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Partially Hydrolysed Whey-Based Infant Formula Improves Skin Barrier Function

Sébastien Holvoet1, Sophie Nutten1, Lénaïck Dupuis2

  • 1Department of Gastrointestinal Health, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Vers-chez-les-Blanc, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland.

Nutrients
|September 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Partially hydrolysed whey-based infant formula (pHF-W) may improve infant skin barrier function. This study found pHF-W reduced transepidermal water loss and improved skin hydration markers in mice and human cells.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Dermatology
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Atopic dermatitis (AD) risk in infants is linked to milk allergy and impaired skin barrier function.
  • Partially hydrolysed whey-based infant formulas (pHF-W) have demonstrated potential in reducing AD risk.
  • The specific impact of pHF-W on skin barrier integrity requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of oral pHF-W supplementation in enhancing skin barrier function.
  • To assess the effects of pHF-W on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and immune responses.
  • To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying pHF-W's impact on skin barrier genes.

Main Methods:

  • Neonatal mice were supplemented with pHF-W and exposed epicutaneously to Aspergillus fumigatus.
  • Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and total and specific IgE antibody levels were measured.
  • Human primary keratinocytes were stimulated in vitro to analyze skin barrier gene expression, including Aquaporin-3.

Main Results:

  • pHF-W supplementation significantly reduced TEWL and total IgE in mice.
  • Whey hydrolysate alone was sufficient to decrease TEWL and total IgE.
  • Aquaporin-3 gene expression, crucial for skin hydration, was modulated by pHF-W in both mice and human keratinocytes.

Conclusions:

  • Oral pHF-W supplementation may improve skin barrier function by reducing TEWL and modulating hydration-related genes.
  • Enhanced skin barrier function represents a potential mechanism through which pHF-W could lower AD risk in infants.
  • Further clinical trials in humans are necessary to validate these findings and confirm the efficacy of pHF-W for AD prevention.

Keywords:
aquaporinpartially hydrolysed whey-based infant formulaskin barrier functiontransepidermal water loss

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