Current Trends of Research and Developments of Infant Formula in Korea

국내산 조제분유의 최근 연구 개발 동향

Human milk contains the nutrients for the growth and the development of the newborn. It contains specific proteins, lipids, and other components designed to be easily digestible and which play important roles in infant nutrition. However, when the lactation is failure or milk secretion is not enough, bovine milk based dried formulations, which is called infant formula, have been widely used for infant feeding. In this study, we investigated protein composition and amino acids profile related to easy digestion; fatty acids composition and LCPUFA(DHA and ARA) related to brain and eye development; synbiotics which take advantage of both probiotics and prebiotics; and colostrum-originated functional micronutrient as major issues in the recent infant formula. Domestic infant formulas, which are based on the research of human and bovine milk rich in functional components for immunity, growth, anti-allergenicity, digestion and brain development, have been developed to be similar to human milk.