Bioactive Whey Protein Concentrate and Lactose Stimulate Gut Function in Formula-fed Preterm Pigs

Area of Science:

• Neonatal nutrition
• Gastrointestinal physiology
• Infant formula development

Background:

• Formula feeding is linked to poorer intestinal health in preterm neonates compared to maternal milk.
• The specific mechanisms, particularly related to formula composition like maltodextrin and whey protein concentrates (WPCs), are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of formula carbohydrate source (lactose vs. maltodextrin) and whey protein concentrate (WPC) processing on intestinal health in preterm neonates.
• To determine if WPCs with reduced thermal processing (higher bioactivity) improve gut maturation and health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A preterm piglet model (n=92) was used, fed varying formulas for 5 days.
• Experiment 1: Lactose- or maltodextrin-dominant formulas with high (WPC1) or low (WPC2) IgG levels.
• Experiment 2: Lactose-dominant formulas with bioactive (BioWPC) or conventional (ConWPC) WPC.

Main Results:

• Formulas with higher IgG WPC (WPC1) and lactose dominance improved villi height, hexose absorption, and lactase activity.
• Bioactive WPC (BioWPC) demonstrated higher IgG, lactoferrin, and TGF-β2 levels, promoting enterocyte proliferation.
• Pigs fed BioWPC formula showed improved feeding tolerance, gut morphology, lactase activity, and physical activity.

Conclusions:

• Lactose-based infant formulas with WPCs processed to retain bioactivity may enhance gut maturation and health in preterm neonates.
• Reduced thermal processing of WPCs appears crucial for maintaining beneficial bioactivity, supporting gut health in vulnerable infants.