Infant formula

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.