Protein Content of Infant Formula—How Much and from What Age?

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
It is generally agreed that the protein concentration of human milk adequately fulfills the amino acid requirements during early infancy. This level of protein is considered as the absolute minimum which can be recommended for infant formulas. Since proteins from other sources than human milk have a different amino acid composition and have been believed to be digested to a somewhat lower extent than human milk proteins, it has been common practice to use a higher protein level in formulas than in human milk. During the last decade, most infant formulas have had a protein concentration of 15–18 g/1, which can be compared to the protein level of 12 g/1 in human milk during early lactation and 9–10 g/1 in later lactation (>2–3 months). Whether a protein concentration of 15 g/1 in formulas is an “optimal” level of protein, i.e. adequate for the amino acid requirement of infants (including some safety margin) while not associated with any negative consequences caused by potentially excessive levels of some amino acids and metabolites, has recently been a subject of discussion.