Posted by Karen Elmsley on May 27, 200715 CommentsPrinter Friendly
In the decades immediately following the Second World War, many developed nations participated in a trend which saw formulated products supplementing or replacing the traditional source of infant nutrition. Today, reputable health authorities are strongly in favour of breastfeeding. For the majority of infants, breast milk represents an ideal source of nutrition during the first twenty-four months of development. In situations where breastfeeding is not an option, there are formulated products which provide the nutrients essential for normal development. With so many brands and varieties of infant formula currently available, parents and caregivers may become overwhelmed in their attempts to choose a suitable product. Undoubtedly, there must always be a strict emphasis on quality and safety.
There are three main categories of infant formula. The first of these includes all of the standard products which are based on cow’s milk. These are readily available, and appear to be suitable for most infants. Major companies which manufacture standard formula are often recognised for their research contribution into fundamental aspects of infant nutrition and development.
The second category encompasses those products based on soy proteins. Increasingly popular, soy based formulas were originally developed for infants with an intolerance to the lactose proteins in cow’s milk.
The third category of infant formula includes all of the products which are based on elemental protein compounds such as the short chain peptides and amino acids. These are usually prescribed by medical specialists for infants with specific dietary issues. Elemental protein formulas may be required for premature babies and infants with symptoms of chronic malabsorption, allergy, and other forms of food intolerance.
Pesticides pose greater risk for infants
There is evidence to indicate a significantly increased risk of pesticide exposure during important developmental phases of infancy and early childhood. Due to immaturity of their organ systems, infants are less efficient in detoxifying a range of chemicals and environmental pollutants. Early exposure to harmful agricultural chemicals is suspected to contribute to a number of health epidemics affecting children. These include neurological, cognitive, and behavioural problems, certain types of leukaemia, and disorders of immune functioning.
Choosing an infant formula
When choosing infant formula, as with any processed food item, it is important to consider the quality and safety of the primary ingredients. Most manufacturers of infant formula employ stringent controls to maintain the recommended standards for purity and consistency. All of the reputable brands have consumer help lines and websites which can be accessed for legitimate product enquiries. One concern repeatedly raised on these and other forums is the question of pesticide residue within milk and soy constituents. For the majority of products, the manufacturing standards minimise or eliminate the risk of detectable pesticide contamination.
Despite their apparent safety, many parents and caregivers are influenced by the negative incidents which are occasionally experienced in developing countries. In this context, selecting an organically certified product is perceived by many individuals as providing an additional level of protection against pesticide contamination. Those households prepared to prioritise organic products are unlikely to accept uncertified alternatives when it comes to infant formula.
When developed as a complete source of infant nutrition, standard formula is expected to contain the appropriate spectrum and concentration of essential nutrients. In view of this, parents and caregivers are frequently concerned with the apparent variation in quantity of certain nutrients. A good example relates to the elemental mineral, iron. Necessary for normal physical and cognitive development, adequate iron absorption is critical during infancy. Because certain types of iron have been associated with constipation and stomach pains in a small percentage of infants, several of the major companies have developed preparations containing a form of iron which is effective at lower concentrations. Occasionally marketed as low-iron products, these are intended to provide an overall level of iron which is approximately equivalent to a standard formula.
Another concern which has been raised recently is the inclusion of certain lipids believed to be beneficial for neurological and sensory function. Docosahexaenoic and Arachidonic Acid (DHA & AHA) have been included in several new products with subtle claims that these essential fatty acids will be advantageous for integral aspects of infant development. In truth, there is mixed evidence as to whether their inclusion makes any significant difference to a standard formula which already contains an appropriate balance of lipid compounds. Individuals seeking an objective evaluation on the listed ingredients of any formula product should consult a paediatric dietician.
Powdered formula is acceptable for most infants and can be purchased from pharmacies, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Each product will provide directions for preparing the concentrations and quantities required for infants within the relevant age categories. For safety and convenience, it is important to follow these carefully and avoid any temptation to use approximate measures. Incorrectly prepared formula may result in feeding difficulty and specific health problems like malnourishment, dehydration, and gastrointestinal inflammation.
