I began a new feature yesterday in the baby blog called ‘from the forums’ where we discuss a question that has recently been raised in the forums. In these features, you will always find links between the blog and the appropriate forum. Yesterday we talked about the types of carbohydrates (sugars) that are in formula as well as the type of proteins that are in formula. Today, we’ll tackle the rest of formula ingredients: fats, vitamins and minerals and additional nutrients.
DHA & ARA
If you’re feeding your infant formula you’ve undoubtedly heard all the hoopla about two fats that are now being added to some formulas: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid). This is one type of fat that is added to formula to try to mimic breast milk. Studies have shown that infants who have been fed formulas that DHA and ARA have substantially better visual acuity. It is also thought that they contribute significantly to the cognitive development of preterm infants. To read more about DHA & ARA, check tomorrow’s blog!
Other Fats
Formulas use a variety of oils to match the fat in breast milk. Some fats that are used include soy oil, coconut oil, corn oil, palm or palm olein oil, and high oleic sunflower oil. Although palm and palm-olein oil are widely used, research has suggested that these fats may interfere with the absorption of fat and calcium from formula. In other words, your baby may not absorb as much fat and calcium as he would from a formula that doesn’t contain these oils.
Vitamins and Minerals
The majority of the ingredients on your infant’s formula label describe vitamins and minerals. One very important mineral to check for is iron. The AAP (American Association of Pediatrics) recommends that all infants (who aren’t exclusively breastfed) be fed with formula that is fortified with iron. Most formulas contain at least 4mg of iron per liter (the recommended amount) however, there are still “low-iron” formulas on the shelf. The AAP wants these formulas to be discontinued or labeled as nutritionally inadequate. Make sure to check the iron content in the formula you’re buying!
A Few Other Things You Might See
Nucleotides: These are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, which are naturally present in breast milk. They may boost the immune system.
Rice Starch: Rice Starch is generally what’s added to a formula for babies who spit up a lot. It may help with your baby’s spit up, although some studies suggest that it makes no difference.
Amino Acids: Some amino acids are added to soy formula, and sometimes cow’s milk formula to mimic breast milk as closely as possible.
To find out about carbohydrates and proteins that are in formula, click here.
To discuss this further in the forums, click here.
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