Milk fat globule membrane supplementation in children: Systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract

(1) Background: Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), composing fat droplets responsible for lipid transport in breast milk, has been shown to possess immunological and antimicrobial ef-fects. Standard formulas (SF) are devoid of MFGMs during the production process. The study’s aim was to evaluate the safety and benefits of MFGMs supplementation in children. (2) Methods: We searched four databases for randomized controlled trials evaluating the supplementation of MFGMs in children. Growth parameters were chosen as the primary outcome. (3) Results: Twenty-four publications of seventeen studies were included. Meta-analyses assessing the primary outcomes at the age of 4 months included four studies (814 children) comparing the MFGM-supple-mented formulas and SF, and two trials (549 children) comparing the MFGM-supplemented formulas and breastfeeding. The primary outcomes were non-inferior in all the experimental MFGM formulas compared to SF, or even represented more similar results to breastfed infants. The promising effects, including a lower incidence of acute otitis media and improved cognitive development, can-not be firmly confirmed due to the small amount of existing evidence. No significant adverse effects were reported in any of the assessed products. (4) Conclusions: The available data signaled beneficial effects and a good safety profile, requiring future research with well-designed trials.