Choosing the most suitable baby formula<\/p>\n
Donya Betancourt, Pediatrician, Sanur, Bali, drdonya@hotmail.com<\/p>\n
The end result of the many studies on infant growth and nutrition
\nhas been the production and vast improvement in infant formula.
\nSo today, the number of safe and practical alternatives to breast
\nmilk available seems limitless.<\/p>\n
Formula is monitored for safety and the manufacturers must
\ntest each batch of formula to make sure it has the required
\nnutrients. It is also tested to guard against inadvertent
\ncontaminants such as lead or pesticides.<\/p>\n
There are three main types of infant formula, which are cow's
\nmilk, soy-based and protein hydrolysate. Most infants are given
\none of these types. However, there are special formulas for
\npremature babies or special disease, which we will not talk about
\ntoday.<\/p>\n
Let's start with cow's milk formula. Most infant formula is
\nbased on cow's milk that closely mimics breast milk. The process
\nensures that the formula has the right amount of carbohydrates
\nand the right percentages of protein and fat.<\/p>\n
Infant formula, like breast milk, is designed to be an energy-
\nrich food because infants have very high energy requirements.
\nMore than half its calories are from fat. Many different types of
\nfatty acids make up fat, and those that go into infant formula
\nare specifically selected because they are similar to those found
\nin breast milk. These fatty acids help in the development of the
\nbrain and nervous system as well as in meeting your baby's
\ngeneral energy needs. The butterfat naturally found in cow's milk
\nis replaced with certain vegetable oils to provide essential
\nfats.<\/p>\n
Standard cow's milk formulas contain many vitamins, but most
\nare relatively low in iron. Infant formulas are available with
\nand without supplementary iron.<\/p>\n
Iron deficiency is generally not a risk in the first few
\nmonths, but it can occur later in the first year. Many physicians
\nrecommend starting formula-fed infants right off with iron-
\nfortified formula. Others prefer to begin iron supplementation
\nafter a few months.<\/p>\n
Soy-based formula is an alternative for babies with lactose
\nintolerance.<\/p>\n
Lactose is a sugar naturally present in milk. The ability to
\ndigest lactose depends on the presence of an enzyme called
\nlactase. A small percentage of infants are born without the
\nability to digest lactose, the symptoms of which are abdominal
\ncramps, bloating, watery diarrhea and excessive gas if they drink
\nmore than a small amount of milk. For these babies, soy formula
\nis the food of choice.<\/p>\n
Parents sometimes consider switching to soy formula when a
\nbaby has colic, spits up or is fussy. But the truth is some
\nfussiness and irritability is normal for newborns.<\/p>\n
If you choose to give your baby a soy product. Be sure to
\nchoose a soy infant formula, not soy milk. Soy milk is not
\nnutritionally adequate for infants. Some parents will switch from
\ncow's milk because of an allergy to soy-based formula, which is
\nnot the right choice because a large number of infants allergic
\nto cow's milk are also allergic to soy proteins. That is why we
\nhave other kinds of formula, such as protein hydrolysate formula.<\/p>\n
For infants who come from families with a strong history of
\nmilk allergy, an alternative to standard formulas is a special
\ncow's milk formula known as protein hydrolysate formula. Protein
\nhydrolysate formula is less likely to cause allergic reactions
\nbecause the proteins in it have been broken down in a process
\nthat mimics digestion. Unfortunately protein hydrolysate is quite
\nexpensive.<\/p>\n
Cow's milk should never be given to young infants as a
\nsubstitute for breast milk or formula. Although it has about the
\nsame number of calories as breast milk, it has about three times
\nas much sodium and three times as much protein. The protein in
\nthe milk is foreign to the baby and can cross through the
\nimmature, highly permeable intestine into the baby's circulation,
\npotentially leading to allergic conditions.<\/p>\n
Additionally, cow's milk may not contain sufficient fat.
\nInfants have a need for fat. It is especially important for the
\ndeveloping brain and it is an important source of calories.<\/p>\n
Breast milk is still the best choice. Next week we will talk
\nabout how to prepare a water supplement in bottle-feeding.<\/p>",
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