Infant Formulas

Infant formulas are a nutritional source for infants less than one year of age. A variety of formulas are available for infants younger than 12 months. These formulas vary in caloric density, nutrient composition and ingredients, digestibility, taste, and cost.

Guidelines for infant formulas and standards for normal infant feeding based on human breast milk have been provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Specific types of formulas include:

Standard milk-based formulas
Soy protein formulas
Formulas for premature infants
Formulas for infants with metabolism problems

The standard milk-based formulas contain heat-treated cow's milk protein (at reduced concentrations), lactose and minerals from cow's milk, vegetable oils, minerals and vitamins. The amount of each nutrient is set to standards based on levels in breast milk.

The AAP recommends iron-fortified formulas for all infants. Standard formulas contain 20 Kcal/ounce and .45 grams of protein/ounce. Additional vitamin supplements are not usually recommended.

Consuming more than the daily requirement of vitamins is unnecessary and potentially harmful. Depending on the water supply, pediatricians may prescribe a fluoride supplement to help the infant develop strong teeth and bones.

Management of infants with metabolic problems should be discussed with an experienced dietitian and physician. Formula choices may be affected by the condition of the infants' gastrointestinal tract and metabolism.

Side Effects

Improper mixing of infant formulas can result in abdominal pain, improper caloric intake, or other problems. Never water down the formula, as that can alter your baby's salt balance, which can cause seizures. Using the wrong type of formula for infants with special needs can cause the baby's condition to become worse. Formula-fed babies are also at increased risk of a variety of health problems, compared with babies who are breastfed.

Recommendations

The AAP recommends that infants be fed breast milk or formula for a minimum of 12 months.

Regular cow's milk is not appropriate for infants because the baby's kidneys may not work as efficiently as an adult's. Cow's milk also has too much protein (and in particular, too much casein, a type of protein). The minerals are not easily absorbed, and there is an increased risk for sensitization to milk proteins. Low-fat and skim milk are also inappropriate for use in the first year of life. They do not provide enough calories for growth or enough of some nutrients needed for normal development.

Formulas based on cow's milk are appropriate for full-term and pre-term infants who have no special nutritional requirements and do not have access to breast milk.

Special Formulas

Special formulas should be used under a physician's supervision.

Infants with lactose intolerance or a milk-protein allergy cannot drink standard cow's milk-based formula. Soy-based formulas do not contain milk protein; they use soy protein instead.
Formulas for premature, low birth weight infants are designed to encourage rapid growth.
There are other specialized formulas, such as those for infants with heart disease, malabsorption syndromes, inability to digest fat, and other conditions.

Mixing Formula

Improper mixing of formula is common and may harm the infant. Follow the instructions on the formula container carefully.

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