Addition of rice cereal to formula does not impair mineral bioavailability

Calcium Intake and Metabolism in Infants and Young Children: A Systematic Review of Balance Studies for Supporting the Development of Calcium Requirements

Determining calcium requirements for infants and children is vital due to high calcium needs for growth. Balance studies enable comprehensive measurement of calcium metabolism and can support nutrient requirement development. This systematic review summarizes evidence from mass balance and isotopic studies in children aged 0-4 y to address key questions on calcium loss and absorption/retention identified by an expert group developing calcium requirements. Literature searches were implemented in multiple electronic databases to June 2020. Balance studies assessing calcium intake, loss, absorption, or retention in healthy children were eligible. A newly developed risk-of-bias assessment tool was used for balance studies, and a modified Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach determined strength of evidence. Altogether, 23 studies (15 mass balance; 8 isotope) with 485 total participants were included. Only 3 studies were of children >6 mo. Mass balance studies suggested infant feed components may influence calcium balance. The random-effects model meta-regression on 42 mass balance study arms showed an average net calcium retention of 40.4% among infants aged 0-6 mo (β = 0.404 [95% CI: 0.302, 0.506]). Isotope studies suggested calcium intake of 240 to 400 mg/d may promote optimal calcium absorption with minimal loss, and intake from human milk may lead to greater absorption and retention efficacy than formula or solid foods. Most studies had low risk of bias. Strength of evidence was low due to variability in infant feedings, limited endogenous and dermal calcium loss measures, and few studies isolating calcium effects. To improve certainty of the body of evidence, more balance studies isolating effects of calcium intake in this age group are needed. Future work on calcium needs should incorporate both balance measures and biological endpoints of importance (e.g. bone mineral density or content) to determine adequate calcium intake for growth in infants and children.

Thickened infant formula: What to know

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to provide an overview of the characteristics of thickened formulas to aid health care providers manage infants with regurgitations.

METHODS

The indications, properties, and efficacy of different thickening agents and thickened formulas on regurgitation and gastroesophageal reflux in infants were reviewed. PubMed and the Cochrane database were searched up to December 2016.

RESULTS

Based on the literature review, thickened formulas reduce regurgitation, may improve reflux-associated symptoms, and increase weight gain. However, clinical efficacy is related to the characteristics of the formula and of the infant. Commercial thickened formulas are preferred over the supplementation of standard formulas with thickener because of the better viscosity, digestibility, and nutritional balance. Rice and corn starch, carob bean gum, and soy bean polysaccharides are available as thickening agents. Hydrolyzed formulas have recently shown promising additional benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

Thickened formulas reduce the frequency and severity of regurgitation and are indicated in formula-fed infants with persisting symptoms despite reassurance and appropriate feeding volume intake.

What are the risks and benefits to increasing dietary bone minerals and vitamin D intake in infants and small children?

Bone minerals and vitamin D are crucial for infants and small children. Human milk has little vitamin D, and supplemental vitamin D must be given to all infants either via drops or as contained in infant formula or foods. The calcium and phosphorus in human milk are adequate for infants in the first six months of life, with supplemental minerals coming from weaning foods after six months. Long-term benefits to providing bone minerals at greater levels than in human milk have not been shown. There is no evidence to support high-dose bone mineral supplementation or high-dose vitamin D supplementation in infancy, and controlled trials are needed before these can be advocated.

Natural evolution of infantile regurgitation versus the efficacy of thickened formula

BACKGROUND

Regurgitation is frequent in infants. We evaluated changes in regurgitation among patient groups fed standard formula, standard formula subsequently thickened with cereal, or formula manufactured with bean gum as a thickening agent.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective, blinded, randomised 1-month intervention trial evaluating the efficacy of parental reassurance of the regurgitating child in combination with 3 formula interventions--standard infant formula (group A); 5 g of rice cereal added to 100 mL standard formula (group B); and formula manufactured with bean gum as a thickening agent (group C)--was performed in 60 infants presenting with more than 4 episodes of regurgitation and/or vomiting per day during the week before inclusion. Formula intake, infant comfort, stool aspects, and weight gain were evaluated. All of the infants and data recorded by parents in a diary were evaluated weekly by a blinded health care professional.

