Goat Milk-Based Infant Formula and the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Infants: A Real-World-Evidence Study From Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and the Netherlands.

Background and Aims: Infants often experience gastro-intestinal (GI) symptoms whereby their nutrition might play a role in the occurrence of these symptoms. Evidence suggests that consuming goat milk-based infant formula (GMF) may provide relief. Therefore, a study was performed to assess the prevalence of GI symptoms in infants and the role of GMF. Methods: From June 2021 until November 2022, a cross-sectional observational survey was conducted in Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and The Netherlands by recruiting parents/legal guardians through social media. GI symptoms after introduction of GMF were questioned using the validated Cow's Milk-Related Symptom Score (CoMiSS; scoring 0-33), lower scores indicate fewer symptoms. Occurrence of crying, gassiness, eczema, respiratory symptoms and stool consistency were asked retrospectively before and ≥ 14 days after introduction of GMF. Results: The study population ( Conclusion: This sample of infants fed GMF showed a low prevalence of GI symptoms and parents reported lower prevalence of GI symptoms after introduction of GMF based on retrospectively questionnaires. CoMiSS in GMF-consumers was significantly lower when compared to GMF-non-consumers. These results give indications of a potential benefit of GMF in managing GI symptoms in infants. Clinicaltrial. gov identifier NCT06755424.