Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr.  2023 Sep;26(5):249-265. 10.5223/pghn.2023.26.5.249.

Digestive Tolerance and Safety of an Anti-Regurgitation Formula Containing Locust Bean Gum, Prebiotics and Postbiotics: A RealWorld Study

• Bellaiche M
• Tounian P
• Oozeer R
• Rocher E
• Vandenplas Y

• KMID: 2545994
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5223/pghn.2023.26.5.249

Abstract

Purpose
Infant regurgitation is associated with other functional gastrointestinal disorders and signs and symptoms that have a major impact on the quality of life of infants and their families. This study evaluated the safety, tolerance, and real-world effectiveness of an antiregurgitation formula containing locust bean gum (LBG), prebiotics, and postbiotics to alleviate digestive symptoms beyond regurgitation.
Methods
This 3-month study involved infants with regurgitation requiring the prescription of an anti-regurgitation formula according to usual clinical practice. Outcomes included evaluation of the evolution of stool consistency and frequency; occurrence of colic, constipation, and diarrhea; and assessment of regurgitation severity. Infant crying, parental assessment of infant well-being, and parental satisfaction with the stool consistency were also evaluated.
Results
In total, 190 infants (average age: 1.9±1.1 months) were included. After three months, stool frequency and consistency remained within the normal physiological range, with 82.7% of infants passing one or two stools per day and 90.4% passing loose or formed stools. There was no significant increase in the number of infants with diarrhea, whereas a decrease was observed in the number of infants with constipation after 1 month (p=0.001) and with colic after both 1 and 3 months (p<0.001). Regurgitation severity and crying decreased and parental satisfaction with stool consistency, formula acceptability, infant well-being, and sleep quality increased. Monitoring of adverse events did not reveal any safety concerns.
Conclusion
Formulas containing LBG, prebiotics, and postbiotics were well tolerated and provided an effective strategy for managing infant regurgitation and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Keyword

Locust bean gum; Quality of life; Infant well-being; Nutritional support; Colic; Diarrhea; Crying; Defecation; Digestive tolerance; Infant formula; Constipation; Gastroesophageal reflux; Infant health