[Growth and tolerance in infants fed an infant formula based on hydrolyzed rice proteins]

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy in terms of growth and tolerance of an infant formula based on hydrolyzed rice proteins.

Healthy infants, born at term, less than 1 month old, and exclusively fed an infant formula based on hydrolyzed rice proteins until their diet was diversified, were included in this open-label, multicenter study. The main outcome measure was daily weight gain during the study period. The infant's weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and the data concerning tolerance (digestive disorders, allergy manifestations) were collected at inclusion in the study, at 2 and 4 months, and before diversifying the infant's diet between 4 and 6 months. The growth parameters were compared to the WHO standards by calculating the Z-score.

Seventy-eight infants were included. The mean daily weight gain over 5 months was 23.2 ± 4.3 g/day, identical to the WHO standards (22.2 ± 1.8 g/day, P = 0.09). During the study period, the Z-scores for weight, height, and BMI varied between +1.1 and -0.5 SD according to the WHO standards. Formula acceptance and tolerance were both good.

The infant formula studied, based on hydrolyzed rice proteins, was well tolerated and led to normal growth over the first few months of life, comparable to the WHO standards.