In the realm of infant nutrition, human breast milk (HBM) is acknowledged as the gold standard for infant feeding. It offers an intricate balance of nutrients that support an infant’s growth, development, and overall health. However, breastfeeding is not always an option for every parent, and in such cases, infant milk formula (IMF) serves as a safe and effective alternative. While IMFs have been developed to mimic the nutritional composition of HBM, differences remain, particularly in the digestibility, bioavailability of nutrients, and the support they provide to gut health.
A recent study published in Nutrients explored the benefits of adding dairy cream to infant milk formula, with the goal of narrowing the gap between formula and breast milk in terms of both nutrition and functionality.
The Role of Dairy Cream in Infant Formula
The study, conducted by Kondrashina et al. (2024), investigated the effects of adding dairy cream to IMF, comparing a low-cream formula (LC-IMF) with a high-cream formula (HC-IMF) and human breast milk. The research revealed several key benefits of enriching formula with dairy cream, particularly when it comes to digestibility, nutrient absorption, immune function, and gut health.
Improved digestibility and nutrient absorbtion
Human breast milk is naturally rich in milk fat globules, surrounded by a milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), which helps facilitate digestion and nutrient absorption. MFGM contains essential lipids and proteins that are beneficial for infant health, yet many traditional formulas, which rely on vegetable oils for fat content, lack this membrane structure.
In the study, the high-cream IMF showed significantly better digestion and nutrient absorption compared to the low-cream formula. The cream-enriched formula produced a greater release of bioactive peptides and free fatty acids, particularly palmitic and linoleic acids, which are crucial for infant growth and brain development. The research also found that these free fatty acids were more readily absorbed by the intestinal barrier in the high-cream formula, making it more similar to breast milk in this regard.
Support for gut health
The gut health of infants is a critical concern, as it is closely tied to both digestion and immune function. The study utilised a Caenorhabditis elegans model to simulate infant gut conditions and assess how well each formula supported intestinal health. Results showed that the high-cream IMF supported gut barrier recovery more effectively than its low-cream counterpart, with similar benefits to breast milk. This suggests that cream-enriched formula may better protect against gut-related issues such as colic, diarrhoea, and constipation, common problems in formula-fed infants.
Immune system support
In addition to aiding digestion, the study demonstrated that dairy cream-enriched formula has immune-modulating properties closer to those of breast milk. The high-cream IMF was shown to stimulate the production of important anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10, at levels similar to breast milk. This indicates that cream-enriched IMF could play a role in supporting an infant’s developing immune system, potentially lowering the risk of infection and inflammation.
Why do Kendamil use dairy cream?
While this study highlights the benefits of adding dairy cream to infant formula, it's important to note that not all formula brands have embraced this approach. At Kendamil, we are proud to be the only British manufacturer of infant milk formula, and we stand out by using full-cream milk sourced from local farms in the Lake District, to make up part of the fat source in our formulas. Unlike many conventional formulas that rely on vegetable oils, we use full-cream milk, ensuring the natural milk fat globule structure that research suggests is highly beneficial for infant health.
Our formula includes a wide range of vital nutrients naturally found in dairy cream, such as essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Furthermore, our commitment to sustainability means our products are entirely palm oil-free and fish oil-free, offering parents an environmentally friendly option without compromising on nutrition.
The benefits of a full-cream infant milk formula;
- Naturally Derived Fat Sources: By using whole milk, Kendamil provides infants with a more digestible and bioavailable source of fat, including palmitic acid and other essential fatty acids that support growth and brain development.
- Better for Gut Health: The inclusion of full-cream dairy ensures the presence of milk fat globule membranes, which may help protect gut health and support the development of a healthy intestinal barrier.
- Immune Support: With naturally occurring immune-modulating components, Kendamil’s formula offers potential immune system benefits, helping to lower the risk of infections and inflammation.
The study published in Nutrients offers strong evidence that adding dairy cream to infant milk formula brings its digestibility and nutritional profile closer to that of human breast milk. As the evidence continues to grow, it becomes increasingly clear that formulas enriched with dairy cream are a step forward in supporting infant health.
References:
- Kondrashina, A., Mamone, G., Giblin, L., & Lane, J.A. (2024). Infant Milk Formula Enriched in Dairy Cream Brings Its Digestibility Closer to Human Milk and Supports Intestinal Health in Pre-Clinical Studies. Nutrients, 16, 3065. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183065
- Hahn, W.H., Song, J.H., Lee, J.E., & Shin, S.H. (2017). Immunomodulatory Effects of Breast Milk in Infants. Pediatric Research, 82(3), 563-567.
IMPORTANCE NOTICE: Breastfeeding is best for babies. This information is for healthcare professionals.
