Infant Formula with Partially Hydrolyzed Proteins in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Over 50% of all infants present with one or more functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) during the first months of life. The literature on the effect of partially hydrolyzed formula (pHF) in the management of FGIDs was reviewed. There is insufficient evidence to recommend pHFs in regurgitation, although one study suggests that a thickened pHF may be more effective than antiregurgitation formulas with intact protein. No randomized clinical trials on pHFs in infants with colicky symptoms have been published. pHFs, fortified with pre- and/or probiotics, with high levels of sn-2 palmitate in the fat blend or without palm oil provide some benefit in functional constipation. However, there are no studies evaluating the efficacy of pHF as single intervention in constipated infants.

Overall, pHF may offer some useful alternative to intact protein in the dietary management of common FGIDs, although the evidence is very scarce. Well-designed, randomized trials are needed to allow to recommend the use of pHF in infants with FGIDs.