The capacity for digestion starts in utero, but it is not until the first feeding that intestinal movement and gastrointestinal tract maturation begin.3 During this period of rapid growth, active enzymes and a healthy microbiome are key to digestive functioning.4 Until those elements are in place, immaturity in the digestive tract can lead to discomfort for 80% of infants.5
Support babies who experience digestive discomfort
Ease digestive discomfort while providing crucial ingredients needed for growth.1,2
The first 1,000 days
Digestion begins with the first feeding
Effects of an immature digestive tract
Some protein enzymes are not fully active until 2 years of age, which can result in difficulty digesting proteins.6-9 Lactase and enterokinase, enzymes involved in the breakdown of lactose and protein, may be reduced in some infants at birth.10,11
Inadequate activity of these enzymes may allow some lactose and protein to travel to the large intestine without being fully digested.6,7 They may be fermented by bacteria, causing gas, which can lead to fussiness or crying.12,13
Reduced enzyme activity
Lactase
breaks down lactose
activity at birth
Enterokinase
activates enzymes that break down protein
activity at birth
Effects of an immature digestive tract
Some protein enzymes are not fully active until 2 years of age, which can result in difficulty digesting proteins.6-9 Lactase and enterokinase, enzymes involved in the breakdown of lactose and protein, may be reduced in some infants at birth.10,11
Inadequate activity of these enzymes may allow some lactose and protein to travel to the large intestine without being fully digested.6,7 They may be fermented by bacteria, causing gas, which can lead to fussiness or crying.12,13
The impact on quality of life
Often presenting as crying, fussiness, gassiness, and constipation, digestive discomfort may lead to a reduced quality of life for both infants and their families.1,17-21 Easing these symptoms can help give parents peace of mind as their child grows.1,2
The role of early nutrition
Easing digestive discomfort while providing important nutrients
To ease discomfort and support digestive tract development, infant formula can be carefully altered to have:
- Partially hydrolyzed proteins (PHP)
- Reduced lactose
- Beneficial prebiotics
Partially hydrolyzed proteins
Through a process called hydrolysis, intact proteins can be broken down during manufacturing. Hydrolyzed proteins are smaller* and designed to help ease digestion.5,22,23 Offering formula that contains these proteins may help with mild gastrointestinal issues.5,22,23‡
Intact proteins
Partially hydrolyzed proteins
Reduced lactose
Not all babies are ready for lactose as their sole source of carbohydrates. However, since lactose provides energy to babies, it is important to provide a well-balanced blend. Replacing some lactose with corn syrup solids—a safe, well-tolerated, plant-based carbohydrate—may lessen the burden on the digestive system.24
PDX and GOS prebiotics
Prebiotics, such as polydextrose (PDX) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), feed beneficial bacteria in the large intestine, increasing fecal mass and water retention for softer stools.25 These prebiotics in infant formula support gut health as well as the immune system.26
The impact of infant nutrition on a maturing digestive system
Infants’ digestive tracts may have trouble digesting proteins and lactose, resulting in excess gas and abdominal pain. See how partially hydrolyzed proteins and other key nutrients are processed and how they can help ease digestive discomfort.
Clinical evidence
Clinical studies have shown that partially hydrolyzed proteins and reduced lactose† can ease digestive comfort quickly, and prebiotics can support gut health and improve stool consistency.6,27
Rapid, sustained outcomes with reduced lactose and smaller proteins*
A randomized, double-blind clinical study demonstrated rapid reduction in fussiness, crying, gassiness, and spit-up within 24 hours and sustained through 4 weeks after switching to a reduced-lactose formula with partially hydrolyzed proteins.6§||
Improved stool consistency
A randomized controlled study showed that infants receiving formula that had PDX and GOS promoted stools similar to breastfed infants.26
Softer, more frequent stools
Another study examining formula that had PDX and GOS showed improvement in both stool consistency and frequency within 1 week.23¶
Immune benefits of added prebiotics
One study showed that a blend of PDX and GOS fostered the growth of beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria, which supports maturation of the immune system.27 At 60 days, the number of bifidobacteria increased for infants fed formula that had PDX and GOS.27
In a second study, infants fed formula with PDX and GOS showed an increase in lactobacilli closer to the microbiota of breastfed infants at 30 and 60 days.28
Conclusion
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Immaturity
Immaturity in the digestive tract can lead to discomfort for 80% of infants, which may impact quality of life for infants and parents5
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Formula
Formula can be tailored to help ease discomfort while supporting immune and gut health.
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Clinical
Clinical evidence has shown that:
- Partially hydrolyzed proteins and reduced lactose can quickly ease digestive discomfort6
- Prebiotics can promote softer stools and are important for immune system development23