5. Conclusions
The infant formula manufactured from extensively hydrolysed whey protein used in this study led to comparable results in various parameters of GI tolerance, including stool characteristics, IGSQ, and sleep behaviour, as the control infant formula manufactured from intact cow’s milk protein. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the extensively hydrolysed whey protein-based infant formula is equally well-tolerated as the control infant formula in exclusively formula-fed infants during the first 4 months of life. Both formulae showed good GI tolerance. Nevertheless, future research should continue the effort in developing infant formula that results in stool consistency and GI symptoms in early infancy closer to those resulting from exclusive breastfeeding.