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SMA Gold Can

The latest thinking in infant nutrition

Why alter the protein composition of SMA Gold?

SMA Gold has always had the goal of having a protein composition and content as close to breast milk as possible.

Cows’ milk is the primary ingredient of most infant milks.1 However, there are important differences between the protein content and protein composition of cows’ milk and breast milk.1

Advancing closer to breast milk protein – the challenges

To bring the protein profile of typical whey-dominant infant milks closer to that of breast milk, two key areas need to be addressed:


1. Reducing overall protein content
2. Improving protein quality

1. Reducing protein content

The differences in protein content between breast milk and cows’ milk is reflected in their essential amino acid content.1,2

Cows’ milk has a higher protein content than breast milk and contains lower levels of some essential amino acids than breast milk.1,2 Therefore to meet an infant’s amino acid needs, the total protein content of most infant milks is higher than that of breast milk.1 In fact, protein intake of formula-fed infants has been reported to be 66%-70% higher than the protein intake of breastfed infants.1

2. Improving Protein Quality

Typical whey-dominant infant milks are nutritionally complete and have a 60:40 (whey:casein) ratio similar to mature human breast milk.3 However the proportion of specific whey proteins in infant milks differs significantly from that of breast milk.1 Among whey proteins in breast milk, alpha-lactalbumin (α-protein) is the predominant component.1,3 However, the predominant whey protein in cows’ milk is beta-lactoglobulin (ß-protein) – a whey protein not normally present in human breast milk.1,2

Key Whey Proteins

Alpha-Lactalbumin (α-protein)

Beta-Lactoglobulin (ß-protein)

Predominant whey protein in breast milk.1,2 Predominant whey protein in cows’ milk.2
Plays important nutritional role for infants.5 Currently main whey protein in typical whey-dominant infant milks.2
Source of essential amino acids, especially cystine and tryptophan.1,5 Not normally present in breast milk.1,2

How babies benefit on the SMA Gold

  • Closer to breast milk protein composition
  • Improved essential amino acid profile1,5,6
  • Reduction in total protein content1
  • Reduction in renal solute load1,2  
  • Tolerated similar to breast milk6
  • Provides a prebiotic effect7

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

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

4. Heine WE, Klein PD, Reeds PJ. The importance of α-Lactalbumin in infant nutrition. J Nutr 1991; 121: 277-83.

5. Jackson JG, Janzen DB, Lonnerdal B, Lien EL, et al. A multinational study of alpha-lactalbumin concentrations in human milk. J Nutr Bochem. 2004: 15; 517-521.

6. 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.

7. 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