A Study to Investigate the Effect of Protein in Infant Formula on Insulin Response in Adults

Acute Metabolic Effect of Different Infant Formulas (Intact Protein, Partially Hydrolyzed Protein and High Level of Partially Hydrolyzed Protein) and Breast Milk in Healthy Adults

It has been established that the consumption of a diet that causes a low rise in blood insulin levels is beneficial in terms of risk for diabetes and heart disease. Furthermore, it is known that certain nutrients contained within a food play an important role in the insulin response of that food. For example, the type and quantity of protein has been shown to affect the insulin response to particular foods.

Different types of infant formula exist, containing different levels and types of protein, yet the impact of these different infant formulas on blood insulin levels is not known.

Using a randomized, double blind, cross-over study design, the insulin response to four test milks was compared in healthy adults. The four test milks were as follows: i) infant formula containing partially hydrolyzed protein; ii) infant formula with intact protein; (iii) infant formula with a higher energy and protein content compared to (i) and (ii); and (iv) human breast milk (in a small sub-group). The aim of the study was to show that the insulin response to the partially hydrolyzed formula is similar to that of an infant formula with intact protein.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy males and females aged 20-50 years at time of the enrollment
• Normal body weight. BMI 19-25 kg/m2
• Having obtained his/her signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

Chronic or acute diseases affecting metabolism (diabetes, renal insufficiency, CVD, liver disease), dyslipidemia, as checked using the medical questionnaire and based on a biochemical blood analysis (glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, transaminases and Gamma-GT, CRP in fasting

• Anemia (Erythrocytes < 4,6 T/l (male) or < 4,2 T/l (women); Hemoglobin Hb < 13 g/dl (male) or Hb < 12 g/dl (women); Hematocrit Ht < 40% (male) or Ht < 37% (women); sera iron < 0,6 mg/l or plasma ferritin < 120 μg /l (male) or < 60 μg/l (non menopaused women)
• Recent major surgery (3 months)
• History of cancer within the past year
• Significant weight loss during the last 3 months (more than 5% of BW)
• Regular intensive physical activity of more than 3 times of 45 min per week
• Food allergy, lactose intolerance
• Under chronic medications (except contraceptive pills) Have a regular higher alcohol consumption than 1 drink/day or occasional 1-2 drinks during week end
• Consumption of illicit drugs, as checked by a urinary testing
• Smoking (more than 5 cigarettes a day)
• Women pregnant or lactating
• Special weight reduction program /diet
• Blood donation of at least 300mL during the last 3 months or planned blood donation before the end of the study
• Subject who cannot be expected to comply with the study procedures, including consuming the test products (600 mL of milk within 10 minutes)
• Currently participating or having participated in another clinical trial during the last 4 weeks prior to the beginning of this study