title: GI symptoms in infants are a potential target for fermented infant milk formulae: a review.
abstract: Besides pre- and pro-biotic-containing infant formulae, fermented infant formulae are commonly used to relieve or prevent symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort in young infants. During the fermentation process in cow's milk-based formulae, the beneficial bacteria modulate the product by forming several beneficial compounds, which contribute to the alleviation of the symptoms observed. This review summarizes the clinical evidence on the impact of fermented infant formulae on common pediatric GI-symptoms. The potential mechanisms involved are discussed: i.e., the lactose and protein (in-) digestibility, effects on gastric emptying and gut transit and modulation of the colonic microbiota. Although initial evidence indicates a beneficial effect of fermented formulae on GI discomfort in newborns, validation and confirmation of the clinical proof obtained so far is warranted, as well as further research to (more fully) understand the mode of action.
authors.affiliation: Nutricia Research, Early Life Nutrition, P.O. Box 80141, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands. bert.vandeheijning@danone.com.
authors.forename: Bert J M
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: van de Heijning
authors.affiliation: Nutricia Research, Early Life Nutrition, P.O. Box 80141, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands. amelieberton@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Amelie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Berton
authors.affiliation: Nutricia Research, Early Life Nutrition, P.O. Box 80141, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands. hetty.bouritius@danone.com.
authors.forename: Hetty
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bouritius
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology and Nutrition, Necker Children's Hospital, University of Paris, 75015 Paris, France. olivier.goulet@nck.aphp.fr.
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Goulet
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism; D003106:Colon / Q000382:microbiology; D043302:Cultured Milk Products; D004063:Digestion; D005285:Fermentation; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D064307:Microbiota; D008892:Milk / Q000382:microbiology*; D016269:Milk Hypersensitivity