Editorial

3 pages, 201 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

by Alessandra Consales, Daniela Morniroli, Giulia Vizzari, Fabio Mosca and Maria Lorella Giannì

Nutrients 2022, 14(9), 1823; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14091823 - 27 Apr 2022

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It has long been demonstrated that nutrition in the first 1000 days of life can affect health outcomes later in life [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Infant Feeding)

Research

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17 pages, 607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of an Infant Formula with Large, Milk-Phospholipid Coated Lipid Droplets on Long-Term Growth and Development of Singaporean Infants: Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

by Lynette P. Shek, Yap Seng Chong, Antoinette Winokan, Marieke Abrahamse-Berkeveld, Eline M. Van Der Beek, Oon Hoe Teoh and on behalf of the VENUS Working Group

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2865; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13082865 - 20 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3336

Abstract

A concept infant formula (IF) was developed with physical properties of lipid droplets mimicking more closely those in human milk. This paper describes the unique design of a randomised controlled trial evaluating the impact of the concept IF on infant growth and body [...] Read more.

A concept infant formula (IF) was developed with physical properties of lipid droplets mimicking more closely those in human milk. This paper describes the unique design of a randomised controlled trial evaluating the impact of the concept IF on infant growth and body composition development whilst applying a cohort-like recruitment approach that fully supports breastfeeding practices of the study population. Subjects entered the study between birth and 1 months of age, and whenever parents decided to introduce formula were randomised to one of three study formulas; the concept IF comprising large lipid droplets coated by milk phospholipids and containing a specific mixture of prebiotics, a standard IF with the specific prebiotic mixture or a standard IF without the prebiotic mixture. The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of the concept IF on growth and body composition outcomes during the first year of life with a follow-up at 2, 3, 4 and 5 years of age. In addition, stool, saliva and buccal smear samples and parameters assessing safety, gastrointestinal tolerance and cognitive outcomes were collected. The applied cohort-like enrolment approach is distinctly different from standard clinical safety or efficacy studies and may provide valuable insights on trial design for the evaluation of IF while carefully considering breastfeeding practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Infant Feeding)

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12 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Infant Feeding and Ethnic Differences in Body Mass Index during Childhood: A Prospective Study

by Outi Sirkka, Tanja Vrijkotte, Lieke van Houtum, Marieke Abrahamse-Berkeveld, Jutka Halberstadt, Margreet R. Olthof and Jacob C. Seidell

Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2291; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13072291 - 01 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2004

Abstract

This study investigated ethnic differences in childhood body mass index (BMI) in children from Dutch and Turkish descent and the role of infant feeding factors (breastfeeding duration, milk feeding frequency, as well as the timing, frequency and variety of complementary feeding (CF)). We [...] Read more.

This study investigated ethnic differences in childhood body mass index (BMI) in children from Dutch and Turkish descent and the role of infant feeding factors (breastfeeding duration, milk feeding frequency, as well as the timing, frequency and variety of complementary feeding (CF)). We used data from 244 children (116 Dutch and 128 Turkish) participating in a prospective study in the Netherlands. BMI was measured at 2, 3 and 5 years and standard deviation scores (sds) were derived using WHO references. Using linear mixed regression analyses, we examined ethnic differences in BMI-sds between 2 and 5 years, and the role of infant feeding in separate models including milk or CF factors, or both (full model). Relative to Dutch children, Turkish children had higher BMI-sds at age 3 (mean difference: 0.26; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.48) and 5 (0.63; 0.39, 0.88), but not at 2 years (0.08; −0.16, 0.31). Ethnic differences in BMI-sds were somewhat attenuated by CF factors at age 3 (0.16; −0.07, 0.40) and 5 years (0.50; 0.24, 0.77), whereas milk feeding had a minor impact. Of all factors, only CF variety was associated with BMI-sds in the full model. CF factors, particularly CF variety, explain a small fraction of the BMI-sds differences between Dutch and Turkish children. The role of CF variety on childhood BMI requires further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Infant Feeding)

14 pages, 683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early-Life Metabolic and Hormonal Markers in Blood and Growth until Age 2 Years: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Infants Fed a Modified Low-Protein Infant Formula

by Stefanie M. P. Kouwenhoven, Manja Fleddermann, Martijn J. J. Finken, Jos W. R. Twisk, Eline M. van der Beek, Marieke Abrahamse-Berkeveld, Bert J. M. van de Heijning, Dewi van Harskamp, Johannes B. van Goudoever and Berthold V. Koletzko

Nutrients 2021, 13(4), 1159; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13041159 - 01 Apr 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2526

Abstract

Background: High protein intake in early life is associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity. Dietary protein intake may be a key mechanistic modulator through alterations in endocrine and metabolic responses. Objective: We aimed to determine the impact of different protein intake [...] Read more.

