title: Lactose-free milk protein-based infant formula: impact on growth and gastrointestinal tolerance in infants.
abstract: Lactose, the major carbohydrate in human milk and standard milk-based formulas, provides energy for growth in infants. The use of lactose-free milk protein-based infant formulas has increased in the United States. However, clinical studies of their impact on growth, safety, and gastrointestinal tolerance in infants are limited. Thus, a prospective, blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted in healthy, normal-term infants fed an experimental lactose-free milk protein-based formula (NoLAC; n = 63) versus a standard commercial lactose-containing milk-based formula (LAC; n = 65) for 112 days. Growth (weight, length, and head circumference) was similar and normal in both groups (weight gain: NoLAC = 31.1 ± 0.9 g/day, LAC = 29.4 ± 0.9 g/day, mean ± SEM; P = .895). Serum biochemistries for both groups were within infants' normal reference ranges. Both groups had comparable tolerance but the NoLAC group had softer stools and lower spit-ups. Thus, the study suggests that absence of lactose in milk-based formula does not adversely affect normal growth in term infants.
authors: Abbott Nutrition, Abbott Laboratories, 3300 Stelzer Road, Columbus, OH 43219, USA. john.lasekan@abbott.com
authors: John B
authors: JB
authors: Lasekan
authors: Joan
authors: J
authors: Jacobs
authors: Keith S
authors: KS
authors: Reisinger
authors: Michael B
authors: MB
authors: Montalto
authors: Mary P
authors: MP
authors: Frantz
authors: Mark M
authors: MM
authors: Blatter
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000097:blood / Q000254:growth & development*; D007785:Lactose / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D008892:Milk / Q000737:chemistry*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D007785:Lactose