Abstract
Breastmilk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants. However, in circumstances where breastfeeding is not possible or feasible, infant formula provides an essential alternative to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the developing infant. Traditionally, the manufacture of infant formula has involved utilisation of bovine milk as a base ingredient, formulated with other nutrients and bioactive ingredients to closely match the composition of human breastmilk. While it is the most widely available type of formula on the market, bovine-based infant formula is not suitable for all infants, and therefore alternatives such as those based on caprine milk, soy and rice protein are becoming increasingly available. This review provides a detailed examination of the composition of infant formula prepared from bovine milk, caprine milk, soy, and rice protein sources. Available literature on nutrient bio-accessibility and aspects of protein functionality relevant to infant formula is discussed.
Highlights
Breastmilk is widely regarded as the optimum source of nutrition for infants
This review examines the available literature on infant formulas from bovine, caprine, and plant sources, examining their composition, functional and digestive considerations
One such example is a study by Mathai et al [36], who reported digestible indispensable amino acid scores (DIAAS) values for whey protein concentrate (WPC), whey protein isolate (WPI), milk protein concentrate (MPC), skimmed milk protein (SMP), and soy protein isolates (SPIs) determined in pigs
Summary
Breastmilk is widely regarded as the optimum source of nutrition for infants. The composition of breastmilk is individual specific and evolves throughout lactation to fulfil the nutritional needs of the growing infant [1]. In circumstances when an infant is not exclusively breastfed, infant formula provides an alternative feed source to meet the infant’s nutritional needs. Parents may choose to feed their infant with an alternative non-dairy-based infant formula for a variety of reasons. Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is recognised as one of the most frequent sources of food-related allergy in children [9,10]. It is caused by an immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated, non-IgE-mediated, or mixed immune reaction to cow’s milk protein, resulting in a range of symptoms involving a variety of organ systems, including the skin, digestive system, and respiratory system [10]. This review examines the available literature on infant formulas from bovine, caprine, and plant sources, examining their composition, functional and digestive considerations
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