auzziekat
01-14-2006, 03:15 PM
Choosing formula: a primer
I'm bottle-feeding my baby; which formula is best?
It's easy to feel daunted in the formula aisle. Choosing the best nourishment for your baby is a pretty weighty decision, and there are obviously lots of choices. But there's plenty of good information available, too. You'll want to consider form (ready-made, concentrated, or powdered), type (cow's milk base is most popular, but there are other options), and other ingredients (from carbs and protein to DHA and iron). Here's what you need to know:
Forms of Formulas come in three basic forms: ready-made, concentrated, and powdered.
Ready-to-use formula
is undoubtedly the most convenient — no mixing or measuring required, just open and serve. It's hygienic and especially helpful in circumstances where you might not have access to safe water. But for every day use, the convenience of ready-to-use formula comes at a price; ready-to-use formula costs about 25 percent more per ounce than powdered formula. It also takes up more storage space in your cupboard and more space in the landfill, unless you recycle all the cans or bottles. Once opened, ready-to-use formula has a short lifespan — it must be used within 48 hours. Also, because it often has a darker color than powdered formula, many moms complain that it's more likely to stain clothes.
Liquid concentrate formula
requires that you mix equal parts water and formula (read the container carefully for specific instructions). Compared to ready-to-use formula, concentrate is less expensive and takes up less storage space. Compared to powdered formula, it's a little easier to prepare but more expensive.
Powdered formula
is the most economical choice and the most environmentally friendly. It takes up the least amount of space in transport, in your pantry, and in your trashcan. Powdered also takes more time to prepare than other formula varieties (and you must follow the directions exactly), but it has a one-month shelf life after it's been opened, which helps prevent waste. Besides, you can mix up just the right amount whenever you need it — which is especially helpful if you're a breastfeeding mom who may just need an occasional supplemental bottle for your baby.
Types of formula There is a formula to suit every baby's needs:
Cow's-milk-based
Most formula available today has cow's milk as its main ingredient. The milk is significantly altered, though, to make it easier to digest. (Your baby won't be ready to digest regular cow's milk protein until after his first birthday.)
Soy-based
If you're vegetarian, or if your baby has trouble digesting cow's milk protein, the doctor may suggest a soy-based formula. These are made with plant-based protein that, like cow's milk, has been modified for easy digestion by babies. You may also want to talk with your baby's doctor about giving soy-based formula a try if your baby is colicky. The evidence isn't conclusive, but some research suggests it's worth a try.
Lactose-free
If your baby is lactose intolerant (not able to digest lactose, the sugar naturally found in milk), his doctor will recommend a lactose-free formula, in which the lactose sugar is replaced with another sugar, like corn syrup.
Extensively hydrolyzed formula
In these formulas, the protein is broken down in to smaller parts that are easier for your baby to digest than large protein molecules. Your baby may need an hydrolyzed formula if he has allergies or trouble absorbing nutrients. The doctor may also suggest trying a hydrolyzed formula if your baby has colic.
Formulas for premature and low-birth weight babies
These often contain higher calories and protein, and a more easily absorbed type of fat, called medium-chained triglycerides.
Human milk fortifier
This product is used to enrich the nutrition of breastfed babies with special needs. Some are for mixing with breast milk, and some can also be fed alternately with breast milk.
Metabolic formulas
If your baby has a disease that requires very specialized nutrition, he may need one of these especially developed formulas.
What’s in formula? How do formulas differ?
There are essentially six main types of ingredients in formula: carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. The source of the nutrients varies by brand as well as by the type of formula (cow's base, soy- based, etc.). What make formulas different are the ingredients as well as amount of specific ingredients. For example, two kinds of cow's milk proteins that are found in formula are casein and whey; they are found in differing proportions among different brands of formula.
It's very easy to get confused by all the items listed on the ingredient label. Below we guide you through the maze of ingredients, compared to breast milk.
Carbohydrate:
Lactose is the main carbohydrate source in breast milk, and it is also the primary carbohydrate source in cow's-milk-based formulas. Corn maltodextrin is sometimes used as a secondary source of carbohydrate. Lactose-free, soy, and special formulas contain one or more of the following carbohydrates: sucrose, corn maltodextrin, modified cornstarch or corn syrup solids.
