Effects of Goat Milk Formula on Gastrointestinal Comfort and Growth in Infants

The overall response rate is defined as the proportion of participants in each group showing a ≥30% improvement in ICCS from baseline to Day 14. ICCS is a composite measure combining gastrointestinal symptom burden and behavioral state, with total scores ranging from 0 to 30. Higher scores indicate better overall comfort (better outcome). Response is categorized as: Markedly Effective (improvement ≥50%), Effective (improvement ≥30% to <50%), and Ineffective (improvement <30% or worsening). The overall response rate is calculated as (Markedly Effective + Effective) / Total Cases × 100%.

Change in gastrointestinal symptom burden score from baseline to Day 28, assessed using the Infant Gastrointestinal Symptom Assessment Scale. The scale ranges from 0 to 15, with higher scores indicating greater symptom burden (worse outcome).

Proportion of infants with complete resolution of individual gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., abdominal distension, crying, vomiting) by Day 28.

Change in total daily sleep duration (minutes) based on caregiver-recorded 24-hour infant behavior diary.

Change in total daily duration of awake and content state as reported by caregivers.

Change from baseline to Day 28 in parent-reported infant comfort experience, assessed using the following instrument:

Parenting Feeding and Nurturing Experience Questionnaire total score. This questionnaire consists of 5 items, each scored from 1 to 5, giving a total score range of 5 to 25. Higher scores indicate a more positive parenting and feeding experience (better outcome).

Change from baseline to Day 28 in parent-reported infant feeding experience, assessed using the following instrument:

Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for parent-perceived infant overall comfort, feeding smoothness, and maternal anxiety. Each VAS item ranges from 0 to 10. For all three items, higher scores indicate better outcomes (i.e., more comfort, smoother feeding, and less anxiety).

Change in weight-for-age Z-score from baseline to Day 28. Weight is measured in kilograms (kg) using a calibrated electronic infant scale. The Z-score is a continuous variable (standard deviation units relative to the WHO child growth standard), with a typical clinical range of -3 to +3. Higher Z-scores indicate greater weight for age, generally reflecting better growth outcomes in this population.

Change in head circumference-for-age Z-score from baseline to Day 28. Head circumference is measured in centimeters (cm) using a non-stretchable measuring tape. The Z-score is a continuous variable (standard deviation units relative to the WHO child growth standard), with a typical clinical range of -3 to +3. Higher Z-scores indicate greater head circumference for age, reflecting appropriate brain and cranial growth.

Change in length-for-age Z-score from baseline to Day 28. Length is measured in centimeters (cm) using a standard infant length measurement board. The Z-score is a continuous variable (standard deviation units relative to the WHO child growth standard), with a typical clinical range of -3 to +3. Higher Z-scores indicate greater length for age, generally reflecting better growth outcomes in this population.

Changes in gut microbiota composition, including relative abundance of key bacterial taxa, assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing of stool samples.

Change in fecal calprotectin concentration as a marker of intestinal inflammation.