When researchers compared the stools of 40 infants who were exclusively breastfed with those of 13 who were exclusively formula fed, the average daily stool frequency was significantly higher in the breastfed than formula fed infants during the first month of life (4.9 versus 2.3) and second month of life (3.2 versus 1.6).
When researchers compared the stools of 40 infants who were exclusively breastfed with those of 13 who were exclusively formula fed, the average daily stool frequency was significantly higher in the breastfed than formula fed infants during the first month of life (4.9 versus 2.3) and second month of life (3.2 versus 1.6).
The Acta Paediatrica study also found that the stools were more liquid in the breastfed infants during the first three months, and infrequent stools were 3.5 times more likely in the breastfed infants (28 percent) than formula fed infants (8 percent).
“The underlying mechanisms of the infrequent stools syndrome in exclusively breastfed infants are unknown,” the authors wrote. “Many hypotheses have been put forward, from better digestion of the fat in mother’s milk than formula milk to a greater number of saccharolytic bacteria that can degrade unabsorbed and unabsorbable sugars.”
Additional Information
Link to Study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/apa.14620
About Journal
Acta Paediatrica is a peer-reviewed monthly journal at the forefront of international pediatric research. It covers both clinical and experimental research in all areas of pediatrics including:
- neonatal medicine
- developmental medicine
- adolescent medicine
- child health and environment
- psychosomatic pediatrics
- child health in developing countries
About Wiley
Wiley is a global leader in research and education. Our online scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, and our digital learning, assessment, certification and student-lifecycle services and solutions help universities, academic societies, businesses, governments and individuals to achieve their academic and professional goals. For more than 200 years, we have delivered consistent performance to our stakeholders. The Company's website can be accessed at www.wiley.com.
Penny Smith
+44 (0) 1243 770448
newsroom@wiley.com