RESULTS

At baseline, groups A, B, and C were similar for all of the parameters. After the 1-month intervention, regurgitation/vomiting decreased significantly in all 3 groups (P < 0.0005). Although the decrease was largest in group C (-4.2 +/- 2.1 episodes/day), the incidence did not differ significantly with groups A or B. At no evaluation interval was there a difference in volume of formula intake, infant comfort, stool frequency, or aspect. After 1 month, weight gain was significantly greater in group C compared with group A (19.9% vs 16.4%; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Thickening of formula decreases regurgitation, but not significantly. Parental reassurance remains the cornerstone of the treatment of infant regurgitation.

Comparison of the effect of a cornstarch thickened formula and strengthened regular formula on regurgitation, gastric emptying and weight gain in infantile regurgitation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a specially selected cornstarch-supplemented formula on clinical symptoms, gastric emptying and weight gain in infants with regurgitation. We performed a prospective randomised trial evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of two different formula feedings (cornstarch-thickened formula, group A; 25% strengthened formula, group B) in 81 young infants with regurgitation/vomiting > or = 3 times/day. A Tc-99 m milk scintigraphy was performed at inclusion and after 2 months to quantify gastric emptying time; all studied infants underwent a 2-month period of clinical follow-up evaluating regurgitation and body weight gain. At inclusion, group A and B had a similar age and weight. After the 2-month period of intervention, regurgitation and vomiting had both greater decrease (both P < 0.001 at 1 and 2 months) in group A (from a score of 4.19 +/- 1.71 to 0.93 +/- 0.42) than in group B (from a score of 4.15 +/- 1.68 to 2.89 +/- 1.16). Non-regurgitation symptoms (irritability, cough, choking, night-waking) decreased (P = 0.045 at 1 month and 0.017 at 2 months) in group A (from a score of 18 at baseline to 3 after 8 weeks) as compared to group B (from a score of 18 at baseline to 11 after 8 weeks). Weight increased more in group A (29.1 +/- 3.9 g/day over 8 weeks) versus group B (23.6 +/- 3.5 g/day over 8 weeks) (P < 0.01 at 1 and 2 months) Gastric emptying improved significantly in group A as compared with group B (all P < 0.001 for T1/2, and residual volume at 60 and 90 min). Ingested feeding volume was significantly larger in the group receiving cornstarch-thickened formula, both at 4 weeks (109.4 +/- 24.5 vs. 98.5 +/- 23.6 mL/meal) (P: 0.042) and at 8 weeks (137.6 +/- 27.9 vs. 115.7 +/- 26.5 mL/meal) (P < 0.001). Cornstarch-thickened formula feeding decreases the frequency of regurgitation/vomiting, provides better body weight gain and has an accelerated gastric emptying in comparison to a 25% strengthened regular formula in infants with regurgitation.

Effect of cereal-thickened formula and upright positioning on regurgitation, gastric emptying, and weight gain in infants with regurgitation

OBJECTIVE

We compared the effect of cereal-thickened formula or postural therapy on regurgitation and gastroesophageal reflux, weight gain, and gastric emptying in infants.

METHODS

We performed a prospective trial in exclusively formula-fed infants 2 to 6 mo of age presenting with regurgitation or vomiting at least three times a day. Infants were randomized into two groups; group A received cereal-thickened formula versus group B who were placed in a postprandial upright position for 90 min and evaluated over an 8-wk period. A 90-min technetium 99m milk scintigraphy was performed before and at the end of the intervention period.

