Effect of a fermented infant formula containing viable bifidobacteria on the fecal flora composition and pH of healthy full-term infants. Effect of a Fermented Formula on Thymus Size and Stool pH in Healthy Term Infants Immunomodulation of human blood cells following the ingestion of lactic acid bacteria. Effects of Long-term Consumption of a Fermented Infant Formula (with Bifidobacterium breve c50 and Streptococcus thermophilus 065) on Acute Diarrhea in Healthy Infants A non-hydrolyzed, fermented milk formula reduces digestive and respiratory events in infants at high risk of allergy Spontaneously fermented millet product as a natural probiotic treatment for diarrhoea in young children: an intervention study in Northern Ghana. Low level of galacto-oligosaccharide in infant formula stimulates growth of intestinal Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Modulation of nonspecific mechanisms of defense by lactic acid bacteria: effective dose. Feeding of lactic acid-fermented high nutrient density weaning formula in paediatric settings in Ghana and Nigeria: acceptance by mother and infant and performance during recovery from acute diarrhoea. Probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in a fermented milk product with added fruit preparation reduce antibiotic associated diarrhea and Helicobacter pylori activity. Oral administration of two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus gasseri CECT5714 and Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711, enhances the intestinal function of healthy adults. Increased Poliovirus-Specific Intestinal Antibody Response Coincides with Promotion of Bifidobacterium longum-infantis and Bifidobacterium breve in Infants: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Randomized Double-Blind Study of the Nutritional Efficacy and Bifidogenicity of a New Infant Formula Containing Partially Hydrolyzed Protein, a High &bgr;-Palmitic Acid Level, and Nondigestible Oligosaccharides Supplementation of milk formula with galacto-oligosaccharides improves intestinal micro-flora and fermentation in term infants. Modulation of natural killer cell activity by supplementation of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei in habitual smokers. Long-term consumption of infant formulas containing live probiotic bacteria: tolerance and safety. [Evaluation of a local infant formula enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids produced in Israel]. Clinical effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus strain L-92 on perennial allergic rhinitis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Growth of infants fed formula rich in canola oil (low erucic acid rapeseed oil). Faecal SIgA secretion in infants fed on pre- or probiotic infant formula. Safety and efficacy of inulin and oligofructose supplementation in infant formula: results from a randomized clinical trial. Effect of providing a formula supplemented with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on immunity in full-term neonates. Sourdough fermentation or addition of organic acids or corresponding salts to bread improves nutritional properties of starch in healthy humans.
We assessed the growth , tolerance , and acceptability as well as fecal flora composition and stool pH of 20 healthy full-term infants fed with a fermented whey-adapted infant formula containing viable bifidobacteria ( 10(6)/g of powder ) during the first 2 months of life . This fermented infant formula , first biologically acidified by Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus helveticus , was compared to a whey-adapted , nonacidified , low-phosphate infant formula in a double-blind , r and omized controlled study . The results were compared to a control group ( n = 14 ) of fully breast-fed infants . The fermented whey-adapted formula containing viable bifidobacteria induced a prevalence of colonization with bifidobacteria at 1 month of age similar to that of breast-fed infants ( 12/20 versus 8/14 ) but significantly higher than in the group fed the st and ard infant formula ( 4/20 ) . The mean bacterial count of bifidobacteria was similar in all colonized infants ; however , fecal pH was significantly lower in the breast-fed infants than in the nonacidified bottle-fed infants . This kind of infant formula was well tolerated and promoted a normal growth during the first 2 months To investigate the effects of fermented formula ( FF ) with Bifidobacterium breve C50 and Streptococcus thermophilus 065 on thymus size and stool pH of healthy term infants , ultrasound examinations and evaluations of thymus sizes and thymus indices ( TI ) and measurements of stool pH were performed in the same 90 term neonates on the 3rd d of life and on the 1st , 2nd , 3rd , and 4th mo of life . Thirty newborns were exclusively breast-fed while the remaining 60 were r and omly assigned to receive either a FF or a st and ard formula ( SF ) . The fecal pH of the breast-fed group was lower than the SF group ( p < 0.05 ) , although it was similar to that of the FF group on the third postnatal day , persisting for the entire 4 mo of the study . The difference in TI was statistically significant over repeated measurements among the groups . The FF infants showed a TI