Supplementation of infant formula with native inulin has a prebiotic effect in formula-fed babies

Objectives: In this study we investigated the effects of native inulin in formula-fed babies. The influence of inulin on the microbial composition, pH, consistency and amount of faeces, and on frequency of defecation was assessed. Methods: In this study a daily dosage of 0.25 g/kg/d was used: 3 weeks of inulin consumption were followed by 3 weeks without or vice versa. The study group consisted of 14 babies with an average age of 12.6 weeks (± 6.4 weeks) and the average intake of inulin was 1.5 (± 0.3) g/d. Results: The consumption of inulin increased the content of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the faeces of formula-fed babies, without affecting the number of Bacteroides or the total anaerobic count. With inulin there was a trend for stools to become softer and for the amount of faeces to increase significantly. Frequency of defecation was not affected by the consumption of inulin. No adverse effects were reported during the periods of inulin consumption. Conclusions: We conclude that, with native inulin, a prebiotic effect can be observed in formula-fed babies. Inulin may therefore be a useful ingredient in infant formulae