Recent Research in Infant Formula: The Dual Impact of Processing and Functional Ingredients on Health

Dear Colleagues,

     Infant formula is essential for sustaining life and maintaining gut homeostasis; however, it can also act as an “invisible pusher,” triggering immune imbalances and diseases. Infant formula components, including proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, prebiotics and probiotics, finely regulate host immune responses by influencing immune cell development, differentiation, inflammatory signaling and mucosal barrier function. Meanwhile, infant formula alters the composition of the gut microbiota and its metabolites, impacting local and systemic immune networks. This forms a dynamic and complex regulatory axis known as the “infant formula-microbiota-host health” interaction. However, the rapid advancement of the food industry and processing techniques has significantly altered the structure and chemical properties of infant formula. Therefore, processing techniques and functional ingredients play a dual role in the Infant formula, having a dual impact on the host's health.

To gain a deeper understanding of this complex field, we welcome submissions exploring the following topics (but not limited to):

• Clinical and preclinical evidence for infant formula ingredients with health benefits (e.g., proteins, prebiotics and probiotics).
• Investigating the mechanisms by which infant formula ingredients modulate host health, including regulation of immunity, the gut barrier and the gut microbiota.
• Infant formula ingredient-mediated alterations in gut microbiota and metabolic function and further gut-X-axis-based health mechanisms.
• Adverse effects of processing-induced changes in infant formula (e.g., Maillard reactions, lipid oxidation) on host health.
• Quality alterations and pathogenic microbial contamination during infant formula storage.

Dr. Qingxue Chen
Prof. Dr. Bailiang Li
Guest Editors

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