similar to the breast-fed newborns . Probiotic fermentation products have effects comparable to those of the bacteria composing the intestinal microflora supporting the idea that intestinal bacterial balance plays an important role in improving host immune responses Because of the lack of data that convincingly show immunomodulatory properties of lactic acid bacteria in humans , a study was performed in which healthy volunteers were divided into two groups and given a fermented milk product supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus strain La1 or Bifidobacterium bifidum strain Bb 12 for 3 wk . Blood was sample d throughout the study to assess changes in lymphocyte subsets or leukocyte phagocytic activity following consumption of the fermented products . No modifications of lymphocyte sub population s were detected . In contrast , phagocytosis of Escherichia coli sp. in vitro was enhanced after the administration of both fermented products . The increment in phagocytosis was coincident with fecal colonization by the lactic acid bacteria and persisted for 6 wk after ingestion of the fermented products . By this time , the fecal lactobacilli and bifidobacteria had returned to concentrations prior to consumption . Nonspecific , anti-infective mechanisms of defense can be enhanced by the ingestion of specific lactic acid bacteria strains . These strains can be used as nutritional supplements to improve the immune function of particular age groups , i.e. , the neonate or the elderly , for which these functions are diminished Objective : To determine whether long-term consumption of a fermented infant formula could influence the incidence of  acute diarrhea  and its severity in healthy infants . Method : Nine hundred seventy-one infants , ranging in age from 4 to 6 months , were included in a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial during a period of 5 months . They consumed daily either a fermented infant formula ( FF ) ( fermentation with Bifidobacterium breve C50 and Streptococcus thermophilus 065 ) or a st and ard infant formula ( SF ) of the same nutritional composition . Evaluation Criteria : Number and duration of acute diarrhea episodes were evaluated . Severity of the episodes was determined by the number of hospital admissions , incidence of dehydration , number of medical consultations , number of oral rehydration solution prescriptions , and number of formula switches . Results : Growth of the infants and acceptability of the formulas were identical in the two groups . Incidence , duration of diarrhea episodes , and number of hospital admissions did not differ significantly between groups . Episodes were less severe in the FF ( fermented formula ) group . There were fewer cases of dehydration 2.5%versus 6.1 % ( P = 0.01 ) , fewer medical consultations ( 46%v 56.6 % , P = 0.003 ) , fewer ORS prescriptions 41.9%v 51.9 % ( P = 0.003 ) and fewer switches to other formulas ( 59.5%v 74.9 % , P = 0.0001 ) in FF infants compared to SF . Conclusion : A fermented formula may reduce the severity of acute diarrhea among healthy young infants . This outcome may be linked to the bifidogenic effects of fermentation products and their interactions with the intestinal immune system Background / Objectives : To determine the impact of a not hydrolyzed fermented infant formula containing heat-killed Bifidobacterium breve C50 and Streptococcus thermophilus 065 ( HKBBST ) on the incidence of allergy-like events during the first 2 years of life in children at high risk of atopy . Subjects/ Methods : This multicenter , r and omized , double-blind , controlled study included infants at high risk of atopy . Infants used HKBBST or a st and ard infant formula ( SIF ) since birth until 1 year of age , and were followed at 4 , 12 and 24 months after birth .  Skin prick tests ( SPTs ) for six foods and six aeroallergens were systematic ally performed and adverse events ( AEs ) were recorded . In case of potentially allergic AE ( PAAE ) , allergy could be further tested by SPT , patch tests and quantification of specific IgEs . If cow 's milk allergy ( CMA ) was suspected , an oral challenge could also be performed . Results : The study included 129 children , 63 were r and omized to SIF , 66 to HKBBST . The use of HKBBST milk did not alter the proportion of CMA but decreased the proportion of positive SPT to cow 's milk ( 1.7 vs 12.5 % , P=0.03 ) , and the incidence of digestive ( 39 vs 63 % , P=0.01 ) and respiratory potentially allergic AEs ( 7 vs 21 % , P=0.03 ) at 12 months , and that of respiratory PAAEs at 24 months ( 13 vs 35 % , P=0.01 ) . Conclusions : HKBBST decreased the incidence of PAAEs in children with family history of atopy , during the first months of life and after the formula was stopped . Oral tolerance to cow 's milk in infants at high risk of atopy may therefore be improved using not hydrolyzed fermented formulae Indigenous lactic acid fermented foods may have potential as probiotic treatment for diarrhoea , due to high levels of lactic acid bacteria . In this study the effect of a millet drink , spontaneously fermented by lactic acid bacteria , as a therapeutic agent among Ghanaian children with diarrhoea , was assessed . Children below 5 years of age