Babies Fed New Lower-Protein Formula Show Similar Growth Rate To Breastfed Babies

Infants fed a new lower-protein infant formula gained weight at a similar rate to breastfed infants, according to a new study. Infant growth rate indicates overall health and reflects a child's nutritional well-being. Breast milk and standard infant formulas differ in their protein composition and concentration: human milk contains protein and is rich in essential amino acids; standard formulas typically contain higher levels of protein to provide similar amino acid levels. The randomized study tested the effect of infant formulas enriched with alpha-lactalbumin, one with a  standard level of protein and a new one developed by Pfizer Nutrition with less protein. A control group consisted of breastfed babies. The researchers found that weight gain in the infants who consumed the new formula was not significantly different from that of breastfed babies.