Said El-deib

Neonatologist, NMC Royal Hospital, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Breastfeeding is natural and the optimal basis of infant nutrition and development, with many benefits for maternal health. Human milk is a dynamic fluid fulfilling all infants’ with specific nutritional requirements and guiding the growth, developmental, and physiological processes of the infant. Human milk is considered unique in composition, and it is influenced by several factors, such as maternal diet and health, body composition, and geographic region. Human milk stands as a model for infant formula providing nutritional solutions for infants not able to receive enough mothers’ milk.
Although the American Academy of Paediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend breast milk for optimal infant nutrition, many parents still choose formula as an acceptable alternative.
The wide variety of available formulas is confusing to parents and physicians, but formulas can be classified according to three basic criteria: caloric density, carbohydrate source, and protein composition. Most infants require a term formula with iron. There is insufficient evidence to recommend supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid or arachidonic acid. Soy formulas are indicated for congenital lactase deficiency and galactosemia, but are not recommended for colic because of insufficient evidence of benefit. Hypoallergenic formulas with extensively hydrolyzed protein are effective for the treatment of milk protein allergy and the prevention of atopic disease in high-risk infants.
Antireflux formulas decrease emesis and regurgitation, but have not been shown to affect growth or development. Most infants with reflux require no treatment. Family physicians can use these guidelines to counsel parents about infant formula, countering consumer advertising that is not evidence-based
The current evidence base does not allow a definitive statement on the health benefits of organic dietary intake. However, a growing number of important findings are being reported from observational research linking demonstrable health benefits with organic consumption.
Future clinical research should focus on using long-term whole-diet substitution with certified organic interventions as this approach is more likely to determine whether or not true measurable health benefits exist.
Infant formulas aim to mimic the composition and functionality of human milk by providing ingredients reflecting those of the latest human milk insights, such as oligosaccharides, bacteria, and bacterial metabolites. The objective of this narrative review is to discuss the most recent developments in infant formula with a special focus on human milk oligosaccharides and postbiotics.

Biography

Dr. Said El Deib is a Neonatologist and clinical researcher with experience in the field spans 15 years, backed by a higher education degree MRCPCH from Royal College of Pediatrics ‘and Child health in UK (London) ,in addition to master degree from Ain Shams university in Egypt one of the oldest and top ranking universities in the MENA region. He is pioneering an open and contextual evaluation model based on constructive responses, which has led in the creation of new methods to improve paediatric healthcare, neonatology and paediatric nutrition. Dr. said has established this model following his years of experiences in medical practice, research and evaluation, and teaching and administration in hospitals and medical universities in the reigion, including Egypt, kuwait and the UAE.
Dr. said has published studies in reputable international journals in neonatology and pediatric nutrition. He has also presented his findings in prestigious international conferences and symposia.