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Infant formula composition affects energetic efficiency for growth: the BeMIM study, a randomized controlled trial.
Manja Fleddermann1, Hans Demmelmair1, Veit Grote1
1Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University of Munich Medical Centre, Munich, Germany.
A modified infant formula with reduced protein and added alpha-lactalbumin (ALAB) and long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) demonstrated improved energetic efficiency for infant growth. This new formula supports adequate protein requirements for healthy development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Infant Growth and Development
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Infant formula composition, including protein source, macronutrients, and LC-PUFA content, can impact infant growth.
- Understanding these compositional effects is crucial for optimizing infant nutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a modified infant formula on infant growth parameters.
- To compare the growth effects of a formula with reduced protein, added alpha-lactalbumin (ALAB), and LC-PUFA against a standard formula.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind trial involving 213 healthy term infants from 1 to 120 days of life.
- Infants received either an intervention formula (IF) with ALAB and LC-PUFA (1.89 g protein/100 kcal) or a control formula (CF) with standard whey (2.30 g protein/100 kcal).
- Regular assessments of anthropometry, dietary intake, and blood samples on day 120 were conducted.
Main Results:
- Length gain was significantly higher in the IF group (P=0.02).
- Growth per energy intake was significantly greater for both weight (P=0.02) and length (P=0.04) in the IF group.
- While weight gain was not statistically different, the IF showed improved energetic efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The modified infant formula, with reduced protein, added ALAB, and LC-PUFA, adequately meets protein requirements for infant growth.
- The enhanced energetic efficiency of the IF may be attributed to its improved protein composition, specifically the addition of ALAB.
- Subtle alterations in infant formula composition can significantly influence energetic efficiency for growth.
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