[Evaluation of the effect of a new milk formula with added nucleotides on some gastrointestinal functions. Results of a nation-wide study of 5009 infants. Pediatric Study Group].
BACKGROUND
The signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal function represent one of the most frequent reasons for pediatric consultation during the first four months of life. Few studies have evaluated these clinical conditions in relation to infant diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a new formula enriched with nucleotides (Similac Formula Plus-Abbott) on fecal consistency, wind and regurgitation.


METHODS
The study was carried out using an observational type, prospective design which involved 778 pediatricians throughout Italy. From November 1996 to June 1997, a total of 5009 healthy infants were evaluated: all were born at term, aged between newborn and 4 months old. For 2 weeks after the first examination (day 0), the parents kept a record of the number and consistency of feces, frequency of regurgitation and wind in each infant. This diary was given to the pediatrician during the second and last examination (day 14). Any confusing variables, such as intercurrent pathologies, administration of drugs or diet supplements were reported to the pediatrician and corrected during analysis.


RESULTS
During the course of the 2-week observation period, infants fed with Similac FormulaPlus showed a lower incidence of formed and hard feces compared to other milk formulas (34.7% vs 44.8%, p > 0.001), and likewise a lower incidence of severe regurgitation (9.7 vs 18.1%, p > 0.001) and wind (62.7% vs 72.5%, p > 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study show that the new milk formula enriched with nucleotides has beneficial effects on the consistency of feces, wind and regurgitation and can therefore be regarded as a step towards the benefits which only breast feeding can offer.
Alvaro
G
G
Direzione Medica, Abbott SpA, Campoverde, Latina. giuseppe.alvaro@add.ssw.abbott.com
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D005503:Food Additives; D005526:Food, Formulated; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008892:Milk; D008895:Milk, Human; D009711:Nucleotides; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D011446:Prospective Studies