Every mother knows that milk is the basis of nutrition during the first year of life. Baby formula contains many ingredients and substances that can boost immunity. However, it’s quite difficult to identify which components are useful for health and which are not. Let’s check what content of the regular formula helps a kid to grow and develop.
How to choose the proper formula?
The content of infant formula is strictly regulated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. The main task of each manufacturer is to create the adapted infant formula as close as possible to breast milk. In this case, the content of infant milk should take into account the age and needs of the child’s organism. While selecting the age-appropriate formula, you should pay attention to the labeling:
- number “1” is for children from 0 to 6 months
- number “2” is suitable from 6 to 12 months
- formula with number “3” intended for children over 1-year-old
How to sort out the content of formula?
To understand the degree of proximity to breast milk, you need to carefully read the content marked on the packaging:
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Proteins
They are the main building blocks for the cells of a fast-growing child’s organism, so it is important to check the amount of protein. According to the latest recommendations of pediatricians, the amount of protein up to 6-months-old should be 1.3-1.4 g/l, and for those older than 6 months the amount should not exceed 1.8-2 g/l. Such protein values can reduce the load on the kidneys and the risk of allergic reactions. It is also required to pay attention to the ratio of whey proteins to casein. It has to be 60:40 or 50:50.
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Carbohydrates
They serve as the main source of energy. Usually, in the content of formula, lactose is represented as a carbohydrate component, but sometimes it could be maltodextrin. Lactose promotes the absorption of calcium and iron and improves digestion. Both maltodextrin and lactose ensure longer satiety for a baby and increase the intervals between feedings.
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Fat content
A high-quality fat composition is responsible for the processes of neurological development and plays a leading role in the formation of the vision and the immune systems, regulation of metabolic processes, and has a positive effect on the digestive and cardiovascular systems. For example, in Kendamil formula the fatty component is represented by omega 3 and omega 6. It is also important for DHA and ARA to be among the components in the formula because they influence mental development.
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Lutein
A beneficial carotenoid that has antioxidant properties and the ability to absorb blue light during the first three years of life, thereby protecting the retina from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
Besides, some formula contains nucleotides, L-carnitine, taurine, vitamins, and minerals for the growth and strength of a baby. In HiPP baby formula you can find probiotics in the content which ensure digestive comfort. They are living microorganisms (e.g. bifidobacteria) that have a positive effect on the formation of beneficial intestinal microflora and, as a result, help in comfortable digestion.
Having figured out the composition of the infant formula, you can easily select the right feeding for your little one which is created based on the most modern requirements of medicine and scientific achievements to maintain the normal development of a kid.
