Goat Milk Based Infant Formula in Newborns: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial on Growth and Safety

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Infant Formula Development
• Clinical Trials in Neonatology

Background:

• Infant nutrition is critical for healthy development.
• Cow milk-based formula (CMF) is a common alternative to breastfeeding.
• Goat milk-based infant formula (GMF) offers a potential alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the growth and safety of GMF in newborns.
• To compare GMF with CMF and breast milk (BF) in a randomized trial.
• To assess tolerability and adverse events associated with GMF.

Main Methods:

• A randomized double-blind trial involving 218 healthy term infants.
• Infants were fed either GMF or CMF; a breastfed (BF) group served as reference.
• Growth parameters (weight, length, head circumference) and adverse events were monitored over 112 days.

Main Results:

• GMF and CMF groups showed similar weight gain and anthropometric z-scores after 112 days.
• Both infant formula groups exhibited higher weight z-scores than the BF group from 84 days onward.
• Incidences of adverse events, reflux, fussiness, colic, and flatulence were comparable across all groups.

Conclusions:

• Goat milk-based infant formula (GMF) ensures adequate infant growth.
• GMF demonstrates good tolerability and a favorable safety profile.
• GMF is a safe and effective option for infant feeding.