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Are babies more satisfied by casein based formulas?
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|April 1, 1989
Summary
About 20-25% of infants require a formula change within six weeks. This occurs regardless of whether they start with whey-based or casein-based infant formula.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Infant Feeding Practices
Background:
- Infant formula selection is a critical decision for neonatal care.
- Whey-based and casein-based formulas are common initial choices for infant nutrition.
- Understanding formula tolerance and adjustment rates is essential for optimizing infant growth and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the rate of formula changes in infants within the first six weeks of life.
- To compare the need for formula modification between whey-based and casein-based infant formulas.
- To assess infant tolerance to initial formula types.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 173 infants initiated on whey-based formula was conducted.
- A subsequent double-blind randomized trial compared casein-based with whey-based formulas.
- Data collection focused on formula changes within the initial six weeks post-initiation.
Main Results:
- In the initial review, 40 out of 173 infants (23%) required a formula change, typically to casein-based formula, by six weeks.
- The double-blind randomized trial confirmed that approximately 20-25% of infants had their formula changed within six weeks.
- This rate of change was consistent irrespective of the initial formula type (whey-based or casein-based).
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of infants, around 20-25%, experience formula changes within the first six weeks of feeding.
- The choice between initial whey-based or casein-based infant formula does not substantially alter the likelihood of needing a change.
- These findings highlight the need for monitoring infant tolerance and potential adjustments in nutritional support during early infancy.
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