Dietary exposure assessment of perchlorate and chlorate in infant formulas marketed in Shanghai,China

Perchlorate and chlorate are ubiquitous pollutants that can adversely affect the thyroid function in humans.This study assessed the potential health risks associated with the dietary exposure of infants and young children to perchlorate and chlorate present in infant formulas available in Shanghai.The assessment was based on risk monitoring data from 150 samples of infant formulas in Shanghai between 2020 and 2022,along with the dietary consumption data of infants and young children.The detection rates of perchlorate and chlorate in infant formulas were 46.0%and 98.7%,with mean contents of 9.98μg/kg and 112.01μg/kg,and the maximum values of 151.00μg/kg and 1475.00μg/kg,respectively.The mean and 95th percentile(P95)values of daily perchlorate exposure of 0-36-month-old infant and young children via infant formulas were 0.07 and 0.17μg/kg body weight(bw)per day,respectively,which were lower than the tolerable daily intake(TDI)of perchlorate(0.3μg/kg bw per day).The mean and P95 values of chlorate exposure via infant formulas in 0-36-month-old infants and young children were 0.83 and 1.89μg/kg bw per day,which were lower than the TDI of chlorate(3μg/kg bw per day).The P95 exposure of different age groups(0-6 months,7-12 months and 13-36 months)of infants and young children to perchlorate and chlorate in infant formulas was below the TDI.Therefore,the risk associated with the exposure of 0-36-month-old infants and young children to perchlorate and chlorate from infant formulas in Shanghai is considered acceptable.Prioritizing environmental pollution control efforts to reduce the levels of perchlorate and chlorate in food products is important to safeguard the health of the infants and children under the One Health concept.

Assay of ghrelin concentration in infant formulas and breast milk

AIM: To test if total ghrelin is present in infant formulas. METHODS: Using a radioimmunoassay, we measured total ghrelin concentrations in 19 samples of commercial infant formulas and in 20 samples of human milk. We also determined ghrelin concentration in the serum of infants and lactating mothers. RESULTS: Ghrelin concentrations were significantly higher in artificial milk (2007.1 ± 1725.36 pg/mL) than in human milk (828.17 ± 323.32 pg/mL) (P = 0.005). The mean ghrelin concentration in infant serum (n = 56) was 1115.86 ± 42.89 pg/mL, and was significantly higher (P = 0.023) in formula-fed infants (1247.93 ± 328.07 pg/mL) than in breast-fed infants (1045.7 ± 263.38 pg/mL). The mean serum ghrelin concentration (mean ± SD) in lactating mothers (n = 20) was 1319.18 ± 140.18 pg/mL. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that total ghrelin is present in infant formulas. This findingraises diverse questions regarding the uptake, absorption and metabolic effects of this hormone.

Assessment of Lipid Quality and Composition of Commercial Infant Milk Formulas in Mexico: Emphasis on Trans Fatty Acid Isomers

Objective: To assess the lipid quality focusing on trans fatty acids (TFA) content of standardized milk formulas marketed in Mexico for infants aged from 0 to 36 months. Material and Methods: A total of 27 infant formulas from eight different leading brands were analyzed. Nine of them belonged to stage 1 (age 12 months). Acquired products were treated by duplicate for extraction of total lipid content with the modified Folch method before their expiration date. Fatty acids were esterified in an alkaline medium followed by an acid-catalyzed esterification. Analysis was performed on a gas chromatograph (5890 Series II;Hewlett-Packard, USA) with a flame ionization detector. Results: Thirty-four fatty acids (C8 to C22) were identified. Most products complied with ESPHAGAN compositional requirements. Only one product exceeded the suggested limit (>3%) for TFA. Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) content was consistently meager (≈78%), with low amounts of arachidonic (Conclusion: Most milk formulas complied with ESPHAGAN global recommendations. The content of TFA and LC-PUFAs was scarce in the majority of samples.

