Comparison between pre-thickened and home-thickened formulas in gastroesophageal reflux treatment

Objective: the purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a pre-thickened infant formula (Nan AR) with a conventional homemade formula in the reduction of regurgitation and vomiting in infants with gastroesophageal reflux. Methods: a hundred children, under 12 months, not exclusively breast feeding, were select for the study. Forty-eight were treated with conventional formula with starch and 52 with pre-thickened infant formula. Results: there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the improvement or cure of symptoms, each treatment having been effective. Conclusions: thickened formulas, pre-thickened or home-thickened, have shown the same efficacy in the management of gastroesophageal reflux in children.

gastroesophageal reflux; diet treatment; child