The Effect of Goat-Milk-Based Infant Formulas on Growth and Safety Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Goat-milk-based infant formulas (GMFs) are now available in several countries, having been approved by authorities. We systematically evaluated the effects of GMF compared with cow-milk-based formula (CMF) on infant growth and safety parameters. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched (December 2022) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool (ROB-2). Heterogeneity was quantified by I2. Four RCTs involving a total of 670 infants were identified. All trials revealed some concern in ROB-2. Furthermore, all of the included studies were funded by the industry. Compared with infants fed CMF, those fed GMF showed similar growth in sex- and age-adjusted z-scores for weight (mean difference, MD, 0.21 [95% confidence interval, CI, −0.16 to 0.58], I2 = 56%), length (MD 0.02, [95% CI −0.29 to 0.33], I2 = 24%), and head circumference (MD 0.12, 95% [CI −0.19 to 0.43], I2 = 2%). Stool frequency was similar among the groups. Due to differences in the reporting of stool consistency, no firm conclusion can be drawn. Adverse effects (serious or any) were similar in both groups. These findings provide reassurance that GMFs compared with CMFs are safe and well tolerated.

Adapted goat’s milk formula as an alternative to standard cow’s milk formula in healthy infants and in the presence of symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort

“…Представленные данные не выявили существенных различий в антропометрических параметрах и частоте стула, а также в симптомах пищевой аллергии и/или атопического дерматита между детьми, вскармливаемыми GMF, по сравнению с CMF. Нежелательные явления были схожими в обеих группах [16].…”

Whole Goat Milk-Based Formula versus Whey-Based Cow Milk Formula: What Formula Do Infants Enjoy More?—A Feasibility, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Xu et al did not report any differences in stool patterns or duration of crying in infants fed for 4 months either a whey-based GMF or CMF [ 16 , 20 ]. Moreover, a recent meta-analysis including 4 RCTs concluded that GMFs, compared to CMFs, exhibited a favorable safety profile and were well tolerated [ 21 ]. Thus, while GI discomfort in infants on whole milk-based or whey-based GMF versus CMF has been considered to an extent, as a secondary endpoint in several RCTs, infant preferences for one type of formula over the other have not been compared.…”