Goat milk-based infant formula regulates intestinal barrier function and promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids

Infant formula(IF)based on cow milk and goat milk is a substitute food for infants who are underfed with human milk.In our previous study,we reported the composition and physicochemical stability of IF based on milk from cows and goats and a combination of both milks.Here,we investigated the effects of these 3 IFs on intestinal immunity and short-chain fatty acid production(SCFAs)using human microbiota-associated(HMA)mice and selected human milk as a positive control.The results showed that goat milk-based IF is associated with a functional immune advantage,due to the rise in the levels of immune-related cytokines interleukin(IL)-2 and IL-10,decreased levels of intestinal permeability markers D-lactic acid and endotoxin,and increased mRNA levels of intestinal tight junction proteins occludin and claudin.In addition,the intestine of mice fed with goat milk-based IF contained 12.06μmol/g acetate,2.42μmol/g propionate,and 1.72μmol/g butyrate,which reached 69%,79%,and 60%of the levels in human milk,respectively.Our results indicate that goat milk-based IF improves intestinal immune function and promotes the production of intestinal SCFAs.

Validation of Molecular Detection Methods for Gluten Allergens in Infant Formula

[Objectives]To verify the specificity,sensitivity,precision and negative-positive deviation of the foodproof gluten component de-tection kit for the detection of gluten allergens in milk powder matrix,and to establish a real-time fluorescent PCR legal method for the detec-tion of gluten allergens in milk powder.[Methods]The specificity,sensitivity,precision and negative-positive deviation of the detection method of foodproof gluten component detection kit(PCR-probe method)were verified by artificially adding different concentrations of wheat bran and extracting sample DNA by kit method,and applied to sample detection.[Results] The specific detection results of two kinds of milk powder with wheat bran and buckwheat added showed that the foodproof gluten component detection kit(PCR-probe method)had good speci-ficity for wheat gluten.The results of artificially added wheat bran positive samples showed that the false positive rate and false negative rate of the kit in the milk powder matrix were O,and the sensitivity and precision were high.[Conclusions]The kit is simple to operate and has high accuracy,which is suitable for the detection of gluten allergen components in milk powder.

Gastrointestinal tolerability of organic infant formula compared to traditional infant formula: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Infants'nutrition significantly influences their growth,development,and overall well-being.With the increasing demand for organic infant formula driven by the perception of health benefits and growing awareness of natural feeding options,it is crucial to conduct a comparative analysis of the gastrointestinal tolerability between organic and traditional infant formulas.AIM To provide a concise and precise analysis of the gastrointestinal tolerability of organic infant formula compared to traditional infant formula.Due to limited direct comparisons,the review synthesizes available literature on each formula type,presenting insights into their potential effects on infants'digestive health.METHODS An extensive literature search was conducted,compiling studies on organic and traditional infant formulas,their compositions,and reported effects on gastrointestinal tolerability.We searched academic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar and specialized nutrition,paediatrics,and infant health journals using relevant keywords till October 1,2023.RESULTS Although specific comparative studies are scarce and formula heterogeneity is a significant limitation,this systematic review provides an in-depth understanding of organic infant formulas'composition and potential benefits.While scientific evidence directly comparing gastrointestinal tolerability is limited,organic formulas strive to use carefully selected organic ingredients to imitate breast milk composition.Potential benefits include improved lipid profiles,higher methionine content,and decreased antibiotic-resistant bacteria levels.Understanding the gastrointestinal tolerability of organic and traditional infant formulas is crucial for parents and healthcare providers to make informed decisions.CONCLUSION Despite limitations in direct comparisons,this systematic review provides insights into the composition and potential benefits of organic infant formulas.It emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate their gastrointestinal effects comprehensively.

Prevalence and dietetic management of mild gastrointestinal disorders in milk-fed infants

AIM: To assess the prevalence of mild gastrointestinal disorders in milk-fed infants in paediatric practice, and to evaluate the effectiveness and satisfaction with dietetic treatment.METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was first carried out. A total of 285 paediatricians included 3487 children seen during a period of one week. In a second phase an observational, prospective and multicentre study was conducted and 2069 milk-fed infants with mild gastrointestinal disorders (colic, constipation, regurgitation and diarrhoea) were included. There was a baseline visit (start of treatment) and a final visit four weeks later. The effectiveness of the various Novalac formulas, as well as the satisfaction of the parents/tutors and paediatricians with the dietetic treatment were assessed at the final visit.RESULTS: The prevalence of mild gastrointestinal disorders was 27.8% of all paediatrician consultations (9.2%, 7.8%, 6.1% and 4.6% in relation to colic, constipation, regurgitation and diarrhoea, respectively). The several Novalac adapted milk formulas resolved 88.4% of the mild gastrointestinal disorders. Depending on the type of disorder, differences in response rate were observed. The highest effectiveness was recorded with respect to diarrhoea (92.6%), followed by constipation (91.6%), colic (87.6%) and regurgitation (81%). Overall, 91% of the paediatricians and 88.8% of the parents/tutors were satisfied or very satisfied with the Novalac adapted milk formulas.CONCLUSION: Mild gastrointestinal disorders show a high prevalence in paediatric practice. The Novalac adapted milk formulas have been shown to be effective in treating mild gastrointestinal disorders in milk-fed infants in the context of routine clinical practice.

