Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(3):152-158

Proteins in infant diet: how much is too little, how much is too much, how much is optimal, and why?

doc. MUDr. Milan Kuchta, CSc.

Klinika detí a dorastu LF UPJŠ a DFN Košice

Introduction: Breast milk proteins represent an essential macronutrient for the growth and development of infants. These proteins exhibit specific biological quality: a high proportion of whey proteins relative to casein, a rich content of bioactive fractions (e. g. immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, α-lactalbumin) and play an important role in immunomodulation and digestive maturation. Context: Historically, infant formulas have been designed with higher protein content (≥ 2.5 g/100 kcal) than breast milk to compensate for the different biological value of cow's milk proteins and to support growth. However, such higher levels have been associated with more dramatic short-term weight gains and potential long-term risk of metabolic disorders, including overweight. ESPGHAN and international expert groups therefore set recommended standards for infant formula composition with a minimum protein content of ~1.8 g/100 kcal and a maximum of ~3 g/100 kcal, with lower concentrations being clinically validated to ensure adequate growth. Current practical formula formulas often provide a total protein content of approximately 1.2-1.6 g/100 ml of prepared drink, which corresponds to the lower end of regulatory limits and more closely approximates the breast milk phenotype.

Conclusion: Increased emphasis on protein quality - modern modifications of whey fractions, enrichment with α-lactalbumin and optimized amino acid profiles - enables a reduction of the total protein content without negatively affecting growth and at the same time minimizes the metabolic load. Such approaches reflect the integration of WHO growth standards and ESPGHAN recommendations on long-term health and metabolic programming during early childhood.

Keywords: nutrition, infant, proteins, milk formula.

Published: July 1, 2026  Show citation