Effect of lactose on nitrogen metabolism and phenol excretion in infants

Phenolic excretion was measured in five infants fed variations of common infant formulas. The main difference in the formulas was in substitution of Dextri-Maltose for part of the lactose in one feeding mixture. The nitrogen content was the same in type and quantity. Nitrogen retention was greater in the infants fed the lactose-containing formula. The infants tended to excrete more phenols during feeding of the formula containing Dextri-Maltose than during feeding periods on the formula containing lactose as the sole carbohydrate. Excretion of phenolic acids was much greater in the infants fed the formula containing Dextri-Maltose. The nature and significance of these phenolic acids are unknown. The range of normal phenolic acid excretion for infants is presented.