Nutritional management of newborn infants:Practical guidelines

The requirements of growth and organ development create a challenge in nutritional management of newborn infants,especially premature newborn and intestinal-failure infants.Since their feeding may increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis,some high-risk infants receive a small volume of feeding or parenteral nutrition (PN) without enteral feeding.This review summarizes the current research progress in the nutritional management of newborn infants.Searches of MEDLINE (1998-2007),Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library,Issue 3,2007),abstracts and conference proceedings,references from relevant publications in the English language were performed,showing that breast milk is the preferred source of nutrients for enteral feeding of newborn infants.The number of nutrients found in human milk was recommended as a guideline in establishing the minimum and maximum levels in infant formulas.The fear of necrotizing enterocolitis and feeding intolerance are the major factors limiting the use of the enteral route as the primary means of nourishing premature infants.PN may help to meet many of the nutritional needs of these infants,but has significant detrimental side effects.Trophic feedings (small volume of feeding given at the same rate for at least 5 d) during PN are a strategy to enhance the feeding tolerance and decrease the side effects of PN and the time to achieve full feeding.Human milk is a key component of any strategy for enteral nutrition of all infants.However,the amounts of calcium,phosphorus,zinc and other nutrients are inadequate to meet the needs of the very low birth weight (VLBW) infants during growth.Therefore,safe and effective means to fortify human milk are essential to the care of VLBW infants.

A Survey on Occurrence of Melamine and Its Analogues in Tainted Infant Formula in China

Objective To investigate the occurrence and concentrations of melamine and its analogues in tainted infant formula and to identify the etiologic factors for the urinary stones epidemic in infants and young children in China in 2008. Methods Sanlu infant formula samples were collected from families of the affected children in Gansu province, and markets in Gansu and Hebei provinces and Beijing city. Melamine and its analogues, including cyanuric acid, ammeline, and ammelide were measured by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Results High prevalence and concentrations of melamine were found in Sanlu infant formula samples, with low concentrations of cyanuric acid, ammeline and ammelide. Melamine were detected in 87 out of 111 Sanlu infant formula samples with a range of 118 to 4 700 mg/kg, Conclusion The results provide strong evidence for melamine as the etiological factor for the urinary stones epidemic in infants and young children in China in 2008.

Molecular and Epidemiological Characterization of Infant Botulism in Beijing, China

Laboratory-based pathogen isolation, identification, and toxicity determination were performed on samples from a suspected case of infant botulism. Mice injected with cultures generated from the enema sample and ingested Powered infant formula （PIF） presented typical signs of botulism. Antitoxins to polyvalent botulinum neurotoxins （BoNTs） and monovalent BoNT type B antitoxin had protective effects. Clostridium botulinum isolated from the enema and residual PIF samples were positive for type B toxin. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis （PFGE） revealed that the two strains of C. botulinum isolated from the two samples produced indistinguishable pulsotypes. These findings confirmed this case of type B infant botulism associated with the ingestion of PIF contaminated bv type B C. botulinum spores.

