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Infant Formulas With Postbiotics: An Updated Systematic Review

Hania Szajewska1, Maciej Kołodziej, Agata Skórka

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|March 8, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Infant formulas (IF) with postbiotics are safe and well-tolerated for non-breastfed infants. However, current evidence is insufficient to confirm clinical benefits or differentiate between specific postbiotic IF products.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Postbiotics, derived from inanimate microorganisms or their components, are increasingly incorporated into infant formulas (IF).
  • Evidence on the safety and health impacts of postbiotic IF compared to standard IF requires systematic evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and update evidence on the safety and health effects of infant formulas containing postbiotics.
  • To compare postbiotic IF, with or without additional modifications, against standard IF.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE up to December 2021.
  • Eleven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the review.
  • Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2, with most trials showing high risk or some concerns.

Main Results:

  • Infant formulas fermented with *Bifidobacterium breve* C50 and *Streptococcus thermophilus* (BB/ST) were found to be safe and well-tolerated compared to standard IF.
  • Postbiotic formulas with additional modifications (e.g., prebiotics, altered fat content) were generally safe but did not demonstrate clear, replicated benefits.
  • Limited data were available for formulas containing *Lactobacillus paracasei* CBA L74.

Conclusions:

  • Current infant formulas with postbiotics are safe and well-tolerated for infants unable to be breastfed.
  • Insufficient evidence exists to draw firm conclusions on the clinical efficacy or comparative benefits of different postbiotic IF formulations.
  • Consultation with healthcare providers is recommended to weigh the evidence, expected benefits, and costs of specific modified infant formulas.
Abstract

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