Effects of short-chain fructooligosaccharides on faecal bifidobacteria and specific immune response in formula-fed term infants: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2014;60(3):167-75. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.60.167.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an infant formula supplemented with short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) on faecal concentration of bifidobacteria. Sixty-one healthy formula-fed infants participated in this double-blind controlled trial and were randomized to receive either the scFOS-supplemented formula (4 g/L scFOS) or the placebo-supplemented formula (4 g/L maltodextrins) until the age of 4 mo. Stool samples were analyzed for bifidobacteria at enrolment and at the age of 2 and 3 mo and for antipoliovirus IgA at the age of 4 mo. Parents completed a questionnaire to assess digestive tolerance. Change in faecal bifidobacteria after 2 mo were higher with scFOS compared to the placebo. At 4 mo, specific IgA tended to be higher with the scFOS group than with the placebo. Somatic growth and digestive tolerance were similar between groups. This study confirms that scFOS-supplemented formula can increase the concentration of faecal bifidobacteria while being well tolerated.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / chemistry
  • Bifidobacterium*
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Energy Intake
  • Feces / chemistry
  • Feces / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Food, Fortified*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / chemistry
  • Infant Formula / chemistry*
  • Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Oligosaccharides / administration & dosage*
  • Poliovirus Vaccines / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Oligosaccharides
  • Poliovirus Vaccines
  • fructooligosaccharide