Supplementation of infant formula with bovine milk fat globule membranes

Studies have shown that supplementation of infant formula with bovine milk fat globule membranes (MFGMs) may substantially narrow the gap in health outcomes between formula-fed and breastfed infants. In one study, consumption of a formula supplemented with a lipid-rich MFGM concentrate between 2 and 6 mo ofage improved cognitive performance at 24 wkofage. In another study, a formula supplemented with a protein- rich MFGM concentrate given between 2 and 6 mo ofage improved cognitive performance at 12 mo ofage, decreased infectious morbidity until 6 mo ofage, and yielded serum cholesterol concentrations closer to those of breastfed infants. A third study that assessed the safety ofsupplementing infant formula with a lipid-rich or a protein-rich MFGM concentrate found a noninferior weight gain for both groups compared with a nonsupplemented formula. In this study, therewas an increased riskofeczema in the protein-rich group, but no seriousadverseevents. Infantformulas with supplemental MFGMs have been launched on the market in several countries. However, the evidence base must still be considered quite limited. Based on 3 randomized controlled trials that are not comparable, the intervention seems safe, but there is not enough evidence for a general recommendation on which MFGM fraction to use and at what concentration as formula supplement for a given outcome.