in overall IP were found between breast-fed and formula-fed infants.
  • Prebiotic supplementation (fructooligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides) showed altered lactulose permeation relative to mannitol.
  • LC-PUFA supplementation was associated with a lower L/C ratio, suggesting enhanced intestinal barrier function.

Conclusions:

  • Nutrient delivery to the gastrointestinal tract is a primary factor in maintaining epithelial barrier integrity.
  • The specific roles of various formula ingredients, such as prebiotics and LC-PUFAs, in modulating infant gut barrier function require further elucidation.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the impact of specific formula components on infant intestinal health.
Abstract

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