Stool pattern changes in toddlers consuming a follow-on formula supplemented with polydextrose and...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Gastroenterology
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Follow-on formulas are crucial for toddler nutrition.
• Digestive health, including stool patterns, is a key concern in early childhood.
• Prebiotics like polydextrose (PDX) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) may modulate gut function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of adding PDX/GOS to a cow's milk-based follow-on formula on digestive health and growth in young children.
• To assess the safety and tolerance of PDX/GOS supplementation in toddlers.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 133 healthy children aged 9-48 months.
• Children received either a standard follow-on formula or one supplemented with PDX/GOS for 108 days.
• Outcomes assessed included stool pattern, diarrheal disease, respiratory infections, antibiotic use, and growth parameters.

Main Results:

• The PDX/GOS group showed significantly greater odds of increased defecation frequency and softer stools compared to the control group (P≤0.01).
• No significant differences were observed between groups in weight-for-length/height z-scores, diarrheal disease incidence, acute respiratory infection rates, or systemic antibiotic use.
• The addition of PDX/GOS was well-tolerated.

Conclusions:

• Supplementation of follow-on formula with PDX/GOS is safe and well-tolerated in toddlers.
• PDX/GOS effectively promotes more frequent and softer stools, indicating a positive effect on digestive regularity.
• This prebiotic combination supports digestive health without negatively impacting growth or increasing infection rates.