coming to Northern Ghana health clinics for treatment of diarrhoea were r and omised to two groups . Children of both groups received treatment for diarrhoea given at the local clinic . The intervention group in addition received up to 300 ml fermented millet drink ( KSW ) daily for 5 days after enrolment . The clinical outcome of diarrhoea and reported well-being were registered every day for the 5-day intervention and again 14 days after diagnosis . Among 184 children ( mean age 17.4 , st and ard deviation 11.3 months ) included , no effects of the intervention were found with respect to stool frequency , stool consistency and duration of diarrhoea . However , KSW was associated with greater reported well-being 14 days after the start of the intervention ( P=0.02 ) . The fact that no effect of KSW on diarrhoea was observed could be because many children had a mild form of diarrhoea , and many were treated with antibiotics . Either this could have affected the lactic acid bacteria , or the lactic acid bacteria in KSW had no probiotic effects . It is speculated that the effect after two weeks could be due to a preventing effect of KSW on antibiotic-associated diarrhoea which could help reducing persistent diarrhoea AIM To investigate the effect of a new infant formula supplemented with a low level ( 0.24 g/100 mL ) of galacto-oligosaccharide ( GOS ) on intestinal micro-flora ( Bifidobacteria , Lactobacilli and E. coli ) and fermentation characteristics in term infants , compared with human milk and a st and ard infant formula without GOS . METHODS Term infants ( n = 371 ) were approached in this study in three hospitals of China . All infants started breast-feeding . Those who changed to formula-feeding within 4 wk after birth were r and omly assigned to one of the two formula groups . Growth and stool characteristics , and side effects that occurred in recruited infants were recorded in a 3-mo follow-up period . Fecal sample s were collected from a sub population of recruited infants for analysis of intestinal bacteria ( culture technique ) , acetic acid ( gas chromatography ) and pH ( indicator strip ) . RESULTS After 3 mo , the intestinal Bifidobacteria , Lactobacilli , acetic acid and stool frequency were significantly increased , and fecal pH was decreased in infants fed with the GOS-formula or human milk , compared with those fed with the formula without GOS . No significant differences were observed between the GOS formula and human milk groups . Supplementation with GOS did not influence the incidence of crying , regurgitation and vomiting . CONCLUSION A low level of GOS ( 0.24 g/100 mL ) in infant formula can improve stool frequency , decrease fecal pH , and stimulate intestinal Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli as in those fed with human milk The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a fermented milk product containing Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 ( formerly known as Lactobacillus acidophilus La1 ) on the phagocytic activity of peripheral blood leukocytes in healthy adult volunteers . Furthermore , we sought to define the effective doses of the bacteria , examine the effect on respiratory burst activity , and , finally , examine the contribution made by the starter culture to the biological effects . Volunteers were r and omly distributed among three groups ; each subject received one pot ( 150 ml ) of fermented milk each day for 3 wk . The first two groups received a freshly prepared product fermented by Streptococcus thermophilus ( group A ) alone or S. thermophilus and 10(7 ) cfu/ml L. johnsonii La1 ( group B ) . Group C received a product stored for a period of 21 to 28 d and that contained S. thermophilus and 10(6 ) cfu/ml of L. johnsonii La1 . Ingestion of L. johnsonii La1 did not significantly increase fecal lactobacilli counts . However , L. johnsonii La1 was able to survive intestinal transit and was only recovered from the feces of the volunteers of groups B and C. The fermented base alone showed a weak effect on respiratory burst but not on phagocytic activity . However , the product containing 10(7 ) cfu/ml L. johnsonii La1 significantly enhanced both functions . The product containing 10(6 ) cfu/ml of L. johnsonii La1 had no significant effect on either function . These results suggest that fecal persistence may not necessarily reflect in vivo colonization and may not be a prerequisite for all forms of immune reactivity A period of acute diarrhoea in infants is often associated with anorexia and weight loss . Catch-up growth is , therefore , necessary and this depends very much on the type of food , in terms of nutrient density , protein quality and digestibility , given to the child . Fermented ( F ) and non-fermented ( NF ) maize-soybean porridges of increased nutrient density were formulated and compared with traditionally fermented maize-only porridge ( P ) for acceptability using mothers in peri-urban Ghana as well as urban Nigeria as subjects . Subsequently , infants hospitalised in paediatric wards for acute diarrhoea , from the same communities in both countries , were assigned r and omly to one or other of the three porridges . Infant subjects in all cases fell within the ages of 6 - 15 months . Complementary to regular breast-feeding , infants could consume as much porridge as they wanted and their total daily consumption was interpreted as an indication of acceptance . Although mothers in both the environments of Ghana and Nigeria rated P as more acceptable than F and NF , no significant difference was recorded in the quantitative intake by infants of the three formula groups . By adding enzyme-rich cereal malt flour ( at the 1 - 5 % level by weight ) as a viscosity-thinning agent to F and NF porridges , it was possible to feed these porridges to infants at total solids concentration levels of 20 - 25 % ( wet basis ) which is approximately double the solid matter content of the P porridge . Consequently , the daily nutrient intake by infants consuming F and NF porridges was considerably higher compared to the P porridge group . It is concluded that the concept of high nutrient density weaning foods is a feasible vehicle for an improvement of nutrient supply to infants To investigate matrix-specifity of probiotic effects and particularly of the reduction of antibiotics-associated diarrhea , a controlled , r and omized , double-blind study was performed , in which 88 Helicobacter pylori-infected but otherwise healthy subjects were given for eight weeks either a ) a probiotic fruit yoghurt " mild " containing Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 plus Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 , n = 30 ) , b ) the same product but pasteurized after fermentation ( n = 29 ) or c ) milk acidified with lactic acid ( control , n = 29 ) . During week five , a Helicobacter eradication therapy was performed . Helicobacter activity was measured via 13C-2-urea breath tests and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal complaints were recorded by vali date d question naires . In intervention group a , b and c the mean number of days with diarrhoea was 4 , 10 and 10 ( P<0·05 ) , the frequency of episodes 17 % , 7 % and 27 % ( n.s . ) , and the change in total symptoms score before antibiotics treatment was -1·4 ± 1·1 , -1·2 ± 1·1 , 2·6 ± 1·1 points/four weeks ( P<0·05 ) . All milk products decreased Helicobacter activity by 18 to 45 % without significant differences between groups . The observed decrease in Hel . pylori activity seems to be not or not only due to probiotic bacteria but ( rather ) to components of acidified milk ( most probably lactic acid ) . Fruit-yogurt-like fermented milk products with living probiotic bacteria significantly shorten the duration of antibiotics-associated diarrhoea and improve gastrointestinal complaints . Fruit yogurt-like fermented milk is a matrix suitable for probiotic bacteria Modifications in gastrointestinal parameters , intestinal colonization and tolerance are some of the main goals cl aim ed for probiotics . However , although healthy people are the common target for these new functional food products , the number of clinical trials analysing the effects of probiotics in gastrointestinal parameters of healthy subjects is very scarce . A r and omized , double blind , placebo-controlled human clinical trial involving 30 healthy adults was performed to investigate the effect of a fermented product containing two probiotic strains , Lactobacillus gasseri CECT5714 and Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 , on several blood and fecal parameters , most of them related to the host intestinal function . The volunteers were r and omly distributed into two groups , one receiving a st and ard yogurt and the other a similar dairy fermented product in which the Lactobacillus delbreuckii subsp . bulgaricus yogurt strain had been replaced by a combination of the probiotic strains L. gasseri CECT5714 and L. coryniformis CECT5711 . The volunteers that received the probiotic strains reported no adverse effects and the strains could be isolated from their feces at a relatively high level . In fact , the concentration of fecal lactic acid bacteria significantly increased in the probiotic group . Additionally , the oral administration of the probiotic strains led to an improvement of parameters such as the production of short chain fatty acids , the fecal moisture and the frequency and volume of the stools . As a result , the volunteers assigned to the probiotic group perceived a clear improvement in their intestinal habits . The study revealed that probiotics may exert a positive effect on healthy adults To determine whether the size of the intestinal bifidobacterial population can influence the immune response to  poliovirus vaccination in infants , we set up a r and omized , placebo-controlled trial . From birth to 4 mo , infants were given a fermented infant formula ( FIF ) or a st and ard formula ( placebo ) . Bifidobacteria were quantified monthly in infant stools . Antipoliovirus IgA response to Pentacoq ® was assessed before and 1 mo after the second vaccine injection . Thirty infants were r and omized , and 20 completed the study ( nine in the placebo group and 11 in the FIF group ) . Fecal bifidobacterial level was significantly higher with the FIF group at 4 mo of age ( p = 0.0498 ) . Furthermore , B. longum/B. infantis carriage was higher at 4 mo in the FIF group ( p = 0.0399 ) . Antipoliovirus