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Infant nutrition plays a pivotal role in shaping short- and long-term health outcomes. This review critically examines the comparative effects of breastfeeding and infant formulas on infant growth, cognitive development, and overall health. Breastfeeding, often considered the gold standard, provides a dynamic composition of nutrients, antibodies, and bioactive factors that support immune function, neurodevelopment, and gut microbiota maturation, contributing to long-term protection against chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. In contrast, although modern infant formulas are designed to mimic the nutritional composition of breast milk and support infant growth, they may lack certain bioactive components, potentially leading to differences in gut microbiota composition and increased susceptibility to infections and allergies. However, various medical, societal, and personal factors may necessitate formula feeding, which has been optimized to approximate the nutritional profile of breast milk. In conclusion, both breastfeeding and infant formulas play significant roles in infant nutrition, with breastfeeding providing unparalleled health benefits. However, infant formulas remain a viable alternative when breastfeeding is not possible. This review highlights the need for individualized feeding recommendations that consider maternal health, socioeconomic factors, and infant needs to optimize growth and health outcomes.
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12391732 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70788 | DOI Listing |
Food Res Int
November 2025
Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Infant Formula Food, State Administration for Market Regulation, Harbin 150030, China. Electronic address:
Whey protein isolate (WPI) is an important food ingredient, but its high allergenicity limit its application. Recently, metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) have been shown to be effective in modifying proteins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of MPNs formed from (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and Fe on the structure, antibody-binding capacity, and functional properties of WPI.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFood Res Int
November 2025
School of Food Science and Engineering, Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Food Nutrition and Human Health, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China; Sino-Singapore International Research Institute, Guangzhou 510555, China. Electronic address: zh
Breast milk is rich in bioactive proteins and oligosaccharides, including osteopontin (OPN) and 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), which are believed to promote the growth of beneficial microbiota and regulate intestinal barrier function. In this study, fermentation substrates including DOPN (digested OPN fragment), 2'-FL and their combinations in varying proportions, were prepared through in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, dialysis and freeze-drying. Changes in gas production, organic acid levels, ammonia N concentration and bacterial population abundance were studied using an in vitro batch fermentation model, with feces inocula from healthy infants.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCrit Rev Food Sci Nutr
September 2025
Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.
An adequate choline intake is essential for infant health. Choline profiles in human milk, critical for setting adequate intake levels and developing infant formulas, varied markedly across studies. This study aimed to systematically review and analyze choline concentrations and compositions in human milk and explore influencing factors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnviron Res
September 2025
Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Concerns regarding the health implications of microplastics (MPs) pollution and their byproducts, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalate esters (PAEs), have escalated, particularly for vulnerable populations like infants. Since infants are primarily nourished by breast milk or infant formula, their heightened exposure risk to these contaminants warrants investigation. This study assessed the presence, morphological characteristics, and associated byproducts (BPA and PAEs) of MPs in commercially available infant formulas sold in the Iranian market.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJACC Case Rep
September 2025
Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Objective: To demonstrate a detailed procedural guide for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) stent placement for palliation of tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary stenosis in a patient weighing <2 kg.
Key Steps: Obtain wire position with an 0.018-inch Hi-Torque floppy wire in a distal branch pulmonary artery.