Empleo De Fórmulas Infantiles Antirregurgitación en Lactantes: Efecto Sobre La Disponibilidad Mineral

Abstract

INTRODUCCIÓNEl reflujo gastroesofágico se define como el movimiento retrógrado pasivo del alimento ingerido, desde el estómago al esófago (1-5). Los episodios de reflujo son frecuentes en los primeros meses de vida del lactante, con una incidencia del 40 -60% en los 2 -3 meses de edad, mostrando en la mayoría de las ocasiones, una tendencia natural a desaparecer hacia los 12 -18 meses de vida, despareciendo por completo en todos los niños a los 24 meses de edad (5)(6)(7)(8). No obstante, si persiste en la edad preescolar o se manifiesta en niños mayores, se observan períodos de mejoría y recaída con una tendencia a persistir hasta la edad adulta en un 50% de los casos (Armas-Ramos et al., 2010). La mayoría de los episodios de reflujo gastroesofágico son asintomáticos, ABSTRACT Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in infants during the early months of life, as a result of a weak development of the regulatory mechanisms. Nevertheless, GER tends to disappear as infants grow. Nowadays, GER has become a common cause of pediatric consultation in the clinical practice, especially if it is followed by vomits. Sometimes, changing baby position while feeding seems to be a solution to reduce symptoms, while other times it is necessary manage the problem according to clinical practice guidelines. In these guidelines, the use of antiregurgitation infant formulas are included, which has been formulated with thickening agents and/or whey/casein ratio modification. Antiregurgitation milk products are available without pediatric prescription in chemists and other authorized establishments. Published studies on antiregurgitant infant formulas show some contradictory conclusions about their use. A negative effect on mineral and micronutrient bioavailability has been proposed by some authors, in relation to the presence of thickening agents used as ingredients. Different aspects which require more research, related to the use of antiregurgitation infant formulas, have been included in thisreview with the aim of producing more effective and safety products for an especially vulnerable population, where an optimum feeding will lead to an adequate development and good health status in the future.