IgA titers increased after Pentacoq ® challenge ( p < 0.001 ) , and the rise was significantly higher in the FIF group ( p < 0.02 ) . Antibody titers correlated with bifidobacteria , especially with B. longum/B. infantis and B. breve levels ( p < 0.002 ) . Infants who harbored B. longum/B. infantis also exhibited higher levels of antipoliovirus IgAs ( p < 0.002 ) . In conclusion , the present results indicate that antipoliovirus response can be triggered with a fermented formula that is able to favor intestinal bifidobacteria . Whether this effect on the immune system is achieved through the bifidogenic effect of the formula ( mainly through B. longum/B. infantis and B. breve stimulation ) or directly linked to compounds ( i.e. peptides ) produced by milk fermentation remains to be investigated Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional efficacy and bifidogenic characteristics of a new infant formula containing partially hydrolyzed whey protein , modified vegetable oil with a high & bgr;-palmitic acid content , prebiotic oligosaccharides , and starch . Methods In a double-blind study , healthy formula-fed term infants aged younger than 2 weeks were r and omized to receive either the new infant formula ( NF ) or a st and ard formula ( SF )  until the age of 12 weeks .  Anthropometric measurements were taken at enrollment , 6 weeks , and 12 weeks . In a sub sample of infants , blood sample s were taken at 6 weeks and stool sample s were taken at enrollment and 6 weeks . Blood sample s were analyzed for biochemical measures of protein status and amino acids , and stools were analyzed for total bacteria and bifidobacteria . Mothers completed a feeding diary and question naire at 6 and 10 weeks . Results One hundred fifty-four infants were enrolled in the study ; 102 completed the trial . The growth of infants in both formula groups was in line with published growth curves . During the first 6 weeks , NF girls gained more weight and head circumference than the SF girls . These velocity differences were not maintained throughout the 12-week study period . The NF stools had a higher proportion of bifidobacteria at 6 weeks compared with the SF stools , and they were softer . There were no clinical ly significant differences in the blood biochemical and amino acid values between groups . Both formulas were well tolerated by the infants . Conclusions When compared with a st and ard infant formula , the new formula supported satisfactory growth , led to higher counts of bifidobacteria in the feces , produced blood bio-chemical values typical of formula-fed infants , and was well tolerated BACKGROUND Oligosaccharides in human milk may protect infants by improving the intestinal micro-flora and fermentation . This study was to investigate effects of  infant formula milk consisting of galacto-oligosaccharide ( GOS ) on intestinal microbial population s and the fermentation characteristics in term infants in comparison with that of human milk . METHODS The test formula ( Frisolac H , Friesl and , Netherl and ) was supplemented with GOS at a concentration of 0.24 g/dl . Human milk and another formula without oligosaccharides ( Frisolac H , Friesl and , Netherl and ) were used as positive and negative control respectively . Growth , stool characteristics , and side effects of the recruited infants were recorded after 3 and 6 months ' follow-up , and the fecal species were collected for the analysis of intestinal micro-flora , short chain fatty acid ( SCFA ) and pH. RESULTS At the end of 3- and 6-month feeding period , intestinal Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli were significantly increased in infants fed with GOS supplemented formula and human milk when compared with infants fed with negative control formula ; however , there was no statistically significant difference between GOS supplemented formula and human milk groups . Stool characteristics were influenced by the supplement and main fecal SCFA ( acetic ) , and stool frequency were significantly increased in infants fed with GOS supplemented formula and human milk , while the fecal pH was significantly decreased as compared with that of negative control ( P < 0.05 ) . Supplementation had no influence on incidence of side effects ( including crying , regurgitation and vomiting ) . CONCLUSIONS Supplementing infant formula with GOS at a concentration of 0.24 g/dl stimulates the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in the intestine and stool characteristics are similar to in term infants fed with human milk BACKGROUND Habitual smoking significantly reduces natural killer ( NK ) cell activity . To clarify whether the intake of fermented milk containing lactic acid bacteria restores NK cell activity in habitual smokers , we conducted a placebo-controlled double-blind test . METHODS Ninety-nine subjects with smoking habits were r and omly divided into two groups and daily for 3 weeks were given fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei or placebo .  