Application of prolonging small feeding volumes early in life to prevent of necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight preterm infants

Objective:To study the effects of prolonging small feeding volumes early in life on the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC)in very low birth weight(VLBW)preterm infants.Methods:A total of 128 VLBW infants who could not be breastfed were assigned into the experimental group(63 cases)and the control group(65 cases)using a random number table.The experiment group was fed 12 mL/(kg·d)on day 1 which was increased to 24 mL/(kg·d)for the first 10 study days.The control group was fed 12 mL/(kg·d)for the first 14e48 hours.Then,the feeding volume increased by 24-36 mL/(kg·d)up to 140e160 mL/(kg·d)and maintained until the 10th day after birth.The incidence of feeding intolerance and NEC,duration of hospitalization,time to full enteral feedings,incidence of intrahepatic cholestasis,and the levels of gastrin and motilin in serum were assessed.Results:The incidence of feeding intolerance was significantly lower in the experimental group compared with the control group(15.87% vs.33.84%).There was a significant reduction in the incidence of NEC between the experimental and control groups(7.9% vs.16% in the control group).Conclusion:A protocol that prolongs small feeding volumes early in life can reduce the incidence and severity of NEC,but still warrants further study.

Assessment on Dietary Melamine Exposure from Tainted Infant Formula

Objective To estimate the dietary melamine exposure in Chinese infants and young children from the consumption of melamine adulterated Sanlu infant formula. Methods Four age groups of infants and young children （3, 6, 12, and 24 months） were chosen as the assessed subjects and the maximum amount of infant formula consumption was estimated based on the recommended usage level in the package insert of Sanlu infant formula and other brands. Melamine was analyzed in 111 Sanlu infant fbrmula samples collected from the markets in Beijing and Gansu province using the LC-MS-MS with a limit of quantification of 0.05 mg/kg. Four levels of melamine concentration were chosen to estimate the dietary intakes, including the mean, median, 90th percentile, and maximum. Results The infants of 3 months had the highest intake of melamine, and with the increase of the age （inonth）, the intake decreased. Based on the median melamine concentration （1 000 mg/kg） as an example, the melamine intakes fur the infants of 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were 23.4, 21.4, 15.0, and 8.6 mg/kg bw/d, respectively. Conclusion Dietary melamine intakes from tainted Sanln infant formula significantly exceeded the TDI level （0.2 mg/kg bw/d） recommended by the WHO Expert Meeting in 2008. However, the present assessment has some limitations including the poor representative samples, the varied melamine concentrations in the adulterated Sanlu infant formula, and other brand infant formula possibly consumed by these infants.

A Survey of Urolithiasis in Young Children Fed Infant Formula Contaminated with Melamine in Two Townships of Gansu,China

Objective To determine the prevalence of urolithiasis in young children fed infant formula（IF） contaminated with melamine,and the association between IF consumption and urolithiasis.Design A total of 2 733 children ≤3 years of age on September 1,2008 in two townships of Gansu Province,China were studied.Cases of urolithiasis were diagnosed by ultrasonography.Milk product consumption was determined by their caregivers.Remaining IF samples were tested for melamine and cyanuric acid.Results Of 2 733 eligible children in the two townships,2 186（80%） were enrolled in our study.Overall,16.6%（362） of 2 186 children had urolithiasis.The prevalence was 24.6% in children exclusively fed Sanlu brand IF,9.7% in those fed other IF,and 8.5% in those fed exclusively on other milk products.For children exclusively breast-fed,no urolithiasis was found（P0.05）.The prevalence of urolithiasis was 11.4% in children fed 400 g of Sanlu IF,rising to 37.5% in children fed over 25 600 g.Of 48 Sanlu IF samples,91.7% contained melamine（median=1 800 ppm;range=45-4 700） and 66.7% contained cyanuric acid（median=1.2 ppm;range=0.4-6.3）.Melamine was also detected in 22.2% of 36 other brand IF（median=27.5 ppm,range=4-50）.Conclusions Urolithiasis was associated with melamine-contaminated IF.Although one product caused most morbidity,other milk products may have also contributed to the outbreak.

Detection and Molecular Characterization of <i>Cronobacter sakazakii</i>Isolated from Powdered Infant Formula (PIF) from North Central Region, Nigeria

