Different thickening complexes with pectin in infant anti‐regurgitation formula

Abstract

Aim To summarise the results from four clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of a thickening complex in the management of regurgitation in infants. Methods Infants (n = 392) younger than 5 months presenting with at least five regurgitations per day were recruited in four open‐label, interventional, single‐group, multi‐centric clinical trials sharing an identical design. The efficacy of four different formulae thickened with different thickening complexes of pectin, starch and locust bean gum, was evaluated on regurgitation at days 3, 14 and 90, and stools and growth at days 14 and 90. Results The daily number of regurgitation episodes was significantly reduced at days 3 and 14 vs baseline in all studies (P < .001), with the largest decrease with the formula having the highest pectin content (study 1; P < .001). In all studies, growth was within normal range. A trend towards stool normalisation for consistency was observed in three studies at day 90 vs baseline and was significant in study 1 (P < .001). Stool frequency was unchanged by the interventions. Conclusion The four tested thickened formulae reduced regurgitation and were proven to be safe. The formula with the largest amount of pectin and lowest starch content showed the best efficacy.

Development of the digestive system in early infancy and nutritional management of digestive problems in breastfed and formula-fed infants

“…Thickened formulas have high viscosity, which prevents the refluxate from reaching the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, effectively reducing regurgitation. 82 Commonly used thickening agents include cereal starch, carob/locust bean gum and soybean polysaccharides. There is no evidence that one thickening agent is superior to others.…”

Pectin-Tannic Acid Nano-Complexes Promote the Delivery and Bioactivity of Drugs in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

“…This is a commonly used thickening or stabilization agent in the food industry [18][19][20][21]. It is believed that the soluble fibers of apples and citrus that are commonly made into jams, preserves, and dietary supplements can improve the digestive associated health and minimize some gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders [18,[22][23][24]. Additionally, pectin is a pharmaceutic ingredient to produce gel or gel capsules due to its minimal toxicity and low cost [20,25].…”

Efficacy and safety of medical and nutritional management of gastroesophageal reflux in formula-fed infants: a narrative review

“…Efficacy Pectin is a carbohydrate that just as LBG is not sensitive to digestion. Pectin is also fermented by the intestinal microbiota [2]. It has stabilizing, gelling, and thickening properties and is often used in food [2].…”

“…Pectin is also fermented by the intestinal microbiota [2]. It has stabilizing, gelling, and thickening properties and is often used in food [2]. In the past, multiple trials have shown a significant (P < 0.001) decrease of regurgitation episodes in infants fed a formula thickened with pectin [17][18][19][20].…”

“…The formulas were thickened with a combination of different concentrations of pectin together with tapioca or corn starch and LBG. Pectin Significant decrease in regurgitation episodes (P < 0.001) [2,21--23] Significantly higher decrease (P < 0.001) in regurgitation episodes with higher dosed pectin [2,22] No significant change in stool frequency [2,21--23] Significant (P < 0.001) decrease of abnormal stool consistency with higher dosed pectin [22]. www.co-pediatrics.com…”