NK cell activity in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMNC ) was determined before and after the intake . Average number of cigarettes smoked and number of cigarettes that the subjects smoked before giving blood after getting up on the inspection day were asked , and these data were used to adjust the influence of smoking on NK cell activity . RESULTS NK cell activity in individuals was inversely correlated to numbers of cigarettes smoked . Averaged NK cell activity adjusted by the numbers of cigarettes was significantly higher in individuals drinking fermented milk containing L. casei than those drinking a placebo . However , the proportion of NK cells was not different between individuals drinking either fermented milk containing L. casei or the placebo . CONCLUSIONS Intake of fermented milk containing lactic acid bacteria was considered effective for restoring the NK cell activity of habitual smokers BACKGROUND Nonpathogenic live bacteria are consumed as food by many children , particularly in the form of yogurt . The tolerance and safety of long-term consumption of specific types and strains of probiotic bacteria are not well documented . OBJECTIVE The goal was to evaluate tolerance to formulas containing 2 levels of probiotic supplementation and effects on growth , general clinical status , and intestinal health in free-living healthy infants . DESIGN This was a prospect i ve , double-blind , r and omized , placebo-controlled study of healthy infants aged 3 - 24 mo . Infants were assigned to receive a st and ard milk-based formula containing 1 x 10(7 ) colony-forming units (CFU)/g each of Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus , formula containing 1 x 10(6 ) CFU/g each of B. lactis and S. thermophilus , or unsupplemented formula . Clinical outcomes included formula intake , gastrointestinal tolerance , anthropometric measures , daycare attendance , and history of illness . RESULTS One hundred eighteen infants aged ( + /- SD ) 7.0 + /- 2.9 mo at enrollment consumed formula for 210 + /- 127 d. There were no significant differences in age , sex , formula consumption , or length of study between groups . The supplemented formulas were well accepted and were associated with a lower frequency of reported colic or irritability ( P < 0.001 ) and a lower frequency of antibiotic use ( P < 0.001 ) than was the unsupplemented formula . There were no significant differences between groups in growth , health care attention seeking , daycare absenteeism , or other health variables . CONCLUSION Long-term consumption of formulas supplemented with B. lactis and S. thermophilus was well tolerated and safe and result ed in adequate growth , reduced reporting of colic or irritability , and a lower frequency of antibiotic use Polyunsaturated fatty acids ( PUFA ) are vital for the normal development of the brain and the eye retina in infancy . Breast milk contains significant amounts of PUFA , and compensates for their low production in infancy . Only recently a few companies with worldwide product distribution have started to enrich infant formula with PUFA . We evaluated the safety and clinical efficacy of a locally made PUFA-enriched infant formula , produced for the first time in Israel . 50 normal , full term infants participated in a prospect i ve , r and omized double-blind study . Half received a regular whey-predominant infant formula ( Materna Plus ) , and the other half a PUFA-enriched formula ( Materna Premium ) , both produced in Israel , for 30 days . Evaluation included physical examination , growth parameters , stool analysis , daily parental question naires regarding infant behavior and defecation , and developmental assessment . There were no significant differences on comparing growth parameters , infant behavior , attacks of restlessness , gas severity , or stool characteristics in the 2 groups . There were no side effects or abnormal stool findings in either group , and no differences in developmental assessment at 3 months of age . We conclude that the locally-produced PUFA-enriched infant formula is safe and clinical ly efficient . We assume that the lack of any effect on developmental indices is due to the relatively short exposure to the PUFA-enriched diet . Nevertheless , based on the recent literature , there is no doubt that PUFA supplementation is vital in improving infant brain and eye development Studies in animals have suggested that lactic acid bacteria alleviate allergic diseases , however , little information is available on their clinical effect on allergy in humans . Thus , we examined the efficacy of orally administered Lactobacillus acidophilus strain L-92 ( L-92 ) on perennial allergic rhinitis . In a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled clinical trial , 49 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis were r and omized to receive either 100 mL of heat-treated fermented milk containing L-92 ( n = 25 ) or acidified milk without lactic acid bacteria ( placebo ; n = 24 ) for 8 wk . The severity of symptoms was evaluated based on the changes in the scores of clinical symptoms . Oral administration of milk fermented with L-92 result ed in a statistically significant improvement of nasal symptom-medication scores . Ocular symptom-medication scores of patients in the L-92 intervention group tended to improve compared with those in the placebo group . In addition , clear decreases of the scores of swelling and color of the nasal mucosa were observed