Natural presence of nucleotides in Kabrita
Another beneficial asset of Kabrita formula is the higher level of naturally occuring nucleotides compared to cow’s milk formula. With these higher naturally occuring nucleotide levels, Kabrita formula resembles human milk more closely than cow’s milk formula does.
Nucleotides and their functionality
Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and are important for energy release to regulate the metabolism of cells. Nucleotides can also influence sleep regulation.1 Nucleotides in infant formula have been reported to improve the maturation of the digestive system, which is important to maintain comfort during the early phase of an infant’s life.2 Recently, it has been determined that dietary nucleotides are required for normal immune defenses. An infant formula supplemented with nucleotides demonstrated an improved humoral immune response, immune cell maturation, an increase in IgA levels and a reduction in diarrhoea.3,4 Infants can produce nucleotides themselves, but during rapid growth and development, the demand for nucleotides is increased. Therefore, infants could benefit from additional nucleotides provided via infant formula. Nucleotides also modulate the gut microbiota as increased levels of bifidobacteria have been observed in infants using an infant formula supplemented with nucleotides.2,5
Nucleotides in Kabrita formula
Research showed that Kabrita infant formula has a 4-5 times higher level of naturally occurring nucleotides than cow’s milk formula, although it should be mentioned that nucleotide levels in human milk are much higher.6 These naturally occuring nucleotides levels in Kabrita infant formula are naturally derived from goat milk. Kabrita formula contains high levels of nucleotides that are naturally present and in this way Kabrita formula more closely resembles human milk.7
More information about this study can be found in the poster below.
Conclusion
Nucleotides are building blocks for DNA and deliver energy for the metabolism of cells. Nucleotides support the maturation of the digestive system which is important during early life to maintain infant comfort. Kabrita formula contains higher levels of naturally occurring nucleotides compared to cow’s milk formula. In this way, Kabrita formula resembles human milk more closely than cow’s milk formula does. Infants using Kabrita formula might benefit from nucleotides since their digestive system is still maturing.
- 1. Sanchez, C.L., et al., The possible role of human milk nucleotides as sleep inducers. Nutr Neurosci, 2009. 12(1): p. 2-8.
- 2. Hess, J.R. and N.A. Greenberg, The Role of nucleotides in the immune and gastrointestinal systems potential clinical applications. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 2012. 27(2): p. 281-294.
- 3. Buck, R.H., et al., Effect of dietary ribonucleotides on infant immune status. Part 2: Immune cell development. Pediatr Res, 2004. 56(6): p. 891-900.
- 4. Yau, K.I., et al., Effect of nucleotides on diarrhea and immune responses in healthy term infants in Taiwan. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 2003. 36(1): p. 37-43.
- 5. Uauy, R., Nonimmune system responses to dietary nucleotides. J Nutr, 1994. 124(1 Suppl): p. 157s-159s.
- 6. Pellis, L., H. T, and B. H, Naturally high content of nucleotides in goat milk based infant formula. Poster presented at ESPGHAN, Geneva, Switzerland 2018.
- 7. Leach, J.L., et al., Total potentially available nucleosides of human milk by stage of lactation. Am J Clin Nutr, 1995. 61(6): p. 1224-30.
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