Overview
This case series study aimed to explore the impact of Dairy Goat Co-operative Whole Goat Milk Formula (WGMF) in managing functional gastrointestinal disturbances and improving wellbeing in infants aged 1–4 months. Infants with symptoms of constipation consuming standard cow milk formula had improvement in their stool characteristics and reduction in crying when they moved to WGMF.
Methods
Principal Investigator: Dr Ramon Tormo, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Barcelona, Spain
Ethics approval: Sant Cugat del Vallès. Barcelona
Formulations: Dairy Goat Co-operative Whole Goat Milk Formula (WGMF; 20:80 whey-to-casein ratio; more than 50% total fat from goat milk; no added whey).
This study used a case-series design. Twenty-three infants presenting with constipation symptoms at two paediatric clinics in Barcelona, Spain, were enrolled in this study (n=23). Symptoms included difficulty defecating, painful stools, crying, and irritability. All participants were previously fed cow milk formula (CMF) and were between the ages of 1 and 4 months. No infants received treatment for constipation (milk oligosaccharides, hydrolysates, or laxatives) before or during the study.
Infants were switched from CMF to WGMF for three weeks. Outcomes were assessed through questionnaires, stool sample analysis, and parental satisfaction (Likert-type scale) at enrolment and after 3 weeks of using the WGMF. Stool consistency was classified using the Bristol Stool Scale, while stool composition (fat, water, nitrogen, and carbohydrates) was analysed using the near-infrared reflectance analysis method.
Key findings
Although stool frequency remained consistent between enrolment and after three weeks consuming WGMF, stool consistency shifted from hard (Bristol score 1–3) to softer (Bristol score 3–5).* The stool fat content decreased significantly,† but nitrogen, water, and carbohydrate levels remained unchanged.
Crying episodes reduced substantially, with fewer episodes after feeding, and total crying hours dropped markedly.‡ Parental satisfaction with WGMF increased, with most reporting improvements within 3–5 days of starting WGMF.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that WGMF may benefit infants with constipation and gastrointestinal disturbances. Parents reported good acceptance and a positive change in behaviour within 5 days of switching to WGMF. The lower fat excretion and improved stool consistency are likely due to the higher sn-2 palmitic acid content in WGMF.
This case study differs from the clinical studies in that it monitors the impact of changing from standard CMF to WGMF for infants with constipation. The parents and clinicians are not blinded to the intervention, and a parallel control group is not included.
References
The clinical studies referenced on this page were conducted using a goat milk–based infant formula manufactured by the Dairy Goat Co-operative (New Zealand). Nannycare goat milk formula is manufactured by the Dairy Goat Co-operative (New Zealand) and has a formulation closely equivalent to that used in these studies. This supports the scientific relevance of the clinical outcomes to the Nannycare formulation.
CMF: cow milk formula; WGMF: whole goat milk formula; EFSA: European Food Safety Authority;
*Bristol Stool Scale scores (1–2: hard; 3–4: intermediate; 5–7: soft/liquid).
† 8.6% (enrolment) vs 6.8% (visit 2; p <0.001). Capricare’s unique fat composition, derived from goat milk and specific vegetable oils, may have improved fat absorption and softer stools. Notably, Capricare avoids using palm oil, which has been associated with harder stools due to poor palmitic acid absorption in sn-1,3 positions. Previous studies similarly emphasise the advantages of fats with higher sn-2 palmitic acide positioning in promoting better digestion and stool characteristics.
‡ Crying over 24 hours: 3 hours (enrolment) vs 1 hour (visit 2; P<0.001).
Infante et al. J Nutr Health Sci. 2018; 5(2):203
