Infant formula is the right and only alternative you can use if you don’t give your baby breast milk

Except in cases where your baby has special nutritional needs, you will have many alternatives to choose to help your baby grow healthy and happy.

Firstly thing we have to know about infant formula is that they are mainly based on cow’s milk The cow milk is modified in order to be as similar as possible to mother’s breast milk. This is the reason why doctors and scientists continue researching and advancing infant formulas.

While different infant formulas have very similar basic compositions, there are some important variations.

For example, regarding proteins source, it makes a difference if it comes from Whey or Casein.  Whey protein is easier to digest for infants, therefore it is a preferred ingredient over Casein.  As protein is the basic building block of our body’s mussels – the “tiles” to build the body – so it’s important that they can be properly digested.

Carbohydrates are the source of energy and in infant formulas, it is usually lactose that is being used, which resembles the sugar naturally present in mother’s breast milk.

With recent findings, the long chain unsaturated fatty acids have come to be known as a good help for the development of brain and eyes for babies.  Linoleic, Linolenic, Arachidonic (AA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are of such ingredients that are present in infant formulas.

Vitamins and minerals are also essential ingredients for the development and growth of babies, as well as other amino acids, like Taurine that has been related to the fat absorption, bile acid secretion, retinal function, and hepatic function.

Another item to notice in infant formulas is the presence of the prebiotics Fructo- oligosaccharides (FOS) and Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). They help to the growth of “good” bacteria in the babies’ gut, which in turn, help the immune system of the babies.

These are just some pointers that we have to take into account before we choose an infant formula. And we should take the time to compare the different brands in order to get the best options.

Amaya Prada,
Healthcare Consultant