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Infant Formula Supplemented With Milk Fat Globule Membrane, Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, and Synbiotics Is

Ana Nieto-Ruiz1,2,3, José A García-Santos1,2,3, Juan Verdejo-Román4

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.

Frontiers in Nutrition
|March 31, 2022
PubMed

Insights

An experimental infant formula (EF) enriched with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), and synbiotics positively impacted children's neurocognitive development and brain structure by age 6.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Early-life nutrition is crucial for brain development.
  • Nutrient intake in infancy significantly influences brain structure and function.
  • The first few months of life are a critical window for neurodevelopment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term effects of an experimental infant formula (EF) on neurocognitive function and brain structure.
  • To compare EF with standard infant formula (SF) and breastfed (BF) infants at 6 years of age.
  • To determine if EF supplementation impacts cognitive abilities and brain development.

Main Methods:

  • 108 healthy children aged 6 years were assessed.
  • Infants received EF, SF, or were breastfed (BF) from 0-2 months up to 18 months.
  • Neurocognitive tests and structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were used for assessment.

Main Results:

  • EF group showed enhanced neurocognitive function, including higher vocabulary, IQ, and attention.
  • EF group exhibited greater brain volumes in specific regions (e.g., left orbital cortex, parietal areas) and increased cortical thickness.
  • Nutrient intake and levels (e.g., DHA, ARA) were associated with brain structure changes and cognitive outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Infant formula supplemented with MFGM, LC-PUFAs, and synbiotics has positive long-term effects on neurodevelopment.
  • EF supplementation is linked to improved brain structure and cognitive function in children.
  • Early nutrition plays a vital role in shaping long-term brain development and cognitive abilities.
Abstract

Keywords:
LC-PUFAsMFGMbreastfeedingcognitionearly nutritioninfant formulaneuroimagingsynbiotics

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