122 Influence of Human Milk, Standard Formula and Fermented Formula on Thymus Size and Stool PH in Healthy Term Newborns.

Abstract

Breast fed newborns had significant larger thymus compared to that standard formula fed. We report for the first time a double blind study on healthy term newborns evaluating the effect of human milk versus a standard formula and versus a fermented formula (bifidobacterium c50 and Streptococcus thermophilus 065) on thymus index and stool pH. 90 newborns were enrolled in the study. 30 newborns, were exclusively breast feeded, and the other 60 were randomly assigned to receive, a fermented formula, and a standard formula,with the same nutritional composition. All newborns were matched for sex birth weight and gestational age. The newborns were evaluated at third day of life, at first, second, third and fourth month of age. Weight, length, head circumference, stool pH, and ultrasound measurement of thymus size were recorded. Results are shown in table like mean and standard deviation.

Table 1

*vs SF feed p < 0.001; *vs FF feed p < 0.036; vs SF feed p < 0.042; **vs Breast feed and FF feed p < 0.001.

Fermented formula resembles the breast fed pattern concerning thymus size and faecal pH while no difference was demonstrated in the growth parameters. These effects may be linked to the bifidogenic effects of fermentation products and their interactions with the intestinal immune system leading to a general involvement of the immune system. Further studies are needed to understand these relationships and to asses the role of colostrum in increasing thymus size.

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