Bioactive Whey Protein Concentrate and Lactose Stimulate Gut Function in Formula-Fed Preterm Pigs

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Formula feeding is associated with compromised intestinal health in preterm neonates compared with maternal milk, but the mechanisms behind this are unclear. We hypothesized that the use of maltodextrin and whey protein concentrates (WPCs) with reduced bioactivity due to thermal-processing are important factors. METHOD:: Ninety-two caesarean-delivered preterm pigs were fed increasing doses of formulas for 5 days (24–120?mL/kg/d). In Experiment 1, four groups of pigs (n?=?15–16) were fed lactose- or maltodextrin-dominant formulas (lactose/maltodextrin ratios 3:1 or 1:3, respectively), containing WPC with either high or low levels of IgG (WPC1 or WPC2, respectively). In Experiment 2, two groups of pigs (n?=?15–16) were fed lactose-dominant formulas with either a bioactive WPC (BioWPC, produced by reduced thermal-processing) or a conventional WPC (ConWPC). RESULTS:: In Experiment 1, pigs fed formula with WPC1 had higher villi, hexose absorption, and lactase activity in small intestine, relative to WPC2, but predominantly with the lactose-dominant formula (all P?<?0.05). In Experiment 2, the BioWPC product had higher bioactivity, as indicated by higher IgG, lactoferrin and TGF-β2 levels, and better enterocyte proliferation in vitro. Pigs fed the BioWPC formula showed better feeding tolerance and higher intestinal villi and lactase activity (all P?<?0.05). The BioWPC formula-fed pigs also had greater physical activity (P?<?0.05 on day 4) and tended to show improved hexose absorption and decreased gut permeability (both P?≤?0.09). CONCLUSIONS:: Infant formulas containing lactose as the main carbohydrate, and WPC with reduced thermal processing, may support gut maturation and health in sensitive, preterm neonates.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Volume66
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)128-134
Number of pages7
ISSN0277-2116
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

ID: 184388415