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Infant Formula and Protein Levels
New Study Examines Protein Levels in Infant Formula
A study by Koletzko et al. suggests that infants fed an infant formula with lower protein content exhibited weight for length and BMI similar to that of breastfed infants. (1) The study authors examined the effect of lower protein (1.77 grams protein/100 kcal) and higher protein (2.9 grams protein/100 kcal) infant formulas (within the recommended range) during the first 12 months of life on the growth patterns of infants until two years of age. Weight and length, weight-for-length, and body mass index (BMI) of randomized formula fed infants as well as the control group of breastfed infants were measured. At 24 months of age, infants who were fed lower protein infant formula had a significantly lower average weight than infants who were fed higher protein infant formula; however, no difference in length was observed. Infants fed formula in this study were compared to an observational group of breastfed infants and no significant differences in weight-for-length and BMI at 24 months were observed in infants fed lower protein infant formulas compared to breastfed observational group.
The low protein infant formula (1.77 grams protein per 100 kcal) examined in this study had a protein levels near that of infant formulas manufactured in the United States (2.1 grams protein per 100 kcal). Protein levels found in the high-protein formula examined in this study (2.9 grams protein per 100 kcal) are far higher than any routine infant formulas manufactured in the United States. In this study, infants who consumed the low protein infant formula showed no significant difference in weight-for-length and body mass index (BMI) compared to the breastfed control group. This paper provides data supporting that a reduced protein formula, with a protein level similar to that of formulas in the U.S., can support weight for length and BMI similar to that of breast fed infants.
The data presented in this study highlight the complexity of interaction between intake and satiety and their effect on infant growth. More data is needed for a greater understanding of the mechanisms of how protein affects growth and body composition before any changes in infant feeding practices are recommended.
References Cited:
1. Koletzko B, von Kries R, Closa R, Escribano J, Scaglioni S, Giovannini M, et al. Lower protein in infant formula is associated with lower weight up to age 2 y: a randomized clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2009;89(6):1836-45.