Improvement of Gastro-Intestinal Symptoms in Infants Consuming a Goat Milk-Based Formula: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Abstract:
Introduction: Many infants aged between 0-6 months experience mild gastro-intestinal (GI) symptoms. The main objective of this study was to explore if infants with mild symptoms have significantly less symptoms after goat milk based formula (GMF) consumption compared to infants receiving standard treatment.
Methods: Formula-fed infants (1-3 months; n=18) were randomized to use GMF or to continue their current CMF with probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri drops (CMFp) for 28 days. Infants had an assessed cow’s milk-related symptom score (CoMiSS®) between 6-12 at baseline, indicating mild symptoms. Endpoints included symptoms (CoMiSS®), parental stress (PSI-SF), quality of life of the parents (WHOQOL-BREF) and infant’s weight and length.
Results: After 14 days of intervention, the median (25th and 75th percentile) CoMiSS® in the GMF group was significantly lower compared to the CMFp group (GMF: 5 (3.5-6.5), CMFp : 11 (5.0-11.0), p=0.047). After 28 days of intervention, the median CoMiSS® was still lower in the GMF group compared to the CMFp group (GMF: 3, CMFp: 6, p=0.302), mainly due to more firm stools (p=0.016). Stress and quality of life improved in the parents of the GMF group, but not in the CMFp group. All infants showed healthy growth and tolerated the formula well.
Conclusion: Infants with mild GI symptoms showed significantly less symptoms after 2 weeks of GMF use compared to CMFp, mainly due to a normalization of stool patterns. This pilot study suggests that infants with mild GI symptoms could benefit from GMF.
