The advantages of PDX GOS and b

Providing formula milk can be beneficial for a child's immune system if you choose the right product. Of the various ingredients and compositions contained in the formula, you will find PDX, GOS, and Betaglucan. What is the function of this content and what are the advantages compared to other formulas?

What are PDX, GOS, and Betaglucan in infant formula?

Breast milk remains the best source of nutrition for children. Formula milk can be given based on indications. Before giving formula milk, discuss it with your pediatrician.

Formula milk can also be given to children with the aim of a better immune system in preventing disease. You can consider the following ingredients when choosing formula milk:

Polydextrose (PDX)

Polydextrose is an oligosaccharide that is widely used in the food industry. PDX consists of an oligosaccharide complex structure that cannot be digested in the human small intestine, and has a prebiotic effect, which is to increase the growth of good bacteria in the large intestine.

PDX is a synthetic glucose polymer classified as a food ingredient containing water-soluble fiber (soluble fiber) This is useful for increasing the amount of dietary fiber in food ingredients, including infant formula.

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)

Like PDX, Galakto-olisaccharide or GOS is also included in the prebiotic group. The benefit is that it provides benefits to the body by stimulating the activity of good bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacili in the large intestine.

The amount of good bacteria that is balanced and works normally can help increase the child's immune system.

Food ingredients that contain the prebiotic GOS are:

Red beans
Cashews
Lentils
Soybeans
Oats

Beta-glucan

β-Glucans (beta-glucans) which can be found in children's formula includes water-soluble fiber. Formed from a group of beta-D-glucose polysaccharides that are naturally present in the cell walls of cereals, bacteria, fungi, and several types of seaweed.

Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber or water-soluble fiber, so the gel formulation that is formed in the digestive system can provide a longer full effect, trigger smoother bowel movements, and reduce the risk of constipation.

A study by Akramiene et al in the Medicina Journal regarding the effects of beta-glucan on the human immune system states that beta-glucan can increase the body's defense system by activating the complement system and strengthening the work of the body's defense cells.

Beta-glucan is found in foods such as:

Oats
Mushroom
Algae or seaweed
Yeast
Wheat

The advantages of infant formula containing PDX, GOS, and Betaglucan

Research Fei Li et al conducted research on 310 children aged 3-4 years, to determine the benefits of supplementation with formula milk containing PDX / GOS and Beta-glucan on the incidence of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI).

Of the total 310 children, 156 children were given supplementation of formula milk containing PDX / GOS and Beta-glucan and observed for 28 weeks. During observation, it was found that most children (58%) had never experienced an episode of ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection).

In the group of children who experienced ARI (42%), data was obtained that the duration of illness was shorter and only 5% needed antibiotic treatment.

Acute Respiratory Infections are infections of the upper respiratory tract, such as:

Cold (common cold)
Sore throat
Inflammation of the tonsils
Middle ear infection
Sinusitis
And rhinitis

As a conclusion in this study, the group of children aged 3-4 years who consumed formula milk containing PDX / GOS and Beta-glucan, most of the children did not experience pain. In the group of children who experienced illness, the duration of illness was shorter and only a small proportion required antibiotic treatment.

In addition, it includes Lower Respiratory Tract Infections such as pneumonia (pneumonia) and bronchitis.

Then, another study by Scalabrin et al published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition examined the effects of PDX and GOS content in formula milk.

The study stated that the consistency of the stool of babies who consumed formula milk containing PDX and GOS was softer. So that it reduces the risk of constipation and has a bifidogenic effect (an effect that increases the growth of good bacteria bifidobacteria), compared to those without PDX / GOS.

How much formula should you give in a day?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the amount of milk intake for children aged 3 years is 750 ml per day. In this study, the amount of formula given to children aged 3-4 years was 750 ml per day, which was calculated to contain 25 mg DHA, 1.2 g PDX / GOS, and 8.7 mg. yeast β-glucan in every 250 ml of this formula.

The amount of milk recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics is: