6 Essential Components of Baby Formula
Baby formula is a breast milk substitute that is made from cow’s milk. This substitute has been treated to make it more suitable and digestible for babies. Baby formula may be the best choice for parents and their babies for a variety of reasons. In this article, we will examine the six essential components of baby formula.
The Composition of Baby Formula
- Protein
- Fat
- Carbohydrate
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Essential nutrients
Proteins
Different formula milk companies use different types of proteins in their products. Below are some protein-based formulas that are widely used.
Cow-milk Protein
The protein of cow milk is higher than that present in breast milk. Cow-milk protein-based formula is preferred as the first choice after breastmilk, and it has whey and casein. However, cow-milk protein formula can cause allergy and galactosemia in babies. Infants who show sensitivity to protein formula can drink HiPP hypoallergenic formula as an appreciable substitute.
Amino Acid Based Protein
This formula milk is used when a baby suffers from a cow-protein allergy, and it is also used for infants that face rectal bleeding, stunted growth, and other issues. This protein-based formula is used as a substitute for a child’s health problems.
Fats
Usually, fats are the reason for calories in cow milk-based formulas. The fats used in these formulas are obtained from vegetable oils like coconut, high-oleic sunflower, and soy.
Medium Chain Triglycerides
These are easily digestible in comparison to long-chain fat glycerides. This is used for a wide range of fat disorders like cystic fibrosis.
Ketogenic Triglycerides
These long-chain triglycerides are used for babies with seizures when seizure medications have failed to make any improvement in the child, and these are used by consulting a neurologist.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates make up an essential constituent in formula milk.
Lactose
Lactose is a common carbohydrate in many different formulas. Lactose helps by serving gut microbiota, and it can also assist in calcium absorption. Babies with lactose intolerance and cow milk allergy should not drink lactose-containing recipes.
Formulas with carbohydrates instead of lactose are excellent for such children. Other sources of carbohydrates in baby formula are corn syrup, brown rice syrup, and sucrose.
Minerals
Minerals are required in trace amounts by the body to ensure smooth functioning.
Iron
Different amounts of iron are present in different baby formulas, depending on how much is required to aid absorption in the body. An adequate level of iron in many formulas is approximately ten mg/l.
Aluminum
Aluminum enhances the absorption process done by the body. A high level of aluminum in babies causes osteopenia.
Calcium
Calcium focuses on the baby’s bones; a baby must get sufficient calcium to reduce the risk of calcium-related illness.
Chloride and Lodine
Both these minerals maintain metabolic processes, which are reactions that occur in living cells. Metabolic activities ensure the growth and survival of your baby.
Vitamins
Baby formulas contain minimal vitamins to support a baby’s growth. Many formulas have vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. Other than those, vitamin B16, niacin, and other vitamin B complexes are present too.
Other Essential Nutrients
Some other essential nutrients are used in formula. They are DHA and ARA, docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acid, respectively.
DHA and RHA
Some researches show that DHA and RHA-containing formulas increase IQ in children compared to formula feeds that are devoid of it. Breastmilk consists of certain vital nutrients that are not present in formula feed.
Such nutrients develop a child’s brain and body in ways different from those of formula milk. That is why the requirement of nutrients like DHA and RHA is brought forward so a child can excel in life. However, there is less proof that these compounds benefit a child.
Excessive DHA and RHA intake has shown stunted growth in some cases. It is highly advised to consult a pediatrician to recommend suitable formula feed.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is a primary carbohydrate in amino acid-based food, and corn syrup can boost your baby’s energy. However, using corn syrup in formula milk is still not standard, as parents raise health concerns.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Prebiotics and probiotics are essential for a healthy gut, and both perform their actions to maintain a smooth flow of the digestive system.
Prebiotics and probiotics can be easy ways to prevent colic in infants. Prebiotics and probiotics lessen inflammation caused by eczema.
Conclusion
Mothers around the world widely use formula feed. To select a suitable choice for your child, knowing what components add up to make such formulas is very essential as your baby feeds on them.