Cronobacter sakazakii is an emerging ubiquitous and opportunistic pathogen that currently contaminates a wide spectrum of foods including powdered milk and poses a lethal threat to neonates, the elderly and persons with immune deficiencies. They cause life threatening neonatal meningitis, septicemia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. A total of 360 samples of powdered infant formula were collected from postnatal hospital attendees reconstituting the PIF for their children in the North Central region of Nigeria where cases of infant mortality are very high and presenting as enterocolitis and diarrhea. Pre-enriched samples were cultured in chromogenic Cronobacter broth and were then further sub-cultured into a chromogenic Cronobacter sakazakii agar. They were positive, exhibiting yellowish cultures typical of Cronobacter sakazakii. Biochemical tests of the isolates were also carried out and indicated the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. The isolates were then characterized molecularly using specie specific PCR detection of Cronobacter sakazakii. The targeted genes of interest were ompA gene and CPA gene. The isolates tested showed bands for ompA gene on electrophoresis imager and were confirmed as Cronobacter sakazakii. In Nigeria, majority of infants are still fed with PIF. There is no existing data on the detection of Cronobacter sakazakii previously reported in the North central region of Nigeria hence the need to carry out the present study. The result of the study demonstrated the need for effective prevention and control measures as contamination of PIF with Cronobacter sakazakii constituted potential public health risk to neonates and infants.

Characteristics of Microencapsulated Nutritional Oil for Infant Formula Food

Nutritional oil for infant formula food was microencapsulated by the spray drying method with coating materials including maltodextrin （MD）, soy protein isolate （SPI）, and emulsifier （soy lecithin）. Vegetable oil blend was prepared by mixing coconut oil, safflower oil and soybean oil at a ratio to achieve a fatty acid profile comparable to human milk fat （HMF）. The fatty acid composition of the product was determined by capillary gas chromatograph. As a result, the composition was as close as possible to that of HMF, it could be used for infant fomular food to make up some deficiencies of milk powder in nutrition and functional properties. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature （Tg） of the wall material was determined by DSC and its Tg was 66.42℃. It provided a theoretical basis for the storage of the product at the normal temperature.

Screening for Enterobacteriaceae Bacteria in Infant Formula Powder

A total of 151 infant formula powder samples were tested for the screening of the Enterobacteriaceae bacteria, and it had been contaminated by the conditioned pathogen like Enterobacter sakazakii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Enterobacter cloacae. The results showed that six samples were separated Enterobacter sakazakii, 24 samples were separated Enterobacteriaceae by using the traditional validation and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Then the result identified by API20E biochemistry test and VITEC2 identification system. Through the study we concluded the potential safety hazard of the current infant formula powder and should regard Enterobacteriaceae as an indicator to carry out effective management, the neglected mild and discontinuity contamination could be easily found, thus to guarantee the safety of the special group.

EFFECT OF INFANT FORMULA SUPPLEMENTED WITH OLIGOSACCHARIDES ON STOOL CHARACTERISTICS OF INFANTS

Objective To determine whether addition of oligosaccharides to a regular infant formula can lead to changes in the colonic function in vivo, particularly the fecal characteristics. Methods One hundred and two health full term infants were randomly assigned to one of two experimental formula groups: oligosaccharide formula (OF) group or regular formula (RF) group. Fifty breast-fed infants served as a control group during the same period. During the 3 weeks’ study, stool characteristics, including stooling frequency, stool consistency, pH and color, were recorded daily by parents. Results The mean fecal frequency of the infants in the OF group was significantly more than those of the RF group (P<0.05). The stools of the RF group were significantly harder than those in the OF group(P<0.001). Although the mean stool pH score and stool color score of infants in the OF group were not significantly different from that of infants in the RF group, it was much closer to that of breast-fed infants. Conclusion The addition of oligosaccharides to a normal infant formula could lead to improvements in fecal characteristics.

Optimization of drying conditions and components to reduce wall sticking during spray drying of infant formula milk

Wall sticking,which greatly reduces productivity and product quality,has been a big challenge of spray drying.Structure of drying tower and atomizer,as well as drying conditions are the main influencing factors.This research explored the possibility to reduce wall sticking by optimizing drying conditions and components to obtain higher recovery rate of powdered infant formula milk(PIFM).Response surface experimental results indicated that inlet air temperature(T),feed concentration(C),feeding speed(S),as well as interaction term of TC and quadratic terms of C^(2) and S^(2) had significant influences on recovery rate for determined milk formula.According to mixture experiments at optimized drying conditions,whey protein(P),fat(F)and lactose(L)contents,as well as interaction term FL had significant effects on recovery rate.Positive effects were observed for F and L contents on recovery rate,while negative effects were observed for P and FL.Under the optimized drying condition of 136℃,19.80%and 4.07 mL/min,respectively,for T,C and S,the maximum recovery rate of 58.98%was obtained for PIFM with P,F and L content of 18%,31%and 51%,respectively.Wall sticking phenomena could be reduced by optimizing drying conditions and mildly adjusting components of infant formula milk.