RESULTS

Thirty-one infants were included in group A and 32 in group B; at inclusion, there were no anthropometric differences between groups (P = 0.813-0.955). After 4 and 8 wk, the difference in regurgitation frequency per day between groups A and B had become significant (at 4 wk, 2.39 +/- 0.86 for group A versus 2.84 +/- 0.81 for group B, P = 0.039; at 8 wk, 1.61 +/- 0.76 for group A versus 2.38 +/- 0.83 for group B, P < 0.001). The volume ingested per meal was not different between groups after 4 wk, although this parameter showed a larger intake in group A after 8 wk (156.8 +/- 23.5 mL for group A versus 143.4 +/- 25.1 mL for group B, P = 0.035), resulting in a significant difference in mean caloric intake. Gastric emptying after 8 wk showed no significant difference between groups A and B. Group A infants had significantly greater weight gain than did group B infants after 4 wk (636.2 +/- 103.4 g for group A versus 577.4 +/- 102.7 g for group B, P = 0.03) and 8 wk (1261.3 +/- 131.4 g for group A versus 1121.4 +/- 137.2 g for group B, P < 0.001). After 8 wk of intervention, the increase in length was significantly greater in group A than in group B (5.2 +/- 0.6 cm for group A versus 4.7 +/- 0.6 cm for group B, P = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

Cereal-thickened formula is significantly more efficacious than postural therapy in decreasing the frequency of regurgitation in regurgitating infants. Treatment of regurgitation with cereal-thickened formula results in an increased caloric intake ( approximately 25%), related to increased gain in weight and length, in comparison with regular formula and positioning therapy.

Calcium nutrition and metabolism during infancy

Calcium is a vital mineral for the developing newborn infant. This review discusses perinatal and neonatal calcium metabolism, with an emphasis on enteral calcium absorption and the nutritional factors affecting calcium bioavailability including the three major endocrine hormones involved in calcium metabolism: parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, and calcitonin. The placenta transports calcium to the fetus throughout pregnancy, with the largest amount of fetal calcium accumulation occurring in the third trimester. At birth, the newborn transitions to intestinal absorption to meet the body's calcium needs. Most calcium is absorbed by paracellular passive diffusion in the small intestine. Calcium intestinal absorption is affected by the type and amount of calcium ingested. It is also affected by the amount of intestinal calcium that is bound to dietary fats and proteins. One major consequence of decreased calcium absorption is metabolic bone disease in which there is a failure of complete mineralization of the bone osteoid.

Availabilities of calcium, iron, and zinc from dairy infant formulas is affected by soluble dietary fibers and modified starch fractions

OBJECTIVE

Insoluble dietary fiber is a known inhibitor of mineral absorption, whereas the effects of soluble dietary fibers (including prebiotics) are less known. The aim was to study calcium, iron, and zinc availabilities from dairy infant formulas supplemented with soluble dietary fibers and modified starches in vitro.

METHODS

Dairy infant formulas were supplemented with soluble dietary fibers (3%, dry wt) and modified starches (16% pregelatinized rice starch and 1.9% maltodextrin, dry wt) and kept in a well-controlled and defined environment in vitro. Pooled mature human milk was used as the reference standard.

RESULTS

Calcium availability from standard formula was elevated by 30% after inulin supplementation (17.2%), whereas locust bean gum (11.9%) and high esterified pectin (11.7%) reduced availability by approximately 10%. Iron availability from standard formula was increased by pregelatinized rice starch (3.8%), whereas availability was reduced in the following order: high esterified pectin (2.3%), oligofructose (2.2%), and low esterified pectin (2.1%). Zinc availability was highest after the addition of pregelatinized rice starch (13.5%) but lowest with the addition of locust bean gum (6.8%) and maltodextrin (5.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that addition of soluble dietary fiber affects calcium, iron, and zinc availabilities in positive (inulin) and negative ways, depending on the type of the dietary fiber used.

Calcium and zinc absorption from lactose-containing and lactose-free infant formulas

BACKGROUND

Calcium absorption is enhanced by the presence of lactose, but the quantitative significance of this effect in infant formulas is uncertain. It is also not known whether lactose affects zinc absorption.

OBJECTIVE

We measured the absorption of calcium and zinc from infant formulas by using a multitracer, stable-isotope technique.