Background: High protein intake in early life is associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity. Dietary protein intake may be a key mechanistic modulator through alterations in endocrine and metabolic responses. Objective: We aimed to determine the impact of different protein intake of infants on blood metabolic and hormonal markers at the age of four months. We further aimed to investigate the association between these markers and anthropometric parameters and body composition until the age of two years. Design: Term infants received a modified low-protein formula (mLP) (1.7 g protein/100 kcal) or a specifically designed control formula (CTRL) (2.1 g protein/100 kcal) until 6 months of age in a double blinded RCT. The outcomes were compared with a breast-fed (BF) group. Glucose, insulin, leptin, IGF-1, IGF-BP1, -BP2, and -BP3 levels were measured at the age of 4 months. Anthropometric parameters and body composition were assessed until the age of 2 years. Groups were compared using linear regression analysis. Results: No significant differences were observed in any of the blood parameters between the formula groups (n = 53 mLP; n = 44 CTRL) despite a significant difference in protein intake. Insulin and HOMA-IR were higher in both formula groups compared to the BF group (n = 36) (p < 0.001). IGF-BP1 was lower in both formula groups compared to the BF group (p < 0.01). We found a lower IGF-BP2 level in the CTRL group compared to the BF group (p < 0.01) and a higher IGF-BP3 level in the mLP group compared to the BF group (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in glucose, leptin, and IGF-1 between the three feeding groups. We found specific associations of all early-life metabolic and hormonal blood parameters with long-term growth and body composition except for IGF-1. Conclusions: Reducing protein intake by 20% did not result in a different metabolic profile in formula-fed infants at 4 months of age. Formula-fed infants had a lower insulin sensitivity compared to breast-fed infants. We found associations between all metabolic and hormonal markers (except for IGF-1) determined at age 4 months and growth and body composition up to two years of age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Infant Feeding)

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12 pages, 1554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cortical Oxygenation Changes during Gastric Tube Feeding in Moderate- and Late-Preterm Babies: A NIRS Study

by Mariana Muelbert, Tanith Alexander, Chris Pook, Yannan Jiang, Jane Elizabeth Harding and Frank Harry Bloomfield

Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 350; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13020350 - 25 Jan 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2324

Abstract

Smell and taste of food can trigger physiological responses facilitating digestion and metabolism of nutrients. Controlled experimental studies in preterm babies have demonstrated that smell activates the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) but none have investigated the effect of taste stimulation. Using cotside Near-Infrared Spectroscopy [...] Read more.

Smell and taste of food can trigger physiological responses facilitating digestion and metabolism of nutrients. Controlled experimental studies in preterm babies have demonstrated that smell activates the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) but none have investigated the effect of taste stimulation. Using cotside Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), we measured changes in OFC cerebral oxygenation in response to gastric tube feeds five and 10 days after birth in 53 assessments of 35 moderate- to late-preterm babies enrolled in a randomized trial. Babies were randomly assigned to receive smell and taste of milk before gastric tube feeds (intervention group, n = 16) or no exposure (control group, n = 19). The majority of babies were born at 33 weeks of gestation (range 32–34) and 69% were boys. No differences in OFC cerebral oxygenation were observed between control and intervention groups. Gastric tube feeds induced activation of the OFC (p < 0.05), but sensory stimulation alone with smell and taste did not. Boys, but not girls, showed activation of the OFC following exposure to smell of milk (p = 0.01). The clinical impact of sensory stimulation prior to tube feeds on nutrition of preterm babies, as well as the impact of environmental inputs on cortical activation, remains to be determined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Infant Feeding)

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12 pages, 693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation in Infant Formula Macronutrient Ingredients Is Associated with Infant Anthropometrics

by Bridget Young

Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3465; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12113465 - 12 Nov 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2262

Abstract

Background: There is wide variation in the macronutrient ingredient base of infant formula. How variation in macronutrient ingredients may impact infant growth remains largely unknown. Methods: The 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset was utilized, including infant anthropometrics and dietary [...] Read more.

Background: There is wide variation in the macronutrient ingredient base of infant formula. How variation in macronutrient ingredients may impact infant growth remains largely unknown. Methods: The 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset was utilized, including infant anthropometrics and dietary intake. The protein, fat, and carbohydrate sources of formulas consumed were assembled and considered as potential predictors in multivariable models of infant Z-scores among infants < 6 months, 6–12 months and all infants combined (0–12 months). Results: The following relationships represent ingredient covariates within the final multivariable models of infant Z-scores. Consuming formula with palm oil was associated with higher weight-for-length Z-scores among infants < 6 months, but lower weight-for-age and weight-for-length Z-scores among infants 6–12 months. Consuming soy-protein formulas was associated with lower weight-for-length, head circumference-for-age and abdominal circumference-for-age Z-scores among infants < 6 months. Consuming sucrose-containing formula was associated with higher weight-for-length and abdominal circumference-for-age Z-score among infants 0–12 months. Conclusions: These data provide proof-of-concept that all formulas are not the same. Variation in macronutrient ingredients within the standard formula category is associated with differences in infant anthropometric outcomes. Long-term and mechanistic studies are warranted to pursue these findings; especially for palm oil, soy protein, and sucrose. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Infant Feeding)

