Expert consensus on the nutritional aspects of initial and follow-on infant formulas ☆

Abstract Introduction Infant feeding in the first months/years of life affects the health in the short and long term. Breast milk is the perfect food due to its many benefits. However, when breastfeeding is not possible, infant formulas are the best alternative. The aim of this study is to define the role of supplemented formulas in infant nutrition using the opinion of a panel of experts in infant gastroenterology and nutrition. Material and methods A survey, consisting of 62 items divided into 5 blocks, was completed by 48 panelists using the Delphi method to achieve a professional criteria consensus on nutritional aspects of infant formulas. Results Consensus was reached on 64.6% of the items, although opinions were divided on the nutritional aspects of infant formulas, and their influence on body and brain development and immune maturity. Conclusions The experts polled reached consensus on the suitable composition of lipids, lactose, calcium, vitamin D, and prebiotics in infant formulas, for a correct cerebral, immune and somatic development. There was no consensus on ill-defined topics, such as nutritional quality of proteins, use of thickeners, taurine supplementation, probiotic, and symbiotic aspects. More studies are necessary to confirm these issues.