ESPE Abstracts

Background and aims: Breastfeeding is associated with different adiposity development in infants and a reduced overweight risk. Human milk contains large lipid globules with a native membrane rich in phospholipids, whereas lipid droplets in most conventional infant formulas (IF) are small and protein-coated. Our study aims to evaluate the impact of a Concept IF with large, milk phospholipid-coated lipid droplets, closer to human milk lipid globule characteristics, on adiposity development.

Methods: This double-blind randomized controlled trial is nested in the Sophia Pluto Cohort study which included healthy, term infants. Exclusively formula-fed infants (< 6 weeks) were randomized to either a conventional IF (Control) or Concept IF until 6 months of age. Apart from the milk phospholipids, both IFs were similar in macro- and micronutrient composition including fatty acid profile, comprising either vegetable oils (Control) or a dairy/vegetable oil blend (Concept). Exclusively breastfed infants serve as reference. Primary outcome is the change in fat mass index between 6 and 12 months of age. Visits are scheduled at age 1, 3, 6, 9 12, 18 and 24 months and annually until age 5 years. Body composition is measured by PeaPod until age 6 months and thereafter by DXA and visceral adiposity by abdominal ultrasound. Anthropometrics, feeding characteristics and cognitive outcomes are collected, as well as blood, saliva, buccal smear and stool samples.

Results: Data analyses will start the end of May 2024.

Conclusion: This RCT will improve understanding of the role of dietary lipid droplet characteristics in infant adiposity development and the potential impact on childhood health outcomes. Data analyses will start the end of May 2024.