Lactoferrin is the second most abundant whey protein in human milk and is known for its functional benefits, particularly antimicrobial activities. We report a comprehensive evaluation of the published literature on quantitative changes in lactoferrin in term and preterm human milk through the course of lactation. We also considered methods used to quantify lactoferrin. We critically evaluated 94 articles on human milk with 52 meeting study inclusion criteria (2724 women). A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Lactoferrin concentration was highest during early lactation and rapidly declined to remain relatively unchanged from 1 month to 2 years of lactation. The unweighted mean of mean (±SEM) concentrations of lactoferrin in early milk (<28 days lactation) was 4.91 ± 0.31 g/L (range of means 0.34-17.94 g/L; median 4.03). For mature milk, the mean of means was 2.10 ± 0.87 g/L (range of means 0.44-4.4 g/L; median 1.91). The majority of data were derived from Europe with fewer studies from Africa and South America. There was a paucity of data on preterm milk. This comprehensive dataset explains in detail the longitudinal changes of lactoferrin concentrations in human milk throughout the world and briefly describes factors that may influence these concentrations.

No abstract

BackgroundLong chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) may influence the immune system. Our objective was to compare the frequency of common illnesses in infants who received formula with or without added LCPUFAs.MethodsIn this observational, multi-center, prospective study, infants consumed formula with 17 mg DHA and 34 mg ARA/100 kcal (n = 233) or with no added DHA or ARA (n = 92). Pediatricians recorded respiratory illnesses, otitis media, eczema, and diarrhea through 1 year of age.ResultsInfants who consumed formula with DHA/ARA had lower incidence of bronchitis/bronchiolitis (P = 0.004), croup (P = 0.044), nasal congestion (P = 0.001), cough (P = 0.014), and diarrhea requiring medical attention (P = 0.034). The odds ratio (OR) of having at least one episode of bronchitis/bronchiolitis (0.41, 95% CI 0.24, 0.70; P = 0.001), croup (0.23, 95% CI 0.05, 0.97; P = 0.045), nasal congestion (0.37, 95% CI 0.20, 0.66; P = 0.001), cough (0.52, 95% CI 0.32, 0.86; P = 0.011), and diarrhea requiring medical attention (0.51, 95% CI 0.28, 0.92; P = 0.026) was lower in infants fed DHA/ARA. The OR of an increased number of episodes of bronchitis/bronchiolitis, croup, nasal congestion, cough, and diarrhea, as well as the hazard ratio for shorter time to first episode of bronchitis/bronchiolitis, nasal congestion, cough, and diarrhea were also significantly lower in the DHA/ARA group.ConclusionsIn healthy infants, formula with DHA/ARA was associated with lower incidence of common respiratory symptoms and illnesses, as well as diarrhea.

OBJECTIVE: Children are vulnerable to diet inadequacies, which may affect immune function. Our objective was to determine if a follow-up formula (FUF) containing DHA, the prebiotics PDX and GOS, and yeast β-glucan affects incidence of respiratory infections and diarrheal disease in healthy children. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized, controlled, prospective trial, 3-4 year old children were fed 3 servings per day of either a FUF with 25 mg DHA, 1.2 g PDX/GOS, and 8.7 mg yeast β-glucan per serving or an unfortified, cow’s milk-based beverage (control) for 28 weeks. Fecal and blood samples were collected to assess immune markers and iron/zinc status. Incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI), diarrheal disease, and antibiotic treatment were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: The FUF group had fewer episodes and shorter duration of ARI (mean days [SE]; control = 4.3 [0.2]; FUF = 3.5 [0.2]; P = .007), less antibiotic use (n [%]; control = 21 [14%]; FUF = 8 [5%]; P = .01), and fewer missed days of day care due to illness. No diarrheal disease was diagnosed in either group. The FUF group had higher interleukin-10 and white blood cell count at the end of the study. There were no differences in hemoglobin, serum ferritin and zinc, or fecal secretory immunoglobulin A. CONCLUSIONS: Daily consumption of a FUF was associated with fewer episodes and shorter duration of ARI, as well as less antibiotic use. The children who consumed the FUF had increased interleukin-10 and white blood cells, suggesting an antiinflammatory mechanism and/or an increase of effector immune cells.

BackgroundNutrients such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), prebiotics and β-glucan have been associated with reduced incidence of respiratory illnesses and allergic manifestations (AM). Our objective was to assess if consumption of a cow’s milk-based beverage with these and other nutrients supports respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin health in otherwise well-nourished, healthy children.MethodsIn this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, healthy children (1–4 years of age) from two daycare centers in Brazil were fed three servings/day of a cow’s milk-based beverage (CMBB; n = 125) containing DHA, the prebiotics polydextrose (PDX) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), β-glucan, and other key nutrients, or a control cow’s milk-based beverage (control; n = 131) for up to 28 weeks. Occurrence of respiratory infections, diarrheal disease and AM was assessed by study pediatricians and the number of episodes were analyzed with the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test and the Andersen-Gill model.ResultsThe CMBB group had fewer episodes of AM, which included allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis, wheezing, allergic cough, eczema and urticaria, compared to the control group (p = 0.021). The hazard ratio for increased number of episodes of AM was lower in the CMBB group compared to control (HR, 0.64; 95 % CI 0.47–0.89; p = 0.007). There was no difference in the incidence of respiratory infections and diarrheal disease between groups.ConclusionA cow’s milk-based beverage containing DHA, PDX/GOS, and yeast β-glucan, and supplemented with micronutrients, including zinc, vitamin A and iron, when consumed 3 times/day for 28 weeks by healthy 1- to 4-year-old children was associated with fewer episodes of allergic manifestations in the skin and the respiratory tract.Trial registrationregistration number: NCT01431469

No abstract

No abstract

Background: Consumption of nutrients such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), prebiotics, and beta‐glucan have been associated with a decrease in the occurrence of allergic manifestations (AM). Objective: To assess if consumption of a follow‐up formula with these and other essential nutrients would affect incidence of AM in children. Methods: In this double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial, healthy 1‐4 year old children from 2 daycare centers in Brazil were fed 3 servings/day of a cow’s milk‐based follow‐up formula with DHA, prebiotics polydextrose (PDX) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and beta‐glucan (FF; n=125), or an unfortified cow’s milk‐based beverage (C; n=131) for up to 28 weeks. Occurrence of AM was assessed by study pediatricians and analyzed by the Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel test and the counting process of Andersen‐Gill. Results: The FF group had fewer episodes of AM, which included allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, wheezing, allergic cough, eczema, and urticaria (Table) and a lower hazard ratio for having AM (HR, 0.64; 95% CI 0.47‐0.89; p=0.007). Conclusions: A cow’s milk‐based formula with added DHA, PDX, GOS, and beta‐glucan and fortified with micronutrients including zinc, vitamin A, and iron, when consumed 3 times per day for 28 weeks by 1‐4 year old children, was associated with fewer allergic manifestations in the skin and the respiratory tract.