Follow-up formula shows immune-support potential: RCT

By Stephen DANIELLS

- Last updated on GMT

Follow-up formula shows immune-support potential: RCT
Results of a randomized clinical trial with three- and four-olds indicate that follow-up formula containing a combination of DHA, prebiotics, and yeast beta-glucan may support the immune systems of the children.

Writing in the June issue of Pediatrics​, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, scientists from Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine in China and Mead Johnson Nutrition report that three servings per day of the follow-up formula for 28 weeks were associated with few episodes and shorter duration of acute respiratory infections than children consuming an unfortified cow’s milk-based beverage.

In addition, the formula-fed children also required fewer antibiotic treatments and missed fewer days of day care due to illness, compared to children in the control group.

Blood analysis revealed that interleukin-10 and white blood cell (WBC) counts were higher in the follow-up formula group after 28 weeks, suggesting an anti-inflammatory mechanism and/or an increase of effector immune cells.

The research was welcomed by Donald Cox, PhD, senior VP of healthcare research & development at Biothera, the manufacturer of the beta-glucan ingredient used in the formula (Wellmune WGP). “As the study’s authors noted, children are vulnerable to diet inadequacies, which may affect immune function,”​ said Dr Cox.

“This research demonstrates the importance of supporting the developing immune systems of young children.”

Wellmune WGP, derived from the cell walls of a proprietary strain of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae​) via a patented manufacturing process, is a natural carbohydrate that activates key immune cells. The formula also contained the omega-3 DHA and a blend of the prebiotics polydextrose (PDX) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS). The follow-up formula used in this study is not a marketed product at this time.

Study details

Led by Fei Li, MD, PhD, the researchers recruited 3-4 year old children to participate in their double-blind, randomized, controlled, prospective trial. Children were randomly assigned to either the follow-up formula group (25 mg DHA, 1.2 g PDX/GOS, and 8.7 mg yeast beta-glucan three times per day) or an unfortified, cow’s milk-based beverage (control).

Results indicated that significant benefits for the formula-fed children, with statistically significant reductions in episodes and shorter duration of acute respiratory infections, as well as requiring fewer antibiotic treatments.

The study is in line with other findings from Mead Johnson, including a study from Brazil which indicated that the follow-up formula may also alleviate functional constipation in children (The FASEB Journal​, 2014, Vol. 28, Supplement LB348).

Source: Pediatrics
2014. Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1542/peds.2013-3598
“Follow-up Formula Consumption in 3- to 4-Year-Olds and Respiratory Infections: An RCT”
Authors: F. Li, X. Jin, B. Liu, W. Zhuang, D. Scalabrin

Related news

Related products

show more

Algal Oil or Fish Oil: Which Should I Choose?

Algal Oil or Fish Oil: Which Should I Choose?

Content provided by GC Rieber VivoMega™ | 04-Oct-2024 | Infographic

Are you fishing for answers when it comes to omega-3s from fish oil vs. algal oil? Do you find yourself asking if EPA or DHA from fish oil is the same...

13X Boost in Glutathione with LipoAvail™

13X Boost in Glutathione with LipoAvail™

Content provided by Effepharm Ltd | 03-Sep-2024 | Product Brochure

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and vital metabolic regulator within cells. But it is unstable, susceptible to light, humidity, heat, gastric acid,...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars