Associations of Lactoferrin-Fortified Formula with Infant Growth and Gut Microbiota: A Real-World Observational Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

Lactoferrin, a key bioactive component in human milk, may bridge functional gaps in infant formula; however, its long-term effects on growth and the gut microbiota in term infants remain underexplored, particularly in real-world settings.

Methods

This real-world evidence (RWE) study assessed the impact of lactoferrin-fortified formula (LF) on infant growth, the gut microbiota, and feeding tolerance compared with control formula (CF) and exclusive breastfeeding (BF). After propensity score matching (PSM) for maternal education level and infant age, 111 matched Chinese infants (37 per group: LF, CF, and BF; age: 6-12 months) were analyzed. Growth was evaluated using WHO Z-scores (WAZ, LAZ, WLZ, and zBMI). The gut microbiota was profiled via 16S rRNA seque

SUBMITTER: Shi X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12736245 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature