Diet control is very important for citrin deficiency patients. Citrin deficiency patients are recommended to follow a low carbohydrate, high protein and fat diet [Saheki et al 2008, Nakamura et al 2001]. There are growing numbers of doctors treating citin deficiency patients who have seen the positive effect of MCT intake on their patients. The study of the efficacy of MCT on citrin deficiency is well underway and we hope that it would shed some light on the future citrin deficiency treatments.
For a newborn with neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis by citrin deficiency (NICCD), choosing the right infant milk formula is crucial as it is the main source of nutrients for the growth of the baby. Breastfeeding is not recommended for babies with this special condition.
We have gathered a list of infant milk formulas with MCT that may be included in a diet for citrin deficiency treatment. Please note that not all brands are readily available in each country. Please check out the stores or the brand websites if the products are available in your country.
Formula with MCT
1. Aptamil® Gold+ Pepti-Junior from birth (0-12 months)
https://www.aptaprofessional.com.au/products/aaptamil-goldplus-pepti-junior/
2. Meiji Essential Fatty Acid Reinforcement MCT Formula
Meiji’s MCT formula contains MCT its lipid component making up 20.5% of the milk powder.
3. Nestlé Peptamen Junior
Nestlé Peptamen Junior has MCT making up 56% of its fats content.
https://www.nestlehealthscience.sg/brands/peptamen/peptamen-junior
4. Portagen®
Milk protein-based powder with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) for children and adults.
https://www.enfamil.com/products/portagen
5. Nestlé Alfare HMO (Suitable for infants)
Nestlé Alfare HMO has MCT making up 39% of its fats content.
https://www.nestlehealthscience.com.hk/en/brands/alfare
These are the brands that we found in the market that could be beneficial for a child with citrin deficiency. Please always consult your attending doctor to check if the infant milk formula you selected is suitable for your child’s diet as the condition for each patient may slightly differ from another. If you have found other infant milk formula with MCT apart from those listed, do feel free to reach out to us at info@citrinfoundation.org to share with us your findings.
