The study evaluates a new formula developed via the Nuturis® process. It features large milk lipid droplets that closely mimic those in breast milk and shows positive, long-term effects on childhood BMI trajectories and blood pressure up to the age of 5.
Healthy infant growth during the first 1000 days of life is crucial for well-being. Breast milk, which is rich in lipids, serves as an optimal energy source for growth and development of a baby’s brain and immune system. 1, 2, 3 In cases where exclusive breastfeeding isn’t possible, the provided infant formula must be safe, and suitable to meet the nutritional requirements of children.
Danone’s latest formula features large lipid droplets coated in milk phospholipids developed via the Nuturis® process, which mimics the structure, size and composition of lipids found in breast milk.
The Mercurius study, along with its follow-up study until the age of 5, evaluated the long-term growth trajectories of infants who consumed either a formula developed via the Nuturis® process, or a standard infant formula during the initial four months of life. A group ofbreast-fed infants was also included for reference and assessed until 5 years of age. Results indicate that exposure to the formula developed via the Nuturis® process during the first 4 months results in childhood BMI trajectories similar to breastfed infants, as well as a lower blood pressure at the age of 5.
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for infants up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding thereafter in conjunction with appropriate complementary feeding until 2 years of age or beyond. Breast milk substitutes (i.e., infant formula) should provide a safe and nutritionally adequate alternative if (full) breastfeeding is not possible.
