Effect of locust bean gum in anti-regurgitant milk on the regurgitation in uncomplicated gastroesophageal reflux.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the efficacy of anti-regurgitant milk (AR milk) with reduced concentration of locust bean gum (LBG) compared with the usual commercially available concentration of this thickener.

METHODS:

Thirty infants with daily regurgitation but no other medical problems were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Infants in group A (n = 16) were fed either HL-450, an AR milk thickened with a commonly used concentration of LBG (0.45 g/100 mL) or control milk (HL-00; no LBG) in a crossover manner for periods of 1 week. The order of milk was randomly chosen for each subject. Infants in group B (n = 14) were fed HL-350, an AR milk with a reduced LBG concentration (0.35 g/100 mL), or HL-00 in the same crossover fashion. The number of episodes of regurgitation, feeding time, and body weight gain were recorded. Three infants in group B did not complete the protocol and were excluded.

RESULTS:

Both AR formulas decreased the number of regurgitation episodes by approximately 50% compared with control. Five mothers who gave their infants HL-450 and no mothers who fed their children HL-350 reported that the infants had difficulty sucking the formula through the nipple. Thirteen (81.3%) mothers who used HL-450 and 9 (81.8%) mothers who used HL-350 preferred the AR milk to the control milk.

CONCLUSIONS:

An AR milk with reduced LBG was as effective in reducing regurgitation as one with the usually available concentration of LBG.

• Authors: Reiko Miyazawa, Takeshi Tomomasa, Hiroaki Kaneko, Akihiro Morikawa
• Journal: Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition (J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr) Vol. 38 Issue 5 Pg. 479-83 (May 2004) ISSN: 0277-2116 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15097434 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Galactans
• Mannans
• Plant Gums
• Polysaccharides
• locust bean gum

Topics

• Female
• Galactans
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (diet therapy, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant Formula
• Male
• Mannans
• Plant Gums
• Polysaccharides
• Treatment Outcome