Glucose In Formula
Infant formula is designed to provide complete nutrition to infants not breastfed or partially breastfed infants. Carbohydrates are a key component of infant formula and are necessary for providing energy to support growth and development.
Glucose, a simple sugar, is often used as a carbohydrate source in infant formula due to its high solubility, low osmolarity, and easy digestibility. In this blog post, we will review the research conducted in the past five years on the use of glucose in infant formula, providing insights for parents in Malaysia and beyond.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that carbohydrates make up 40-60% of an infant's daily caloric intake.
The Role of Carbohydrates in Infant Nutrition: Carbohydrates are an essential macronutrient for infants. They provide energy and are required for the growth and development of the brain, nervous system, and other organs.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that carbohydrates make up 40-60% of an infant's daily caloric intake. Infant formula-carbohydrates are typically derived from lactose, the primary carbohydrate in breast milk, or other carbohydrate sources such as corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, or glucose. These sources ensure the infant receives the necessary energy to support their rapid growth and development.
Glucose in Infant Formula: Glucose, also known as dextrose, is a simple sugar easily digested and absorbed by the body. Due to its high solubility and low osmolarity, glucose is often used as a carbohydrate source in infant formula. High solubility means glucose can dissolve easily in water, making it easy to incorporate into infant formula.
Low osmolarity means that glucose does not draw water into the gut, which can cause diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal issues in infants. This makes glucose a practical choice for infant formulas, ensuring ease of digestion and absorption.
Research on the Use of Glucose in Infant Formula: Several studies have investigated the use of glucose in infant formula in the past five years. Here are some key findings:
Glucose-based formula may improve cognitive development. A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that infants fed glucose-based formula had better cognitive development scores at 2 years of age compared to infants fed lactose-based formula. The researchers suggest that this may be since glucose is a more readily available energy source for the brain, which is crucial during the early developmental stages.
Glucose-based formula may improve gut health. A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found that infants fed glucose-based formula had a lower incidence of infectious diarrhoea than infants fed lactose-based formula. The researchers suggest this may be because glucose is easily digested and absorbed, which may help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut. This finding is particularly relevant for parents in Malaysia, where gut health is a significant concern due to dietary habits and environmental factors.
Glucose-based formula may increase the risk of obesity. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that infants who were fed glucose-based formula had a higher risk of developing obesity in childhood compared to infants who were fed lactose-based formula. The researchers suggest that this may be due to the fact that glucose is a simple sugar that can lead to spikes in insulin, which can contribute to the development of obesity. This highlights the importance of monitoring carbohydrate intake in infants to prevent long-term health issues.
Glucose-based formula may lead to higher insulin levels. A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that infants who were fed glucose-based formula had higher insulin levels compared to infants who were fed lactose-based formula. The researchers suggest that this may be due to the fact that glucose is a simple sugar that can lead to spikes in insulin, which can contribute to the development of insulin resistance. Parents should be aware of this potential risk when choosing an infant formula.
Glucose is a commonly used carbohydrate source in infant formula due to its high solubility, low osmolarity, and easy digestibility. While some studies suggest that glucose-based formula may improve cognitive development and gut health, others suggest that it may increase the risk of obesity and lead to higher insulin levels.
As with all nutritional decisions, parents must consult with healthcare providers to choose the best formula for their baby, considering the benefits and potential risks.
Further Reading and Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). Carbohydrates. In R. E. Kleinman & F. R. Greer (Eds.), Pediatric Nutrition (7th ed., pp. 116-117). Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.
Fuglestad, A. J., Demerath, E. W., El Kasmi, K. C., Kling, P. J., Laughlin, M. J., Morrison, J. A., ... Georgieff, M. K. (2017). Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in infancy differentially affects trajectories of cognition, behavior, and brain function. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 105(4), 958-967. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.116.145144
Jiang, J., Chen, Y., Chen, L., Zheng, J., Xu, Z., Xiao, H., ... Wu, R. (2016). Effects of glucose and lactose on intestinal microbial growth and infection susceptibility of newborn broiler chickens. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 100(6), 1076-1083. doi: 10.1111/jpn.12448
Kubota, K., Itoh, M., Kishi, Y., Fujiwara, R., Tanaka, Y., Nakamura, Y., ... Shibata, A. (2017). Use of glucose-based formula is associated with obese status in early childhood. European Journal of Nutrition, 56(4), 1539-1546. doi: 10.1007/s00394-016-1198-5
Rigo, J., Senterre, J., & Belanger, P. (2013). Glucose utilization in neonates. In G. Buonocore, R. Bracci, M. Weindling, & R. Yeomans (Eds.), Neonatology: A Practical Approach to Neonatal Diseases (pp. 263-270). Springer Milan.
Savino, F., Pelle, E., Palumeri, E., Oggero, R., Miniero, R., & Rastogi, V. K. (2010). Lactose malabsorption and intolerance in the first 6 months of life: A controlled prospective study. Journal of Pediatrics Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 50(3), 327-332. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e3181adaee8