in the L-92 intervention group at 6 and 8 wk after the start of ingestion of fermented milk . There were no significant differences in serum antihouse dust mite immunoglobulin E levels nor in T helper type 1/T helper type 2 ratio between the 2 groups . These results suggest that oral administration of L-92 can alleviate the symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis , however , statistically significant changes were not shown in blood parameters BACKGROUND & AIMS Canola oil is a variety of rapeseed oil low in erucic acid ( < 2 % ) . For many years , canola oil has been widely used as an ingredient in infant formula in Europe , but not in North America due to safety concerns . A number of studies have used variable canola content of infant formulas to investigate the effects of linoleic acid : α-linolenic acid ratio on visual function of infants . However , little published data is available to compare the safety of canola versus non-canola containing infant formula . The aim of this study is to investigate whether infant formulas containing canola oil support normal growth in infants as assessed by weight and length gain . METHODS Re-analyses of data on infant weight and length gain from a prospect i ve r and omized double-blind trial in full-term infants in the German Infant Nutritional Intervention study ( GINI ) . This analysis compared growth in infants receiving infant formulas with or without canola oil from week 4 to month 7 . Absolute weight and length , weight and length gain in gram or cm per day and st and ardized weight and length measurements were analyzed by analyses of variance and a longitudinal r and om effects model . St and ardization was conducted according to the new WHO 2006 age- and sex-specific child growth st and ards . RESULTS Absolute and st and ardized weight and length measures did not differ between the formula groups with or without canola oil . This was true for both , analyses within each of the three anthropometric measurement periods ( 4 - 6 weeks , 3 - 4 months , 6 - 7 months ) and for the longitudinal analyses over the whole period from 4 weeks to 7 months of life . Power analyses confirmed that sample size was sufficient to detect a difference of 3 g per day between 14 and 120 days between the two formula groups . CONCLUSIONS Infant formula containing canola oil supports normal infant growth as assessed by weight and length gain Secretory immunoglobulin A ( SIgA ) plays an important role in the defence of the gastrointestinal tract . The level of faecal SIgA antibody is associated with increased neutralization and clearance of viruses . Formula-fed infants who lack the transfer of protective maternal SIgA from breast milk may benefit from strategies to support maturation of humoral immunity and endogenous production of SIgA. We aim ed at study ing the effects of st and ard , prebiotic and probiotic infant formulas on the faecal SIgA levels . At birth , infants of whom the mother had decided not to breastfeed were allocated to one of three formula groups in a r and omized , double-blind fashion . Nineteen infants received st and ard infant formula ; 19 received prebiotic formula containing a specific mixture of 0.6 g galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)/fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)/100 ml formula and 19 received probiotic formula containing 6.0 x 10(9 ) cfu Bifidobacterium animalis/100 ml formula . Faecal sample s were taken on postnatal day 5 , day 10 , wk 4 and every 4 wk thereafter until wk 32 . SIgA in faeces was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay . During the intervention , infants fed on prebiotic formula showed a trend towards higher faecal SIgA levels compared with the st and ard formula-fed infants reaching statistical significance at the age of 16 wk . In contrast , infants fed on the probiotic formula showed a highly variable faecal SIgA concentration with no statistically significant differences compared with the st and ard formula group . Formula-fed infants may benefit from infant formulas containing a prebiotic mixture of GOS and FOS because of the observed clear tendency to increase faecal SIgA secretion . Adding viable B. animalis strain Bb-12 to infant formula did not reveal any sign for such a trend BACKGROUND & AIMS The sterile newborn digestive tract is rapidly colonized after birth and feeding type could influence this process . Infant formulas try to mimic the bifidogenic effect of human milk using prebiotic supplementation . The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy , safety and tolerance of a 0.8 g/dL Orafti( ® )Synergy1 ( oligofructose-enriched inulin ) supplemented infant formula during the first 4 months of life . METHODS In a double-blind , r and omized , placebo-controlled and parallel trial , formula fed healthy term newborns were r and omized to receive a control ( controls ) or SYN1 supplemented infant formula ( SYN1 ) . Breastfed newborns ( BF ) were also followed for comparison . Anthropometry , water balance , blood parameters , adverse events , stool frequency and characteristics and faecal microbiota were assessed . RESULTS A total of 252 formula fed infants were r and omized at birth ( n = 124 controls , n = 128 SYN1 ) and 131 BF infants were recruited ; after 4 months 68 controls , 63 SYN1 and 57 BF completed the study . SYN1 infants showed a microbiota composition closer to that of BF infants , with a trend towards higher Bifidobacterium cell counts , softer stools and a higher deposition frequency compared to controls . There were no differences between formulas in anthropometry and relevant adverse events , water balance or blood parameters . CONCLUSION A 0.8 g/dL SYN1-supplemented infant formula during the first 4 months of life is safe and effective , promoting a gut microbiota closer to that of breastfeeding . This clinical trial was registered at Clinical trials.gov as Study on Fermentable Carbohydrates in Healthy Infants ( number NCT00808756 ) To determine the effect of feeding formula containing long-chain PUFA ( LCP ) on immune function , healthy term infants were r and omised at age 2 weeks to either a st and ard term formula ( Formula ; n 14 ) or the same formula supplemented with the LCP 20 : 4n-6 and 22 : 6n-3 ( Formula+LCP ; n 16 ) . Peripheral blood was collected at 2 and 6 weeks to measure immune cell response ( the rate of [3H]thymidine uptake and cytokine production after stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin ( PHA ) ) . Compared with cells from infants receiving only human milk ( HM ) , the rate of [3H]thymidine uptake in response to PHA , but not IL-2 production , was lower for Formula+LCP infants ( P < 0.05 ) . Compared with HM-fed infants , Formula-fed infants ( but not Formula+LCP infants ) produced more TNF-alpha ( unstimulated ) and had a fewer CD3+CD44 + cells before stimulation and fewer CD11c+ cells post-stimulation ( P < 0.05 ) . However , compared with Formula-fed infants , the Formula+LCP infants had an immune cell distribution ( higher percentage CD3+CD44 + and CD4+CD28 + cells ) and cytokine profile ( lower production of TNF-alpha post-stimulation ) that did not differ from HM infants . Additionally , it was found that feeding infants formula during the first 10 d of life influenced immune function . These infants had a higher percentage of CD3 + , CD4+CD28 + , and lower percentage of CD14 + cells and produced more TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma after PHA stimulation than HM-fed infants ( P < 0.05 ) . These results demonstrate that early diet influences both the presence of specific cell types and function of infant blood immune cells . Since many diseases have a strong immunological component , these immune changes may be of physiological importance to the developing infant Postpr and ial blood glucose and insulin responses to barley bread containing organic acids or corresponding salts were evaluated in healthy human subjects . The satiety score and the rate and extent of in vitro starch digestion were also studied . Lactic acid was generated by use of a homofermentative starter culture or added to the dough . In addition , products were baked with Ca-lactate , or with Na-propionate at two different concentrations . Consumption of the product baked with a high concentration of Na-propionate significantly lowered the postpr and ial blood glucose and insulin responses , and significantly prolonged the duration of satiety compared with all other breads . When subjects consumed the breads baked with sourdough , lactic acid and Na-propionate , their glucose and insulin responses were reduced compared with the wholemeal bread alone . The rate of in vitro amylolysis was reduced only by ingestion of the breads containing lactic acid , suggesting that the beneficial impact of Na-propionate on metabolic responses and satiety was related to effects other than a reduced rate of starch hydrolysis . All bread products had a similar concentration of in vitro resistant starch of 1.3 - 2.1 g/100 g ( starch basis ) . It is concluded that sourdough baking and other fermentation processes may improve the nutritional features of starch . The results also demonstrate that certain salts of organic acids may have metabolic effects
Fermented formula has the potential to reduce some , albeit not well-defined , digestive symptoms .
Current evidence does not support the use of fermented formula for preventing cow ’s milk allergy .
Conclusion : Limited available evidence suggests that the use of fermented infant formula , compared with the use of st and ard infant formula , does not offer clear additional benefits , although some benefit on gastrointestinal symptoms can not be excluded .
What is new• Limited evidence available suggests that the use of fermented infant formula , compared with the use of st and ard infant formula , does not offer clear additional benefits , although some benefit on gastrointestinal symptoms can not be excluded .
At the same time , no negative health effects have been documented
Abstract Fermented formulas , i.e. , those fermented with lactic acid-producing bacteria during the production process and not containing significant amounts of viable bacteria in the final product , are widely available in many countries .
Our aim was to systematic ally review published evidence related to the safety and health effects of the administration of fermented infant formulas compared with st and ard infant formulas .