Supporting softer starts: reduced constipation discomfort through better infant formula design

Constipation is a common concern in early life, and it appears more often in formula-fed infants than in breastfed infants. For infant formula developers, the challenge is clear: how to design products that support digestive comfort, stool softness, and constipation relief, while meeting all nutritional and regulatory requirements.

How formulation choices impact digestive comfort

Digestive comfort in infant formula depends on several key formulation factors, each influencing gut function and stool characteristics in different ways:

• Fat quality and structure
• Prebiotic oligosaccharides
• Protein composition

Fat quality and structure

Fat structure plays a central role in stool consistency and nutrient absorption. Structured triglycerides such as sn 2-palmitate (OPO) are used to emulate aspects of human milk fat distribution and to support fat and calcium absorption, which has been associated with softer stools.

Studies have also shown that fat and calcium absorption is more effective in infant formulas that do not include palm oil. Valio’s dairy-based solutions are naturally palm-oil-free, supporting efficient nutrient utilisation and softer stools as part of an optimised fat system.

In addition, the milk fat fraction, including naturally occurring milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) components and phospholipids, contributes to gut maturation, microbiota development, and efficient fat digestion and absorption, supporting a stool profile closer to that of breastfed infants.

Prebiotic oligosaccharides

Oligosaccharides influence the gut maturation, microbiota composition, and stool consistency. Prebiotics such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are linked in the literature with favourable stool frequency and softer stool characteristics. For this reason, many next-generation formulas now include them as key components in promoting a balanced intestinal environment.

Protein composition

Protein quality and processing also affect tolerance. Formulas containing partially hydrolysed proteins are associated with softer stools, better protein absorption, and good overall tolerance. It’s not a universal solution, but it is a well-established approach in digestive comfort-oriented formulas.

How Valio supports optimal formula design

Effective formula development depends on combining scientific understanding with technical execution. Valio’s high-quality infant formula bases provide a flexible foundation for tailored formulations, easily enriched with premium components such as prebiotics or HMOs, structured lipids like OPO, and partially hydrolysed proteins, on top of utilising milk fat’s natural similarities with human milk fat, both in composition and structure. Through close co-development, our experts help ensure nutritional balance, purity, and production safety, while maintaining compliance and reliable quality. Whether your goal is to enter or widen your portfolio in the early life nutrition market, or enhance your current portfolio, Valio acts as a partner in turning research-based design into commercial reality.

At a glance: components influencing digestive comfort in infant formulas

• Structured lipids such as OPO – mirror aspects of human milk fat structure and nutrient absorption.
• Milk fat fraction with MFGM components – contributes to efficient fat digestion, absorption, and gut maturation, supporting gut comfort.
• Prebiotics and HMOs – promote to a gut-friendly microbiota and improved stool consistency.
• Partially hydrolysed proteins – support better absorption, a softer stool profile, and good tolerance.

Why this matters for your brand

Parents quickly notice when a formula feels gentle and comfortable for their child. That daily experience builds trust, and trust strengthens brand preference. By basing your product design on scientific evidence and partnering with an experienced formulation specialist, you can stand out in a competitive market, delivering both nutritional integrity and everyday comfort.

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