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Benefits :

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Benefits of SMA Gold*

α Closer to breast milk protein profile

Infant formulae have been developed with the goal of being as close as possible in composition and physiological benefits to breast milk.1  The protein formulation in SMA Gold means it contains significantly more α-protein†, the predominant whey protein in breast milk2,3, and significantly less ß-protein†† than other typical whey-dominant formulae, offering infants the closest whey protein profile to breast milk.

α Improved essential amino acids profile

Breast milk contains the ideal balance of essential amino acids for infant growth and development. The right balance of amino acids in infant formula is essential so infants do not need to ingest more protein than is required to meet their needs. The improved protein formulation in SMA Gold allows for an improved essential amino acid profile.1,4

Amino acid profiles in breast milk and formula with increased concentration
of α-protein†1

Bar Graph - Amino acid profiles in breast milk and formula with increased concentration of α-protein

α Reduction in total protein content

Protein intake of formula-fed infants has been reported to be 66%-70% higher than the protein intake of breastfed infants1. Because the protein in SMA Gold has an improved amino acid content, it means less protein is needed by the infant.1 This allows a reduction in total protein content, which reduces the load on developing infant kidneys.1,3

α Reduction in renal solute load

Protein profiles in typical whey-dominant infant milks supply an excess of amino acids in order to meet an infant’s growth and development needs.1  Excess amino load must be broken down and the nitrogen excreted, placing extra load on an infant’s developing kidneys.1  The improved amino acid profile in SMA Gold allows a lower protein concentration. This reduces an infant’s renal solute load.1,3

α Tolerated similar to breast milk

SMA Gold with increased concentrations of alpha-protein has been shown to be better tolerated compared to typical whey dominant infant milk and similar to breast milk.4

Line graph - Cumulative incidence of gastro-intestinal study events

†alpha-lactalbumin
††beta-lactoglobulin

α Prebiotic effect

Enriching infant formula with alpha protein has been shown to have a prebiotic effect by increasing the development of a bifidobacteria dominant flora.5

References:

1. Lien EL, Davis DM, Euler AR et al. Growth and safety in term Infants Fed Reduced-Protein Formula with added Bovine Alpha-lactalbumin. J Ped Gastrol Nutr. 2004; 38: 170-176.

2. Fomon SJ. Nutrition of normal infants. St Louis, MO: Mosby; 1993.

3. Lien EL. Infant formulas with increased concentrations of α-lactalbumin. Am J Clinical Nutrition.2003; 77(6): 1555S-1558S.

4. Davis AM et al. α-Lactalbumin-rich infant formula fed to healthy term infants in a Multicenter Study: Plasma Essential Amino Acids and Gastrointestinal Tolerance. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Advance online publication 25th July 2007.
http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/1602848a.html#bib31. Last accessed March 2008.

5. Bettler J and Kullen MJ. Infant formula enriched with alpha-lactalbumin has a prebiotic effect in healthy term infants. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition 2007 44 supp 1 e l-e360

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  Breast feeding is best for babies.  Infant milks are intended to replace breast milk when mothers do not breast feed.  Good maternal nutrition is important for the preparation and maintenance of breast feeding. Introducing partial bottle feeding may have a negative effect on breast feeding and reversing a decision not to breast feed is difficult.  You should always seek the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant milks and on all matters of infant feeding.  Infant milk should always be prepared and used as directed.  Unnecessary or improper use of infant milk may present a health hazard.  Social and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding.

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This information is intended for use only by residents of the UK and ROI
© 2008 SMA Nutrition