Effect of an a Lactalbumin Enriched Infant Formula Supplemented With Oligofructose on Fecal Microbiota, Stool Characteristics, and Hydration Status
Aims. To evaluate the impact of oligofructose (OF) supplemented infant formula on fecal microbiota, stool characteristics, and hydration. Methods. Ninety five formula fed infants were randomized to a lactalbumin enriched control formula (CF) or identical formula with 3.0 g/L OF (EF) for 8 weeks; 50 infants fed human milk (HM) were included. Results. Eighty four infants completed the study, 70 met per protocol criteria. Over 8 weeks, bifidobacteria increased more in EF than CF group (0.70 vs 0.16 log10 bacterial counts/g dry feces, P .008) EF was not significantly different from HM group (P .32) EF group stool consistency was intermediate between CF and HM groups; at week 8, EF group had softer stools than CF (5 point scale: 1 hard, 5 watery; consistency score 3.46 vs 2.82, P .015) without significant differences in stool frequency. Physician assessed hydration status was normal for all infants. Conclusions. Infant formula with 3.0 g/L OF promoted bifidobacteria growth and softer stools without adversely affecting stool frequency or hydration.
Clinical pediatrics