Method for improving stool characteristics in infants
In accordance with the present invention, a novel method for improving the stool characteristics, reducing the incidence of diarrhea, and firming the stool of a formula-fed infant has been discovered. The method comprises administering to the infant at least one prebiotic and hydrolyzed pectin.
1. A method for providing prebiotics to a formula-fed infant while producing firm stool in the infant, the method comprising administering to the infant a nutritional composition comprising a prebiotic mixture comprising polydextrose and galactooligosaccharide, between about 0.1 g and about 5 g per 100 kcal extensively hydrolyzed pectin having a peak molecular weight of 3,300 or less, and at least one insoluble fiber.
2. A method for providing prebiotics to a formula-fed infant while reducing the incidence of diarrhea in the infant, the method comprising administering to the infant a nutritional composition comprising a prebiotic mixture comprising polydextrose and galactooligosaccharide, between about 0.1 g and about 5 g per 100 kcal extensively hydrolyzed pectin having a peak molecular weight of 3,300 or less, and at least one insoluble fiber.
3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the amount of the prebiotic mixture is between about 1.0 g/L and 10.0 g/L of the nutritional composition.
4. The method according to claim 2 wherein the amount of the prebiotic mixture is between about 2.0 g/L and 8.0 g/L of the nutritional composition.
5. The method according to claim 2 wherein the amount of hydrolyzed pectin is between about 0.25 g and about 1 g per 100 kcal of the nutritional composition.
6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the amount of the prebiotic mixture is between about 1.0 and about 10.0 grams per liter of the nutritional composition.
7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the amount of the prebiotic mixture is between about 2.0 and about 8.0 grams per liter of the nutritional composition.
8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the amount of hydrolyzed pectin is between about 0.25 g and about 1 g per 100 kcal of the nutritional composition.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the nutritional composition additionally comprises at least one long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid.
10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid comprises docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or arachidonic acid (ARA).
11. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the nutritional composition additionally comprises at least one probiotic.
12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the probiotic is selected from the group consisting of Bifidobacteria spp. and Lactobacillus spp.
13. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one insoluble fiber is selected from the group consisting of oat hull fiber, soy fiber, pea fiber, beet fiber, cellulose and corn fiber, and a mixture thereof.
14. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the at least one insoluble fiber is selected from the group consisting of oat hull fiber, soy fiber, pea fiber, beet fiber, cellulose and corn fiber, and a mixture thereof.
15. The method according to claim 10 , wherein the nutritional composition comprises DHA and ARA, further wherein the weight ratio of ARA to DHA is from about 1:3 to 9:1.