Supplementation of 2’-Fucosyllactose in Formula-Fed Infants Has Potential Benefits to Reduce the Risks of Infantile Colic and Atopic Dermatitis in Infancy

Abstract

Purpose: Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are non-digestible carbohydrates found in breast milk, with 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) being a prominent type. This study examined the effects of HMOs on the incidence of infantile colic (IC) and atopic dermatitis (AD) in full-term infants who were breastfed (BM), formula-fed (FF), or fed formula supplemented with 2’-fucosyllactose (FF_2’-FL) for 1 year. Methods: This open-label, prospective clinical trial enrolled 338 full-term infants from 2020 to 2024. IC was diagnosed using the ROME IV criteria, and AD was assessed with the PO-SCORAD.The study evaluated the incidence of IC and AD, infant growth, and risk factors for IC and AD. Results: A total of 113 infants were in the BM group, 111 in the FF group, and 114 in the FF_2’-FL group. Maternal baseline characteristics, including delivery age (p=0.001) and delivery type (p=0.013), differed significantly among the three groups. The incidence of IC in the FF_2’-FL group was comparable to that in the BM group (10.5% vs. 8.8%; odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.501-2.929; p=0.795) and lower than in the FF group (10.5% vs. 15.3%, OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.295-1.434; p=0.120). Similarly, the incidence of AD in the FF_2’-FL group was close to that in the BM group and lower than in the FF group. Conclusion: This study suggests that supplementation with 2’-fucosyllactose may help reduce the risk of IC and AD. These findings have important implications for pediatric healthcare and support the development of preventive strategies for IC and AD beyond breastfeeding.