Follow-up formula consumption in 3- to 4-year-olds and respiratory infections: an RCT

Pediatrics. 2014 Jun;133(6):e1533-40. doi: 10.1542/peds.2013-3598. Epub 2014 May 19.

Abstract

Objective: Children are vulnerable to diet inadequacies, which may affect immune function. Our objective was to determine if a follow-up formula (FUF) containing DHA, the prebiotics PDX and GOS, and yeast β-glucan affects incidence of respiratory infections and diarrheal disease in healthy children.

Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, controlled, prospective trial, 3-4 year old children were fed 3 servings per day of either a FUF with 25 mg DHA, 1.2 g PDX/GOS, and 8.7 mg yeast β-glucan per serving or an unfortified, cow's milk-based beverage (control) for 28 weeks. Fecal and blood samples were collected to assess immune markers and iron/zinc status. Incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI), diarrheal disease, and antibiotic treatment were obtained from medical records.

Results: The FUF group had fewer episodes and shorter duration of ARI (mean days [SE]; control = 4.3 [0.2]; FUF = 3.5 [0.2]; P = .007), less antibiotic use (n [%]; control = 21 [14%]; FUF = 8 [5%]; P = .01), and fewer missed days of day care due to illness. No diarrheal disease was diagnosed in either group. The FUF group had higher interleukin-10 and white blood cell count at the end of the study. There were no differences in hemoglobin, serum ferritin and zinc, or fecal secretory immunoglobulin A.

Conclusions: Daily consumption of a FUF was associated with fewer episodes and shorter duration of ARI, as well as less antibiotic use. The children who consumed the FUF had increased interleukin-10 and white blood cells, suggesting an antiinflammatory mechanism and/or an increase of effector immune cells.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01488435.

Keywords: DHA; acute respiratory infection; children; prebiotics; yeast β-glucan.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child Day Care Centers
  • Child, Preschool
  • China
  • Diarrhea / diet therapy
  • Diarrhea / immunology
  • Diarrhea / prevention & control
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Food, Formulated*
  • Food, Fortified*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence / immunology
  • Interleukin-10 / blood
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / diet therapy*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / immunology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / prevention & control

Substances

  • Interleukin-10

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01488435