2. Composition
The most commonly used infant formulas
contain:
Purified cow's milk whey and casein as
a protein source.
A blend of vegetable oils as a fat source.
Lactose as a carbohydrate source.
Vitamin-mineral mix.
Other ingredients depending on the
manufacturer.
3. Composition
Proteins: plain cow's milk is unsuited for
infants because of its high casein content
and low whey content, and untreated cow's
milk is not recommended before the age of
12 months. So cow's milk used for formula
undergoes processing to be made into
infant formula. This includes steps to make
protein more easily digestible and alter
the whey-to-casein protein balance to one
closer to human milk.
4. Composition
Fat: the partial or total replacement of dairy
fat with fats of vegetable or marine origin.
Carbohydrates: in most cow's milk-based
formulas, lactose is the main source of
carbohydrates present.
5. Dates
Events
1867
A formula containing wheat flour, cow's milk, malt flour, and potassium
bicarbonate was developed.
1915
A powder form of infant formula was introduced, containing cow's milk,
lactose, oleo oils, and vegetable oils.
1929
Soy formula was introduced.
1935
Protein was added because it was believed cow's milk protein content was
lower than human milk protein content.
1959
Iron fortification was introduced because a large amount of iron.
1962
The whey:casein ratio was made similar to human milk because producers
were aware that human milk contains a higher ratio of whey protein, and
cow's milk contains a higher ratio of casein.
Polyunsaturated fatty acid fortification was introduced. Omega 3 and
Omega 6 were added because those fatty acids play an important role in
infant brain development.
Early
2000
Probiotics and prebiotics were added.
Lysozyme and Lactoferrin were added. Both have antimicrobial activity.
Compared to human milk, cow’s milk has a signifactly lower levels of
lysozyme and lactoferrin; therefore, the industry has an increasing interest
in adding them into infant formulas.
6. Types of infant formulas
First stage formula and second stage formula.
Second stage formulas: They are usually
'casein dominant'. Casein is more slowly
digested so may be more suitable for older
babies. Follow-on formulas can also
contain higher levels of iron, protein and
other nutrients compared with infant
formulas, so they’re not suitable for babies
younger than six months.
7. Types of infant formulas
Sometimes switching to a Stage 2 formula
can make the baby feel more satisfied,
because it is harder to digest, so they stay
"full" longer.
If the baby is happy and established on an
infant formula, you don’t have to change to
follow-on at six months - you can just
continue using infant formula right up until
12 months.
8. Special types of infant formulas
Protein allergic babies
Partially hydrolyzed formulas.
Extensively hydrolyzed formulas are considered
"hypoallergenic“.
Amino acid based formulas are more expensive,
but are reported least likely to cause allergic
reactions.
9. Special types of infant formulas
Lactose allergic babies
Lactose-free infant formulas:
With the exception of extremely rare cases, all
infants are born with the ability to digest lactose,
because there is lactose in breast milk. However,
lactose intolerance can occur in infancy after acute
gastroenteritis, or due to severe intestinal diseases.
Lactose-free infant formulas are designed for infants
from 0 to 12 months of age with lactose
intolerance. They are cow's milk protein-based, but
do not contain any lactose.
Therefore, those formulas will use other sources of
carbohydrates, such as sucrose and glucose,
dextrins, and natural and modified starches.