Infant Development

There is increasing evidence that milk-derived components have positive effects on infant health.  A team of researchers at FHI is ambitiously searching for ingredients that can enhance nutrient absorption, gut microbiology, inflammatory disorders and ameliorate milk allergy.  They are particularly focused on developing ingredients to improve infant formula so that babies can get nutritional benefits similar to those in natural breast milk.  Comparisons between human milk and cow's milk, as well as current trends in infant formula development will dictate the opportunities for FHI's researchers, who are working closely with the industry partners to close the gap between human milk and cow's milk in terms of composition and functionality.

The early infant development platform brings together expertise in paediatrics, nutrition, food science, microbiology and immunology  and is co-ordinated by Ms Sinéad Proos (Teagasc, Moorepark) in collaboration with  Professor Jonathan Hourihane at UCC.