Whey Deionization Method of Infant Formula Affects Plasma Lipids

Abstract

Background:Casein has proved to be hypercholesterolemic. According to results of previous studies, the casein‐to‐whey ratio in infant formula influences plasma lipid profile. This study explored whether different methods of whey deionization also affect levels of plasma lipids.Methods:Two types of a whey‐predominant (whey 60%:casein 40%) formula which differed only in the methods used for whey deionization (ultrafiltration or electrodialysis), were fed to healthy newborn infants for 60 days, using a prospective, double‐blind, randomized design. Formulas were otherwise identical in composition.Results:Groups were similar in gestational age, gender, birth weight, and growth parameters. Evaluation of fasting plasma levels after 60 days revealed significantly higher values of total cholesterol (p < 0.001) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001) in infants fed ultrafiltrated whey compared with the same values in infants fed electrodialyzed whey. Plasma levels in the two groups of very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides revealed no statistically significant differences.Conclusions:Plasma lipid profile in infancy is influenced by dietary protein, not only by the casein‐to‐whey ratio, but also by the method of whey deionization.