Abstract
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 12.06 μmol/g acetate,2.42 μmol/g propionate,and 1.72 μmol/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.
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