Arla Foods Ingredients closes the growth gap

Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI) has announced the results of a clinical study confirming that infant formula containing its partially hydrolysed whey protein, Lacprodan IF-3070, supports healthy growth and gastrointestinal comfort comparable to breastfed infants.

The findings, published in the journal Nutrients on 22 March 2026, provide critical scientific validation for food and drink producers in the early life nutrition sector, particularly those targeting the high-growth markets of China and the United States.

The triple-blind, randomised controlled trial involved 251 newborns (under 14 days old) recruited from six Chinese hospitals. Over a six-month period, infants received either a standard formula based on intact protein or a formula containing a combination of intact protein and approximately 40% Lacprodan IF-3070. A third group of breastfed infants served as the gold-standard reference.

The results demonstrated a significant narrowing of the growth gap often seen between formula-fed and breastfed babies:

• Weight gain: the difference in mean daily weight gain between the Lacprodan group and breastfed infants was just 0.4g per day. In contrast, the standard formula group showed a larger difference of 1.1g per day.
• Gastrointestinal comfort: The Lacprodan group experienced significantly fewer gastrointestinal disorders (such as vomiting or formula refusal) compared to the standard formula group. In fact, there were no significant differences in adverse events between the Lacprodan-fed infants and the breastfed reference group.

The timing of these findings is pivotal for global producers. Lacprodan IF-3070 secured FDA approval for use in the US in 2024 and is already approved for the Chinese market — two regions where healthy growth and gut comfort are the top drivers for formula purchases.

“Healthy growth is one of the main benefits influencing infant formula purchases,” said Lotte Neergaard Jacobsen, chief scientist in Early Life Nutrition at AFI. “We are delighted that the first clinical study on Lacprodan IF-3070 has confirmed that it supports healthy growth, ensuring parents can choose products with scientific confidence.”

For R&D teams, the study reinforces the role of milk protein hydrolysates as pre-digested proteins. By breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, manufacturers can offer products that are more easily absorbed by a baby’s developing digestive system, mimicking the functional benefits of human milk.

View the full research at: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/5/770