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12 pages, 1224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exclusive Breastfeeding Predicts Higher Hearing-Language Development in Girls of Preschool Age

by Maria Angela Guzzardi, Federico Granziera, Elena Sanguinetti, Francesca Ditaranto, Filippo Muratori and Patricia Iozzo

Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2320; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12082320 - 02 Aug 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4200

Abstract

Cognitive disorders are increasing in prevalence. Nutritional or metabolic stressors during early life, and female sex, are predisposing conditions towards the development of cognitive diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Though there is evidence that breastfeeding may play a beneficial role in children’s neurocognitive development, [...] Read more.

Cognitive disorders are increasing in prevalence. Nutritional or metabolic stressors during early life, and female sex, are predisposing conditions towards the development of cognitive diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Though there is evidence that breastfeeding may play a beneficial role in children’s neurocognitive development, the literature remains controversial. In this study we aimed at assessing the association between exclusive breastfeeding and children’s cognitive development from six months to five years of age, addressing sex differences. In 80 mother-child pairs from the Pisa birth cohort (PISAC), we measured cognitive development in groups of children of 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 60 months by Griffiths Mental Development Scales, parents’ intelligence quotient (IQ) by Raven’s progressive matrices, and maternal and infants’ anthropometric parameters. We found that exclusive breastfeeding was associated with higher hearing-language development in five years old girls, independent of maternal IQ, age and BMI (body mass index). Exclusive breastfeeding in the first three months of life seemed sufficient to establish this positive relationship. In conclusion, our data indicate that exclusive breastfeeding is a positive predictor of cognitive development in preschool-age girls, paving the way for the implementation of sex-specific cognitive disease risk detection and prevention strategies from early life. Further studies are warranted to explore causality and longer term effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Infant Feeding)

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Review

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7 pages, 271 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Antiviral Properties of Human Milk: A Multitude of Defence Tools from Mother Nature

by Daniela Morniroli, Alessandra Consales, Beatrice Letizia Crippa, Giulia Vizzari, Federica Ceroni, Jacopo Cerasani, Lorenzo Colombo, Fabio Mosca and Maria Lorella Giannì

Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 694; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13020694 - 22 Feb 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4543

Abstract

The anti-infective properties of breast milk have been known for decades. In recent years, an increasing number of papers have described the variety of bioactive compounds that are present in breast milk with varying degrees of antiviral activity. However, to date, the totality [...] Read more.

The anti-infective properties of breast milk have been known for decades. In recent years, an increasing number of papers have described the variety of bioactive compounds that are present in breast milk with varying degrees of antiviral activity. However, to date, the totality of the properties of these compounds is not fully understood and, above all, their synergistic interaction is not yet known. The purpose of this review is to describe the current knowledge about the antiviral compounds in breast milk, both with specific and non-specific action against pathogens. Due to the current pandemic situation from SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2), research has focused on a multitude of potential antiviral substances, taking breast milk as a biological model of reference. Future research is needed to expand the knowledge of these compounds, which will hopefully assist in the development of therapies applicable even at later ages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Infant Feeding)

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12 pages, 513 KiB

Open AccessReview

Human Milk Feeding and Preterm Infants’ Growth and Body Composition: A Literature Review

by Jacopo Cerasani, Federica Ceroni, Valentina De Cosmi, Alessandra Mazzocchi, Daniela Morniroli, Paola Roggero, Fabio Mosca, Carlo Agostoni and Maria Lorella Giannì

Nutrients 2020, 12(4), 1155; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12041155 - 21 Apr 2020

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 7186

Abstract

Preterm infants may show a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, such as the development of metabolic syndrome and cognitive impairment. The most recent evidence highlights that nutrition, body composition development, and early postnatal growth may play a role in the programming of [...] Read more.

Preterm infants may show a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, such as the development of metabolic syndrome and cognitive impairment. The most recent evidence highlights that nutrition, body composition development, and early postnatal growth may play a role in the programming of these processes. Human milk feeding has been recommended as the natural feeding for preterm infants and as a cost-effective strategy for reducing disease and economic burden. Considering that the postnatal growth retardation and aberrant body composition shown by preterm infants at the time of hospital discharge still remain important issues, we performed a literature review, aiming to provide an update about the effect of human milk feeding on these processes. On the basis of our findings, human milk feeding in preterm infants, although related to a slower weight gain than formula feeding, is associated with a better recovery of body composition through the promotion of fat-free mass deposition, which may ultimately lead to better metabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Promotion and support of human milk feeding should be considered a priority in preterm infants’ care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Infant Feeding)

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