Clinical,laboratory,and therapeutic differences between immunoglobulin E-mediated and non-immunoglobulin E-mediated cow’s milk protein allergy in children

BACKGROUND Although breast milk is ideal for newborns,in some cases,it is replaced with cow’s milk,which contains proteins that increase the risk of cow’s milk protein allergy(CMPA).AIM To evaluate CMPA prevalence in Bahrain and compare clinical characteristics of children with immunoglobulin E(IgE)-and non-IgE-mediated CMPA.METHODS This retrospective cohort study examined children with CMPA diagnosed at the pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic of the Salmaniya Medical Complex,Bahrain,between 2014 and 2022,and assessed CMPA prevalence.Clinical presentations,laboratory findings,dietary modifications,and outcomes were compared between children with IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated CMPA.Categorical variables were compared using Fisher’s exact test or Pearson’sχ2 test,whereas continuous variables were compared using Student’s t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test.RESULTS Of 8332 patients,6022(72.3%)adhered to their appointment.Of them,618(10.3%)were suggested of having CMPA and 595(96.3%)were included;CMPA prevalence was 2%.Most patients were Bahraini(93.8%)and males(55.3%).Non-IgE-mediated type accounted for 77.3%cases and IgE-mediated type,22.7%.IgE-mediated CMPA presented more in boys(P=0.030),and later in life(5.1 months±4.5 months vs 4.2 months±4.2 months,P=0.016,95%CI:0.08-1.73),had more associated diseases(P<0.001);and presented with more cutaneous(P=0.024)and respiratory(P=0.003)manifestations,severe symptoms[rash/dry skin(P=0.031),facial swelling/angioedema(P=0.003),failure to thrive(P=0.013),apparent life-threatening event(P<0.001)],and positive physical findings(P=0.002)than non-IgE-mediated CMPA.Most patients were exclusively fed cow milk formula(50.3%).The amino acid-based formula(AAF)was most prescribed(60.5%)with no difference between the two types(P=0.173).Although breastfeeding was recommended to 49.6%,only 8.2%were exclusively breastfed.IgE-mediated CMPA was associated with a longer follow-up duration than non-IgE-mediated CMPA(17.3 months±14.0 months vs 13.5 months±13.4 months,P=0.005,95%CI:1.1-6.3).CONCLUSION This study revealed a high CMPA prevalence with clinical differences between both types that can influence treatment.AAF was most prescribed,while breastfeeding with dietary modification is rarely applied.

Enzyme activity and phosphate uptake in the small intestine of Sprague Dawley rats improved by supplementation of infant formula with prebiotics

This study was to identify the effects of prebiotics supplemented in infant formula on enzyme activity and phosphate uptake in the small intestine of Sprague Dawley(SD) rats. Forty-eight healthy SD rats at15 days old(a week before weaning) with similar weight were randomly divided into 3 groups: A(control group), B, C, with 16 rats per group. Rats in groups A, B, C were fed a standard infant formula, the standard infant formula supplemented with oligosaccharides, and the standard infant formula supplemented with polysaccharides, respectively. The feeding test was conducted for 28 d. Compared with group A, the results showed the following: 1) the activities of sucrose and lactase in the small intestine were significantly increased in SD rats of group C(P < 0.05); 2) the relative expressions of lactase gene in the anterior and posterior segments of the small intestine were significantly increased by 1.68 and 2.26 in SD rats of group C(P < 0.05), and the relative expression of Mgam gene in the posterior segment of the small intestine was significantly increased by 0.99 in SD rats of group C(P < 0.05); 3) the relative expressions of Na/Pi-IIb gene in the anterior and posterior segments of the small intestine were significantly increased by 1.85 and 2.28 in SD rats of group C(P < 0.05). These results indicate that the supplementation of infant formula with prebiotics can promote enzyme activity in the small intestine by increasing the relative expression of enzyme gene or by decreasing intestinal injury, and can increase the relative expression of Na/Pi-IIb gene. The effect of polysaccharides is better than that of oligosaccharides.