Randomised controlled trial demonstrates that fermented infant formula with short‐chain galacto‐oligosaccharides and long‐chain fructo‐oligosaccharides reduces the incidence of infantile colic

• DOI: 10.1111/apa.13844
• Publication Date: 2017-03-23T12:21:34Z
• Authors: Yvan Vandenplas; Thomas Ludwig; Hetty Bouritius; Philippe Alliet; Derek Forde; Stefaan Peeters; Frederic Huet; Jonathan Hourihane
• Keywords: Infantile colic

Abstract Aim We examined the effects on gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance of a novel infant formula that combined specific fermented (FERM) with short‐chain galacto‐oligosaccharides and long‐chain fructo‐oligosaccharides (scGOS/lcFOS), 9:1 ratio concentration 0.8 g/100 mL. Methods This prospective, double‐blind, randomised, controlled trial comprised 432 healthy, term infants aged 0–28 days whose parents decided to not start, or discontinued, breastfeeding. Infant scGOS/lcFOS+50%FERM, scGOS/lcFOS+15%FERM, 50%FERM scGOS/lcFOS were tested. Parents completed standardised seven‐day diaries GI symptoms, crying, sleeping stool characteristics each month until 17 weeks. Results All formulas well tolerated. At four weeks, overall incidence infantile colic was significantly lower (8%) scGOS/lcFOS+50%FERM than (20%, p = 0.034) 0.036). Longitudinal modelling showed scGOS/lcFOS+50%FERM‐fed also displayed persistently daily crying duration consistent stool‐softening effect who received without scGOS/lcFOS. Conclusion The combination tolerated time, in healthy infants. These findings suggest for first time has preventive formula‐fed