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Development of salivary alpha-amylase in infants from birth to 5 months

G P Sevenhuysen, C Holodinsky, C Dawes

    The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
    |April 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Infant salivary alpha-amylase activity rapidly increases by 3 months, reaching two-thirds of adult levels. Early introduction of starch foods may cause incomplete starch digestion in infants.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Pediatric Nutrition
    • Digestive Physiology

    Background:

    • Salivary alpha-amylase initiates carbohydrate digestion.
    • Understanding its development in infants is crucial for nutritional guidance.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the developmental pattern of salivary alpha-amylase activity in infants.
    • To explore relationships between enzyme activity and infant growth and diet.

    Main Methods:

    • Saliva samples collected monthly from infants (birth to 5 months).
    • Alpha-amylase activity measured (per ml saliva and per mg protein).
    • Infant anthropometrics and dietary intake (including starch) recorded.

    Main Results:

    • Alpha-amylase activity increased significantly from birth to 3 months.
    • Activity reached approximately 67% of adult levels by 3 months.
    • No correlation found between enzyme activity and infant weight, growth rate, or dietary starch intake.

    Conclusions:

    • Infant salivary alpha-amylase matures significantly within the first three months.
    • Introducing starch-containing foods before 3 months may impair starch hydrolysis in some infants.

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