Term infant formula supplemented with milk-derived oligosaccharides shifts the gut microbiota closer to that of human milk-fed infants and improves intestinal immune defense: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Bovine milk-derived oligosaccharides (MOS) containing primarily galacto-oligosaccharides with inherent concentrations of sialylated oligosaccharides can be added to infant formula to enhance the oligosaccharide profile.

Objective: To investigate the effects of an MOS-supplemented infant formula on gut microbiota and intestinal immunity.

Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, healthy term formula-fed infants aged 21-26 d either received an intact protein cow milk-based formula (control group, CG, n = 112) or the same formula containing 7.

Effect of an α-lactalbumin-enriched infant formula supplemented with oligofructose on fecal microbiota, stool characteristics, and hydration status: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

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 α-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.

Serum lutein concentrations in healthy term infants fed human milk or infant formula with lutein.

Background: Lutein is a carotenoid that may play a role in eye health. Human milk typically contains higher concentrations of lutein than infant formula. Preliminary data suggest there are differences in serum lutein concentrations between breastfed and formula-fed infants.