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Response to RIT 4237 oral rotavirus vaccine in human milk, adapted-and soy-formula fed infants
G Zoppi1, F Mantovanelli, K Pittschieler
1Cattedra di Auxologia, Università di Verona, Italy.
Insights
Soy-based infant formula may hinder immune responses to rotavirus vaccination. Infants fed soy formula showed reduced antibody production compared to those on breast milk or standard milk formula, suggesting potential interference with immunization.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition
Background:
- Infant feeding practices significantly impact child development and health.
- The role of different infant formulas in immune system development requires further investigation.
- Previous studies suggest soy-based products might affect vaccine efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunogenicity of rotavirus vaccine in infants fed different formulas.
- To compare antibody responses in infants receiving breast milk, adapted milk formula, or soy-based formula.
- To investigate potential interference of soy-protein formulas with infant immunization.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 28 full-term newborns was initially breast-fed.
- Infants were later randomized to breast milk, adapted milk formula, or soy-based formula.
- Rotavirus vaccine (RIT 4237) was administered orally at five months, and antibody levels (IgM/IgG) were measured.
Main Results:
- Weight gain was comparable across all feeding groups.
- Infants fed soy-formula exhibited lower IgM and IgG antibody responses to rotavirus vaccine.
- Breast milk and adapted milk formula groups showed higher antibody responses compared to the soy-formula group.
Conclusions:
- Soy-protein based infant formulas may interfere with the infant's immune response to vaccination.
- These findings support previous observations with other vaccines, highlighting potential concerns with soy formulas.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms behind soy formula's impact on immunization.
Abstract:
During the first month of life 28 full-term newborns were breast-fed (18 males and 11 females). Thereafter 8 infants continued breast-feeding while the remainder were randomly fed on either an adapted milk formula (n=13) or a soy-formula (n=7). At five months, after an oral dose of RIT 4237 rotavirus vaccine of bovine origin was given, growth and IgM/IgG type antibodies against rotavirus were measured. Weight gain was similar in all infants. There were 2 IgM and 1 IgG responders out of 7 soy fed infants, compared with 4 out of 8 human milk fed (both IgM and IgG) and 7 out of 13 IgM and 6/12 IgG formula fed infants responding to vaccination. This observation confirms previous results obtained with polio, diphtheria tetanus and pertussis vaccines indicating that soy-protein formulas may interfere with immunization processes.