Protein:
Breast milk contains approximately 60% whey and 40% casein. Most formulas have similar protein content. Others contain 100% whey. Some research studies indicate that whey protein is digested faster than casein, which could be beneficial in babies with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Soy formulas contain soy protein isolate; some brands use partially hydrolyzed soy protein to encourage easier digestion.
Sometimes the protein in formula is partially hydrolyzed or broken down. Partially hydrolyzed formulas are not hypoallergenic; don't use one if your baby has (or if you suspect he may have) a protein allergy. However, partially hydrolyzed whey formulas have been shown in one study to reduce atopic dermatitis compared to infants on standard cow's milk formula.
Extensively hydrolyzed (or broken down) formulas contain extensively hydrolyzed casein with additional amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. These formulas are considered hypoallergenic and are used for babies with a protein allergy.
Fat:
Breast milk contains a blend of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fat. Formulas use a variety of oils to match the fat makeup of breast milk. They 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 shown that these fats can reduce absorption of fat and calcium from formula. (In other words, your baby may not absorb as much fat and calcium as he would from formulas that don't contain these oils.)
Medium-chain triglycerides require less digestion and are more easily absorbed. They're used in special formulas for premature infants and for infants who have trouble digesting or absorbing nutrients.
The FDA has approved the addition of two long-chain fatty acids to formula: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid). Both of these substances are important for brain and vision development, and both are found in breast milk (if Mom's diet is adequate). Full-term babies get DHA and ARA from moms during the third trimester, but the transfer is cut short for babies born prematurely. And all babies need a continuing supply of both substances throughout their first year. Two studies published in April of 2005 support the supplementation of formula with DHA and ARA. One, a report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that term infants fed DHA and ARA supplemented formula had significantly better visual acuity than infants who did not receive the supplements. And a study published in The Journal of Pediatrics states that DHA and ARA enhance both cognitive and physical growth in preterm infants. There's no evidence suggesting that these additives are harmful to babies, but there aren't any long-term studies confirming their safety, either. And they're priced about 15 percent higher than standard formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has not taken a position on whether they should be added to formula.
Vitamins and Minerals:
The majority of words on the ingredient panel describe vitamins and minerals. These words can be hard to figure out — ferrous sulfate is iron, for example, sodium ascorbate is vitamin C, and calcium pantothenate is a B vitamin.
Part 2 on next news bulletin!!
I'm bottle-feeding my baby; which formula is best?
It's easy to feel daunted in the formula aisle. Choosing the best nourishment for your baby is a pretty weighty decision, and there are obviously lots of choices. But there's plenty of good information available, too. You'll want to consider form (ready-made, concentrated, or powdered), type (cow's milk base is most popular, but there are other options), and other ingredients (from carbs and protein to DHA and iron). Here's what you need to know:
Forms of Formulas come in three basic forms: ready-made, concentrated, and powdered.
Ready-to-use formula
is undoubtedly the most convenient — no mixing or measuring required, just open and serve. It's hygienic and especially helpful in circumstances where you might not have access to safe water. But for every day use, the convenience of ready-to-use formula comes at a price; ready-to-use formula costs about 25 percent more per ounce than powdered formula. It also takes up more storage space in your cupboard and more space in the landfill, unless you recycle all the cans or bottles. Once opened, ready-to-use formula has a short lifespan — it must be used within 48 hours. Also, because it often has a darker color than powdered formula, many moms complain that it's more likely to stain clothes.
Liquid concentrate formula
requires that you mix equal parts water and formula (read the container carefully for specific instructions). Compared to ready-to-use formula, concentrate is less expensive and takes up less storage space. Compared to powdered formula, it's a little easier to prepare but more expensive.
Powdered formula
is the most economical choice and the most environmentally friendly. It takes up the least amount of space in transport, in your pantry, and in your trashcan. Powdered also takes more time to prepare than other formula varieties (and you must follow the directions exactly), but it has a one-month shelf life after it's been opened, which helps prevent waste. Besides, you can mix up just the right amount whenever you need it — which is especially helpful if you're a breastfeeding mom who may just need an occasional supplemental bottle for your baby.
Types of formula There is a formula to suit every baby's needs:
Cow's-milk-based
Most formula available today has cow's milk as its main ingredient. The milk is significantly altered, though, to make it easier to digest. (Your baby won't be ready to digest regular cow's milk protein until after his first birthday.)