For similar reasons, bottles and other feeding implements must be thoroughly washed and sterilised between feeds. With their simplicity and convenience, many individuals are now opting for the pre-prepared formula products. These tend to be expensive but reduce the likelihood of measurement error, wastage, and mess.
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I still think breast is best - if it’s an option
Our two month old experienced some early feeding problems and is now troubled by eczema. I attempted to breastfeed however she failed to attach securely so we moved on to an infant formula. On account of her low weight, our paediatrician has now prescribed a special formula based on short chain peptides. He says he will trial this followed by another. The product contains corn syrup and is not organically certified. I asked the pharmacist to exchange this for an organic one but he politely refused, advising that I must renegotiate with the clinic. Is there some hidden conspiracy which prevents our babies receiving an organic product?
I’ve also had difficulty finding organic formula. I can purchase soy based formula which is organic but I want a standard product based on cow’s milk.
My grandmother was fed plain cow’s milk from a bottle. There were no rubber teats so she negotiated her drinking through a piece of stocking which was stretched across the rim. I’m not recommending this approach but my grandmother did live to about eighty something and was pretty healthy throughout her life. I suppose all milk was essentially organic in those days.
I think this hole organic thing has gone to far. Mothers are being presured into spending more to get the right products. Organic is meant to be safer and kinder to the earth which is wonderful if your flush with the readies. What if I can’t aford organic milk or napies or whatever. Does this mean I fail as a mum?
Bess, I’m surprised you can’t find organic formula. Several of the bigger companies are now producing organic products. Ask your retailer to order some in for you.
There is no incentive for health professionals to promote any particular brand of infant formula, whether this be manufatured from organic or standard ingredients. Within their recommended age categories, nutritional properties often turn out to be approximately equivalent. Assumming correct dosages are delivered, there may be differences in the average rate of absorption. This depends on the overall molecular structure and combination of ingredients. The formulation of these products is an incredibly complicated science. AJK may rest assured that every care is taken by manufactures as indeed is required from her consultant and dispenser.
I would never feed any baby of mine non-organic formula. I don’t want them starting out in life with a cocktail of agricultural chemicals in their system. As infants, they are far more susceptible to the harmful effects of pesticides.
There is research linking pesticide exposure during infancy and the increased incidence of childhood allergies.
I certainly agree with Tina.
As far as my friends and sisters are concerned, formula is a real headache. It forces us to travel with more equipment and even distracts from the real task which is spending quality time with our infants. You can sterilise bottles and seals until it hurts but will never be certain that a section has been missed. Organic formula is relatively new but babies have been here since the beginning. I’m also with Tina on that one.
Recently, I heard a news item regarding contaminated infant formula.
We expect these companies to assume every precaution available to them, but one should never be entirely relaxed on these matters.
They’re only little bubs for a year so it doesn’t make sense to cut corners.
If you can’t breastfeed then find the best formula thats available. Once you’ve started it can be difficult to change so choose wisely in the first place.
hi just new to this site. knowing how the majority of you feel about organic foods and and avoidingall those chemicals, i was just curious to know how many of you have had your little ones vaccinated?
Vaccinations are a good protective measure - ratively safe these days. I recommend getting them for your little one.
Breast feeding is best!!but for woman that cant bf..organic is the better option..high fructose corn syrup is not even allowed in baby formula in europe!! ..and pesticides and especially growth hormones that are given to cows to produce more milk is forbidden in europe and canada!!!organic baby formula has none of that ..and is perhaps a dollar more ..than a good infant formula…and for woman that claim they dont have a dollar more for a can of organic baby food ..dont make excuses its already bad enough not breast feeding …and all you have to do is one hair do less a month or one set of nails…or a pair of shoes you dont need ..stop making excuses for feeding your baby a toxic brew……..the FDA protects corp not your children..the more parents ask for a better formula the more likely they will get one………and peditricians and hospitals get money from the baby formula makers to provide their toxic brew to babies..being your own organic baby formula to the hospital ..and make them start feeding it to the new born…dont break ..stand your ground…..i feed nature one organic ..i tried it myself its great tasting compare to the regular formulas that taste like fishy crap…