Nestlé Health Science has presented new evidence that adding two Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO) to the whey-based extensively hydrolysed formula, Althéra, supports normal growth and is well tolerated by infants with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA).
The CINNAMON trial assessed if the whey-based extensively hydrolysed formula (EHF), Althéra, supplemented with two HMO and a reduced protein content of 2.20 g/100 kcal, supports normal growth and is well tolerated in infants with CMPA, in comparison with Althéra without HMO and higher protein content (2.47 g/100 kcal).
The CINNAMON study is the second trial testing the EHF Althéra, supplemented with the two HMO, 2'fucosyl-lactose (2'FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT). This is a specific HMO blend developed by Nestlé. The trial confirming safety and hypoallergenicity was published earlier this year.
HMO are non-digestible carbohydrates which make up the third-largest solid component in breast milk, after lactose and lipids. While protective benefits of HMO have been investigated for several decades, the production of breast milk-identical HMO has only recently become technically feasible.
The trial confirming safety and hypoallergenicity was published earlier this year
High protein intake during early and late infancy is associated with rapid weight gain and an increased risk of subsequent overweight and obesity later in life. Nestlé has therefore lowered the protein content in Althéra. The potential benefits of the lowered protein content include the prevention of excess weight gain and metabolic dysregulation, leading to reduced risk for subsequent overweight, obesity, and related comorbidities.
The primary outcome of the study was met, confirming that there were no significant differences in daily weight gain or other growth parameters between the two groups. The test formula was well tolerated and adverse event rates were similar between groups.
CMPA impacts up to 3% of infants and is associated with digestive, skin, respiratory and other symptoms. CMPA is an immune-mediated disease and therefore infants with CMPA that cannot be breastfed may benefit from the immune-modulating properties of HMO.
"HMO are critical to the support of an infant's immune system," said Dr Ralf Heine, a pediatric allergist and Clinical Development Lead at Nestlé Health Science. "HMO support the establishment of beneficial bacteria in the gut, where they modulate the immune system. They eliminate some pathogens through a decoy effect, while also strengthening the gut barrier and guiding the maturation of the immune system. Adding HMO to infant formulas has been shown to provide additional health benefits."
Nestlé Health Science will launch its speciality formula portfolio for the management of CMPA, Althéra, Alfaré; and Alfamino, with 2'FL and LNnT, in 2020.
