Reaching for the gold standard of breastfeeding

IN THE DOMAIN of infant nutrition, breastfeeding is considered the gold standard of nutrition and is strongly recommended as the preferred mode of feeding. When infant formulae represent the sole source of nutrients during the first months of a baby's life, however, these formulae must respond to the highest standards, notably with a composition as well as with functional and physiological benefits that come as close as possible to those of human milk. Other important aspects to consider in the development of infant formulae are their safety and their ability to promote normal growth and development.

Bifidobacteria comparable to breast-fed babies

Amongst other compounds, mother's milk contains a substantial amount of oligosaccharides that most probably account for the bifidobacteria-predominant colonisation observed in the microflora of breast-fed versus formula-fed infants.

Results of a new study demonstrate that the supplementation of an infant formula with oligofructose-enriched inulin has a favourable prebiotic effect and is well tolerated by babies. This research was led by Prof Gigi Veereman-Wauters (Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at UZ Brussels, Belgium) and conducted at the Queen Paola and Middelheim Hospitals ZNA Antwerp, Belgium, in co-operation with BENEO-Institute.

In addition to numerous conducted studies acknowledging the beneficial effects on digestive health, and in particular on the microflora composition, the recent study also evidences the safety and good tolerance of Beneo's Orafti Synergy1 (oligofructose-enriched inulin) in neonates, and opens new opportunities for this prebiotic in the area of infant feediwomens nike shoes