Protein in Neonatal and Infant Nutrition: Recent Updates. Группа авторов

      86th Nestlé Nutrition Institute Workshop

      Beijing, May 24-27, 2015

Hydrolyzed Protein in Infant Feeding

      Bhatia J, Shamir R, Vandenplas Y (eds): Protein in Neonatal and Infant Nutrition: Recent Updates.

       Nestlé Nutr Inst Workshop Ser, vol 86, pp 1-10, (DOI: 10.1159/000442697)

      Nestec Ltd., Vevey/S. Karger AG., Basel, © 2016

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Proteins, Peptides and Amino Acids: Role in Infant Nutrition

      Sophie Nutten

      Nutrition and Health Research Department, Nestlé Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland

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      Abstract

      Proteins are polymers composed of 30 or more amino acids; some of them are essential dietary components, since they are not synthetized by human metabolic processes. They are crucial for healthy growth and development and influence major functions of the body. The infant’s first year is a critical time of rapid growth and development, which must be supported by a high rate of protein synthesis. Breast milk, as a single specific food source in the first months of life, is providing the total protein and essential amino acids required. Infant formulas have been designed for infants who cannot be breastfed. They should be similar to breast milk in their composition and their functional outcomes, insuring appropriate growth, optimal development, maturation of the immune system, easy digestion and healthy metabolic programming. By modifying their protein components, specific infant formulas have also been developed for specific needs. For example, partially hydrolyzed (prevention of atopic dermatitis) and extensively hydrolyzed or amino-acid-based infant formulas (reduction in allergy symptoms) have been designed for the management of cow’s milk protein allergy. In conclusion, proteins provided via breast milk or infant formula are essential components of the infant’s diet; therefore, the specific quality, quantity and conformation of proteins are of utmost importance for healthy growth and development.

      © 2016 Nestec Ltd., Vevey/S. Karger AG, Basel

      Proteins, Peptides and Amino Acids: Definitions

      Proteins, from the Greek proetios (meaning ‘first’), are a fundamental component for life. They are the second most abundant chemical compound in the body after water. Following digestion, dietary proteins are absorbed as amino acids, which then contribute to the total amino acid pool, from which the body’s proteins are synthetized. Proteins are the main building blocks of the body and are involved in maintaining numerous body functions, in repairing or replacing cells or tissues, and in growth.

Table 1. Essential and nonessential amino acids

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