Science & Research

Else Nutrition Scientific Research

K. Bridges, F. Bar-Yoseph, R. Mizrahi, J. Vanderhoof. The effect of a plant-based pediatric nutrition product based on almonds and buckwheat on perceived relief of intolerance symptoms: retrospective analysis of a parent survey.

The purpose of this study was parent perception of their child’s gastrointestinal and dermatologic symptoms prior to and while consuming a novel plant-based nutritional drink based on almonds and buckwheat [Else Nutrition]. These data revealed a high level of parents’ perception of clinical improvement in gastrointestinal and dermatologic symptoms in this subgroup of symptomatic patients whose parents elected to feed them these products.

Our findings suggest a potential role for buckwheat/almond-based formulas in such children; however, these results need to be confirmed in a controlled clinical study. The novel nutritional drink is well accepted and fulfills an important gap for parents desiring plant-based nutrition for their children. It appears to support normal growth in children and toddlers; however, prospective clinical trials are needed.

Fernanda R. et al. Evaluation of the Safety of a Plant-Based Infant Formula Containing Almonds and Buckwheat in a Neonatal Piglet Model. Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1499

A randomized neonatal piglet trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and the effects of a plant-based formula containing almonds and buckwheat as the main ingredients on growth and plasma parameters. From postnatal day (PND) 2 to 21, the piglets were fed a dairy-based milk formula (Similac Advance) or a plant-based formula (Else Nutrition) and all piglets were euthanized at day 21. No diarrhea was observed after PND 8 and all the piglets completed the trial. Body growth, kcal intake, the complete plasma count parameters and hematological parameters were within the reference range in both groups. Organ growth and development was similar between the two groups. Plasma glucose was higher in the dairy-based-fed piglets relative to the plant-based at 2 weeks of age. Liver function biomarkers levels were greater in the plasma of the plant-based compared to the dairy-based fed group. In addition, calcium levels were higher in the plant-based fed piglets at 1 week of age. Thus, the plant-based formula tested in this study was well tolerated by the piglets and supported similar growth compared to dairy-based milk formula. Therefore, the results support the safety of the tested plant-based infant formula during the neonatal period in comparison to the dairy-based formula fed group.