Study Evaluating Growth and Tolerance of Infant Formula Containing HMOs

The main goal of the study is to investigate the suitability of an infant formula containing five different human milk oligosaccharides to support normal physical growth of term infants (evaluated per weight gain, body length and head circumference), in comparison with infant formula without human milk oligosaccharides, when the formula is fed exclusivly in the first four month of life. Additionally, a comparison of the two formula fed groups against a reference group with breastfed infants as well as the WHO growth standard reference tables will be performed. An assessment of safety and tolerability will be performed as well.

As a secondary out come of the study, we will examine the effect of the formula on the infant microbiome, as well as the HMO status of the mother's milk towards the microbial composition of the infant microbiome.

Inclusion criteria

• Singleton birth
• Full-term infant (37 - 42 weeks of gestational age)
• APGAR score of 9 or 10
• Birth weight 2500 - 4500 g

Exclusion criteria

• clinically significant condition/ disorder
• Adverse maternal of fetal medical history that may influence growth/development of the subject or tolerance of the infant formula
• readmission to hospital (except for hyperbilirubinemia)
• allergy to cow's milk
• participation in another study