Abstract
Background1) To evaluate calcium absorption in infants fed a formula containing prebiotics (PF) and one without prebiotics (CF). 2) To compare calcium absorption from these formulas with a group of human milk-fed (HM) infants.MethodsA dual tracer stable isotope method was used to assess calcium absorption in infants exclusively fed CF (n = 30), PF (n = 25) or HM (n = 19). Analysis of variance was used to analyze calcium intake, fractional calcium absorption, and the amount of calcium absorbed.ResultsCalcium intake (Mean ± SEM) for PF was 534 ± 17 mg/d and 557 ± 16 mg/d for CF (p = 0.33). Fractional calcium absorption was 56.8 ± 2.6 % for PF and 59.2 ± 2.3 % for CF (p = 0.49). Total calcium absorbed for PF was 300 ± 14 mg/d and 328 ± 13 mg/d for CF (p = 0.16). For HM infants calcium intake was 246 ± 20 mg/d, fractional calcium absorption was 76.0 ± 2.9 % and total calcium absorbed was 187 ± 16 mg/d (p <0.001, compared to either PF or CF).ConclusionsDespite lower fractional calcium absorption of CF and PF compared to HM, higher calcium content in both led to higher total calcium absorption compared to HM infants. No significant effect of prebiotics was observed on calcium absorption or other markers of bone mineral metabolism.
Highlights
1) To evaluate calcium absorption in infants fed a formula containing prebiotics (PF) and one without prebiotics (CF). 2) To compare calcium absorption from these formulas with a group of human milk-fed (HM) infants
Because of the possibility of lower bioavailability, the quantity of minerals important for bone development, including calcium, in infant formulas are greater than those found in human milk (HM)
Prebiotics are currently routinely added to infant formulas
Summary
1) To evaluate calcium absorption in infants fed a formula containing prebiotics (PF) and one without prebiotics (CF). 2) To compare calcium absorption from these formulas with a group of human milk-fed (HM) infants. 2) To compare calcium absorption from these formulas with a group of human milk-fed (HM) infants. The standard for nutrient intake and bioavailability in the first months of life is the exclusively human milk-fed infant. Because of the possibility of lower bioavailability, the quantity of minerals important for bone development, including calcium, in infant formulas are greater than those found in human milk (HM). Concentration ranges for calcium in infant formulas are set by statute in the United States and many countries. Because of these higher nutrient concentrations, it is not possible to directly compare the intrinsic bioavailability of calcium from infant formulas to that of HM. Prebiotics potentially have several beneficial effects on neonatal intestinal development, including promoting the establishment of beneficial microbiota, protecting against infection, promoting intestinal adaptation to the extrauterine environment and compensating for the developmental immaturity of the intestine [2]
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