Nowadays, mostly in developed countries, some mothers for various reasons chose to feed their baby with infant formula. Even more moms choose mixed feeding. They might do this, for example, if they have low milk supply or need to return to work. Anyway, moms quite often compelled to use an infant formula.
But there is nothing wrong with that.
Infant formula(milk) or baby formula(milk) or simply formula is designed to closely imitate the nutritional composition of breast milk, providing the essential nutrients needed for a baby’s growth and development. Here’s the common components found in most baby formulas:
1. Carbohydrates
Most formulas use lactose as the primary carbohydrate, just like breast milk. It provides energy and aids in calcium absorption. Some formulas, particularly those designed for babies with lactose intolerance, use alternatives to lactose, such as corn syrup or glucose.
2. Proteins
The majority of baby formulas are based on cow’s milk protein, which is processed to be more digestible for infants. For babies with allergies or digestive issues, formulas may contain partially or fully hydrolysed proteins, which are broken down into smaller components for easier digestion.
In soy-based formulas, plant-derived soy protein is used instead of cow’s milk, often for babies with milk allergies or those on a plant-based diet.
3. Fats
The fat content in most formulas comes from a mix of vegetable oils, such as palm oil, sunflower oil and coconut oil. These oils provide essential fatty acids necessary for brain and eye development.
Among the ingredients of infant formula, we can often find such frightening components as DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and ARA (Arachidonic Acid). These are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids added to many formulas to support brain and eye development. They naturally occur in breast milk.
4. Vitamins and Minerals.
Baby formulas are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, such as:
– Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D for bone development.
– Iron to support brain development and prevent anemia.
– Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc to support immune function and healthy growth.
– B-Vitamins for energy production and overall development.
5. Nucleotides.
Nucleotides are organic molecules that serve as the building blocks of DNA and RNA, playing a crucial role in a variety of biological processes. In baby formula, nucleotides are added to support overall growth, development, and immune function, as they are naturally present in breast milk.
6. Probiotics and Prebiotics
Some formulas are enriched with probiotics and prebiotics. Most people get confused: what is the difference between them? Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support intestine health. Prebiotics are fibres that help the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting digestive health and the immune system.
In fact, when you will go to the supermarket for buying infant formula you will be pretty much confused, as the choice of baby formula is enormous. Your paediatrician might recommend you the most suitable infant formula for your baby. You also should keep in mind, that different manufacturers produce different kind of infant formula with different taste. Once your baby gets used to drink certain infant formula, they might refuse to switch to another one.
