Effects of prebiotic-containing infant formula on gastrointestinal tolerance and fecal microbiota in a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Prebiotic-containing infant formula may beneficially affect gastrointestinal tolerance and commensal microbiota composition.

Objective: Assess gastrointestinal tolerance and fecal microbiota, pH, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations of infants consuming formula with or without prebiotics.

Design: Full-term formula-fed infants were studied to a breastfed comparison group (BF).

Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 enhances intestinal antibody response in formula-fed infants: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

Background: Addition of probiotics to infant formula may positively affect immune function in nonexclusively breastfed infants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of infant starter formula containing the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis (Bb12) on intestinal immunity and inflammation.

Methods: Six-week-old healthy, full-term infants (n = 172) were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial with 2 groups studied in parallel to a breastfed comparison group.

Antimicrobial activity of lipids added to human milk, infant formula, and bovine milk.

Lipids previously shown to have antiviral and antibacterial activity in buffers were added to human milk, bovine milk, and infant formulas to determine whether increased protection from infection could be provided to infants as part of their diet. Fatty acids and monoglycerides with chain lengths varying from 8 to 12 carbons were found to be more strongly antiviral and antibacterial when added to milk and formula than long chain monoglycerides. Lipids added to milk and formula inactivated a number of pathogens including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), Haemophilus influenzae, and Group B streptococcus.

Effect of orally administered epidermal growth factor on intestinal recovery of neonatal pigs infected with rotavirus.

The effect of oral epidermal growth factor (EGF) on histological and biochemical changes in epithelium in the small intestine was studied in colostrum-deprived neonatal pigs. Forty-eight pigs were infected at 4 days of age with 2 x 10(7) plaque-forming units of porcine group A rotavirus and orally fed a simulated sow-milk diet supplemented with 0.0, 0.

Magnesium bioavailability from human milk, cow milk, and infant formula in suckling rat pups.

Little is known about the absorption of magnesium from infant diets. Magnesium bioavailability was evaluated from infant diets that varied by protein and carbohydrate source; magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus contents; and the form of magnesium fortification. Diets were separated into soluble, insoluble, and fat fractions to determine magnesium distribution.