Effect of prebiotics on growth metrics in infants: A GRADE approach systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

IF 3.4 3区医学 Q2 NUTRITION & DIETETICS

Nutrition Research Pub Date : 2025-03-08 DOI:10.1016/j.nutres.2025.03.003

Seyedeh-Tarlan Mirzohreh , Asma Sohrabnavi , Padideh Panahi , Zeinab Nikniaz , Mahdieh Abbasalizad Farhangi , Sevana Daneghian , Leila Nikniaz

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Breastfeeding is often not feasible for all mothers, making infant formula a critical alternative for ensuring infant safety and nutrition. We hypothesized that the inclusion of prebiotics in infant formula significantly affects growth metrics in infants compared to standard formula. This study aims to fill a knowledge gap regarding the effects of prebiotics in infant formula on infant growth and development, particularly given the varying compositions and durations of prebiotic supplementation. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, analyzing 24 studies sourced from databases such as PubMed and Cochrane, with risk of bias assessed using RoB-2 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The findings revealed no significant differences in weight gain (WG), height gain (HG), or head circumference gain (HCG) between prebiotic-fed infants and control groups overall. However, infants receiving prebiotics for 3 or more months exhibited a significant decrease in WG compared to controls (SMD -0.479, P < .05). Notably, those fed formulas containing fructo-oligosaccharides/galacto-oligosaccharides and a combination of polydextrose/galacto-oligosaccharides/lactulose demonstrated improved WG (SMDs of 0.214 and 0.184, P < .05 respectively). Conversely, infants on formulas with inulin-enriched oligo-fructose (IOF) experienced reduced WG and HG. In conclusion, while prebiotics did not consistently enhance growth metrics, specific combinations showed potential benefits, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches in infant formula design to optimize growth without compromising health.

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来源期刊

Nutrition Research 医学-营养学

CiteScore

7.60

自引率

2.20%

发文量

107

审稿时长

58 days

期刊介绍： Nutrition Research publishes original research articles, communications, and reviews on basic and applied nutrition. The mission of Nutrition Research is to serve as the journal for global communication of nutrition and life sciences research on diet and health. The field of nutrition sciences includes, but is not limited to, the study of nutrients during growth, reproduction, aging, health, and disease. Articles covering basic and applied research on all aspects of nutrition sciences are encouraged, including: nutritional biochemistry and metabolism; metabolomics, nutrient gene interactions; nutrient requirements for health; nutrition and disease; digestion and absorption; nutritional anthropology; epidemiology; the influence of socioeconomic and cultural factors on nutrition of the individual and the community; the impact of nutrient intake on disease response and behavior; the consequences of nutritional deficiency on growth and development, endocrine and nervous systems, and immunity; nutrition and gut microbiota; food intolerance and allergy; nutrient drug interactions; nutrition and aging; nutrition and cancer; obesity; diabetes; and intervention programs.