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Published on: January 27, 2019

Incidence of infectious diseases in infants fed follow-on formula containing synbiotics: an observational study

Jean-Charles Picaud1, Véronique Chapalain, Damien Paineau

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Claude Bernard University Lyon1, Lyon, France. jean-charles.picaud@chu-lyon.fr

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|June 22, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Synbiotic-enriched infant formula reduced infectious diseases and improved weight gain compared to standard formula. This suggests synbiotics may benefit infant health and growth.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Infectious diseases pose a significant public health challenge for infants.
  • Synbiotic-enriched formulas aim to replicate the protective effects of human milk against infections.
  • Infant feeding practices, particularly the transition to follow-on formulas, are critical for health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of synbiotic-enriched formula (EF) versus standard formula (SF) on infectious disease incidence in infants.
  • To assess the effects of EF on infant growth parameters.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study involving 771 healthy infants switching to follow-on formula.
  • Data collection included family characteristics, medical history, growth, and infectious disease details (symptoms, severity, treatment).
  • Outcomes were compared between EF and SF groups after adjusting for baseline characteristics.

Main Results:

  • Infants fed EF experienced fewer overall infectious diseases (31.0%) compared to SF (40.6%).
  • EF significantly reduced gastrointestinal infections (EF: 3.5%; SF: 6.8%).
  • Higher weight gain was observed in infants fed EF (18.3 g/day) versus SF (16.9 g/day).

Conclusions:

  • Synbiotic supplementation in infant formula may decrease the incidence of infectious diseases.
  • Synbiotics appear to promote better growth in infants.
  • Further research is required to establish optimal synbiotic formulations and dosages for infant formulas.
Abstract

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