DESIGN

Eighteen full-term infants (aged 8-12 wk at enrollment) were fed 2 partially hydrolyzed whey-protein-based formulas ad libitum for 2 wk per formula. The carbohydrate source was lactose in one formula and glucose polymers in the other (lactose-free). Infants were studied in a blinded crossover fashion after 2 wk of adaptation to each formula. Isotope absorption studies were conducted with a 4-tracer method in which (70)Zn and (44)Ca were provided orally and (67)Zn and (46)Ca intravenously. Zinc and calcium absorption was measured from the fractional excretion of the oral and intravenous isotopes in urine.

RESULTS

Fractional and total calcium absorption was significantly greater from the lactose-containing formula than from the lactose-free formula. For total calcium absorption, the mean difference between formulas was 10.3% (P = 0.002) and 60 mg/d (P = 0.006). For zinc, fractional absorption (32 +/- 11%), total absorption, and intake did not differ significantly between the 2 formulas.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of lactose in a formula based on cow-milk protein increases absorption of calcium but not of zinc. Absorption of calcium from a lactose-free infant formula is, however, adequate to meet the calcium needs of full-term infants when the formula's calcium content is similar to that of lactose-containing, cow-milk-based infant formulas.

Smaller volume, thickened formulas in the management of gastroesophageal reflux in thriving infants

BACKGROUND

The effect of smaller volume, thickened formulas on gastroesophageal reflux is not clear.

METHODS

The frequency of gastroesophageal reflux and duration of acid pH in the esophagus were determined in six thriving infants using extended esophageal pH monitoring.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in frequency of emesis and gastroesophageal reflux but not the duration of acid pH in the esophagus with the use of infant formula thickened with rice cereal to provide a nutritionally appropriate intake in a smaller volume.

CONCLUSIONS

Thickening of formula with rice cereal in a nutritionally balanced form and smaller volume may be an appropriate strategy for reducing frequency of emesis and gastroesophageal reflux in thriving infants.

Nutritional aspects of calcium absorption

The amount of calcium absorbed in the intestine depends on habitual calcium intake. When intake is low, active transcellular calcium transport in the duodenum is upregulated and a larger proportion of calcium is absorbed by the active process than by the passive paracellular process that prevails in the jejunum and ileum. Bioavailability of the calcium source-digestibility and solubilization-plays a role under conditions of low calcium intake but is relatively unimportant when calcium intakes are high (e.g. >800 mg/d in people). Vitamin D intake is a second factor, as active calcium transport is directly and proportionally dependent on the presence in the intestinal cell of calbindin D9k, the biosynthesis of which is totally vitamin D dependent. Passive absorption in jejunum and ileum is the major absorptive process when calcium intake is adequate or high. Passive calcium absorption is a complicated function of solubility in the distal small intestine, the length of sojourn of the chyme in a given intestinal segment, and the rate of paracellular diffusion from lumen to lymph and blood. Calcium that reaches the large intestine undergoes absorption there by both active and passive processes. Probably no more than 10% of total calcium absorption takes place in the large intestine, whether calcium intake is low or high. Calcium absorption by the large bowel can assume nutritional importance under conditions of significant small bowel resection.

Nutritional management of regurgitation in infants

Infantile regurgitation is a frequently occurring problem. Throughout the world, anxious parents are imploring physicians to eliminate their infant's regurgitation. General practitioners, pediatricians and pediatric gastroenterologists strive to alleviate infantile regurgitation and its related parental stress. In this paper we define the scope of the problem and analyze the optimal, cost-efficient management approach to simple regurgitation in infants. The intent of this paper is to disseminate this information to practicing physicians and other health care professionals in an attempt to minimize the impact of this annoying problem of infancy and to eliminate confusion and expensive diagnostic tests and use of sub-optimal treatment modalities. Parental reassurance and dietary management by feeding thickened formula are important components in managing regurgitation in infants while maintaining optimal nutritional intake for adequate growth and development.