Researchers investigated whether goat milk formula provided any of the same anti-infection protections as breast milk.
Breastfeeding is considered the best form of nutrition for infants. However, breastfeeding is not always an option for every mother.
In those cases, infant formula is usually the best replacement for breastfeeding.
Most infant formula is made from cow’s milk and is required to have specific levels of nutrients to meet the needs of the infant.
Unfortunately, cow’s milk infant formula does not change composition as the infant grows, which can be hard on the baby’s tummy.
These digestive issues have also been linked to childhood health problems.
Some of the possible health problems include eczema, asthma, food allergies, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and childhood obesity.
Goat milk formula is gaining popularity
Goat milk formula is steadily gaining popularity because it is thought to be more similar to human milk than cow’s milk.
Goat milk has a higher level of carbohydrates called oligosaccharides, which are found in a great variety of human milk. These compounds are important in healthy gut bacteria and immunity.
A laboratory study about types and concentrations of oligosaccharides in goat milk infant formula
Australian researchers at the RMIT School of Science conducted a laboratory study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, to determine the types and concentrations of oligosaccharides in goat milk infant formula and their probiotic and immune-beneficial properties.
Researchers studied two goat milk infant formulas and raw goat milk to determine the number of oligosaccharides present in comparison to human milk.
They also studied the effectiveness of goat milk infant formula on the growth of the harmful bacteria e-coli and salmonella.
E-coli is responsible for almost 33% of childhood diarrhea, and children under five have higher rates of salmonella infections than any other group.
What was found in the study?
The researchers found the two goat milk infant formulas contained fourteen oligosaccharides, five of which are found in human breast milk.
The oligosaccharides found in the goat milk formula were structurally similar to those found in human milk.
Raw goat’s milk also contained these types of oligosaccharides.
The two most prominent oligosaccharides in human milk were also the most prominent in goat milk infant formula.
One specific oligosaccharide, fucosylated oligosaccharide, or 2’FL has been shown to play an important part in immunity and good gut health.
The 2’FL found in the goat milk formula was shown to promote the growth of good gut bacteria.
In a press release, lead study investigator, Professor Harsham Gill said, “Our results show goat milk formula may have strong prebiotic and anti-infection properties that could protect infants against gastrointestinal infections. The study indicates the prebiotic oligosaccharides in goat milk formula are effective at selectively promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. While these laboratory results are promising, further research including clinical trials will help us to confirm these benefits for infants.”
Future studies to confirm results
The researchers are planning future studies to confirm the results of this study and gather evidence of goat milk infant formula oligosaccharides’ prebiotic and anti-infection properties.
These results are good news for babies who cannot be breastfed and must use formula.
Based on this study, goat milk formula provides a healthy alternative that is similar to human milk and will provide some of the health benefits of healthy gut bacteria, immune development, and protection against infection.
Written by Rebecca K. Blankenship, B.Sc.
References:
Leong A, Liu Z, Zisu B et al. Oligosaccharides in goat’s milk-based infant formula and their prebiotic and anti-infection properties. British Journal of Nutrition. 2019:1-26. doi:10.1017/s000711451900134x
Stevens E, Patrick T, Pickler R. A History of Infant Feeding. Journal of Perinatal Education. 2009;18(2):32-39. doi:10.1624/105812409×426314
Questions and Answers | Salmonella | CDC. Cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/general/index.html. Published 2019. Accessed June 30, 2019.
