For more than 100 years, baby food manufacturers have been developing baby formula, trying to make its composition as close as possible to breast milk. But breast milk is a unique product, and it isn’t easy to create an analog in which the content of all the necessary substances would be perfectly balanced. Choosing baby formula is not a simple task, even for experts in child nutrition. The market for baby food is enormous, and it is quite challenging to find the right baby formula in this vast world of products without the help of a specialist. However, parents should always make their choice based on the pediatrician’s recommendation. At the same time, understanding the basics of the composition of baby formula is not at all out of place for new parents.
Let’s find out which proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are the basis of baby formula, which additives should be included, and which are undesirable. Every parent knows that milk is the basis of nutrition for babies in their first year. Infant formula contains many other ingredients and substances listed on the packaging. However, even inexperienced parents can understand all the terminology and properties of these formula components. What do they mean, and how do they affect the baby’s body?
Basic facts about baby food by the composition
Milk formulas available on the baby food market are strictly controlled for safety and can be recommended for mixed and formula feeding. And the task of each manufacturer is to bring the composition of baby formula as close as possible to breast milk in all components. In this case, the composition of the formula must match the composition of breast milk, taking into account the age range and needs of the child’s body. On the packages of baby formula, you should pay attention to the labelings:
- for babies in the first six months of life – the starter formula is marked “1” or “from 0 to 6 months”;
- for babies in the second six months – follow-on formula marked “2” or “6 to 12 months”;
- for infants from 12 months onwards – the formula is marked “3” on the package.
To understand the degree of proximity to breast milk, you need to read the composition of the formula carefully – it is listed on the back of the package.
How to figure out the composition of the baby formula:
- Protein is the primary “building material” for the cells of a fast-growing baby.
It is essential to check the amount of protein in the formula. According to the latest recommendations of pediatricians, products for children in the first six months of life should be as close as possible to the composition of breast milk and adapted to the peculiarities of metabolism and digestion of babies in the first months of life. Particular age-appropriate protein values reduce the burden on the baby’s kidneys and the risk of allergic reactions. Paying attention to the ratio of whey proteins to casein is quite important. Optimal ratios are 60:40 or 50:50 in the first and second half of the year, respectively. Such protein is well digested and absorbed by the baby.
- Carbohydrates are the main source of energy in the baby’s body.
It is better if the carbohydrate component is represented to a greater extent by lactose – as in breast milk. Lactose promotes the absorption of calcium and iron and improves digestion. Part of the carbohydrate component can include maltodextrin – this ratio helps ensure more prolonged satiety of the baby, and he or she will be calm in the intervals between feedings.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids
The high-quality fat composition is critical for the neurological development of infants, plays a leading role in the development of the visual analyzer and immune system, and the regulation of metabolic processes has a positive effect on the digestive and cardiovascular systems. The fat component of the formula must be linoleic and ἀ-linolenic fatty acids, which are necessary components.
The addition of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) is also essential: they are only taken in with food and are contained in breast milk. DHA and ARA influence the formation of the baby’s visual organs and intellectual development.
- Probiotics and prebiotics
Healthy gut microbiota has been proven to have a number of positive effects on a baby’s growth and development. In turn, prebiotics and probiotics approved for use in children can influence the proper development of the child’s gut microbiota. Enriching baby food with lacto- and bifidobacteria promotes the formation of a healthy baby’s microbiota, strengthening the immune system and normalizing the digestive organs.
One of the best options for formula feeding with excellent composition, including prebiotics and probiotics, is HiPP dutch formula that does not contain harmful ingredients.
There is also an infant formula completely free of animal protein – a formula based on vegetable protein. Soy milk formula does not contain lactose, protein, or fructose, so it is recommended for babies who are allergic to these ingredients.
Whichever choice you make, you do not have to worry about your baby’s health – all the food available on the market meets the standards in accordance with the FDA or the European Union regulation, and its production is strictly controlled.
How do manufacturers try to make milk formulas closer to breast milk?
Cow’s milk, less often goat’s milk, is used in the production of infant formula. The process of adapting cow’s milk to formula milk includes reducing the amount of protein and calcium salts. The fat component of the milk is also changed by adding essential fatty acids, omega-3, and omega-6. The carbohydrate component is altered by increasing the content of carbohydrates lactose (milk sugar) and dextrin-maltose, which promote the growth of beneficial bacterias, especially bifidobacteria.
Top 3 harmful ingredients in baby formula
If you find the following components in the composition, refrain from buying such food:
- Gluten
Doctors believe this substance is difficult to digest and can provoke gluten intolerance.
- Sugar
It causes the baby’s body to be deficient in B vitamins, increases calcium levels, but reduces the amount of phosphorus in the blood of the newborn.
- Soy
The ban applies to genetically modified products. However, natural soy is also a therapeutic product and should only be prescribed as a dietary food by a pediatrician.