Soy-based
If you're vegetarian, or if your baby has trouble digesting cow's milk protein, the doctor may suggest a soy-based formula. These are made with plant-based protein that, like cow's milk, has been modified for easy digestion by babies. You may also want to talk with your baby's doctor about giving soy-based formula a try if your baby is colicky. The evidence isn't conclusive, but some research suggests it's worth a try.
Lactose-free
If your baby is lactose intolerant (not able to digest lactose, the sugar naturally found in milk), his doctor will recommend a lactose-free formula, in which the lactose sugar is replaced with another sugar, like corn syrup.
Extensively hydrolyzed formula
In these formulas, the protein is broken down in to smaller parts that are easier for your baby to digest than large protein molecules. Your baby may need an hydrolyzed formula if he has allergies or trouble absorbing nutrients. The doctor may also suggest trying a hydrolyzed formula if your baby has colic.
Formulas for premature and low-birth weight babies
These often contain higher calories and protein, and a more easily absorbed type of fat, called medium-chained triglycerides.
Human milk fortifier
This product is used to enrich the nutrition of breastfed babies with special needs. Some are for mixing with breast milk, and some can also be fed alternately with breast milk.
Metabolic formulas
If your baby has a disease that requires very specialized nutrition, he may need one of these especially developed formulas.
What’s in formula? How do formulas differ?
There are essentially six main types of ingredients in formula: carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. The source of the nutrients varies by brand as well as by the type of formula (cow's base, soy- based, etc.). What make formulas different are the ingredients as well as amount of specific ingredients. For example, two kinds of cow's milk proteins that are found in formula are casein and whey; they are found in differing proportions among different brands of formula.
It's very easy to get confused by all the items listed on the ingredient label. Below we guide you through the maze of ingredients, compared to breast milk.
Carbohydrate:
Lactose is the main carbohydrate source in breast milk, and it is also the primary carbohydrate source in cow's-milk-based formulas. Corn maltodextrin is sometimes used as a secondary source of carbohydrate. Lactose-free, soy, and special formulas contain one or more of the following carbohydrates: sucrose, corn maltodextrin, modified cornstarch or corn syrup solids.
Protein:
Breast milk contains approximately 60% whey and 40% casein. Most formulas have similar protein content. Others contain 100% whey. Some research studies indicate that whey protein is digested faster than casein, which could be beneficial in babies with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Soy formulas contain soy protein isolate; some brands use partially hydrolyzed soy protein to encourage easier digestion.
Sometimes the protein in formula is partially hydrolyzed or broken down. Partially hydrolyzed formulas are not hypoallergenic; don't use one if your baby has (or if you suspect he may have) a protein allergy. However, partially hydrolyzed whey formulas have been shown in one study to reduce atopic dermatitis compared to infants on standard cow's milk formula.
Extensively hydrolyzed (or broken down) formulas contain extensively hydrolyzed casein with additional amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. These formulas are considered hypoallergenic and are used for babies with a protein allergy.
Fat:
Breast milk contains a blend of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fat. Formulas use a variety of oils to match the fat makeup of breast milk. They 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 shown that these fats can reduce absorption of fat and calcium from formula. (In other words, your baby may not absorb as much fat and calcium as he would from formulas that don't contain these oils.)
Medium-chain triglycerides require less digestion and are more easily absorbed. They're used in special formulas for premature infants and for infants who have trouble digesting or absorbing nutrients.
The FDA has approved the addition of two long-chain fatty acids to formula: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid). Both of these substances are important for brain and vision development, and both are found in breast milk (if Mom's diet is adequate). Full-term babies get DHA and ARA from moms during the third trimester, but the transfer is cut short for babies born prematurely. And all babies need a continuing supply of both substances throughout their first year. Two studies published in April of 2005 support the supplementation of formula with DHA and ARA. One, a report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that term infants fed DHA and ARA supplemented formula had significantly better visual acuity than infants who did not receive the supplements. And a study published in The Journal of Pediatrics states that DHA and ARA enhance both cognitive and physical growth in preterm infants. There's no evidence suggesting that these additives are harmful to babies, but there aren't any long-term studies confirming their safety, either. And they're priced about 15 percent higher than standard formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has not taken a position on whether they should be added to formula.
Vitamins and Minerals:
The majority of words on the ingredient panel describe vitamins and minerals. These words can be hard to figure out — ferrous sulfate is iron, for example, sodium ascorbate is vitamin C, and calcium pantothenate is a B vitamin.
Part 2 on next news bulletin!!