PT Nutricia responds

We refer to the letter from Mary Pugh concerning the composition of Nutrilon Royal. We would like to clarify her remarks as follows:

Nutrilon Royal 1 and 2 contain the same amount of lactose as present in breast milk. A small amount of maltodextrin is added to the formula to provide the right level of energy.

Maltodextrin is derived from cornstarch. In the production process it is broken down to make it easier to digest and to make it suitable for all infants. Glucose syrup is the result of this process. When cornstarch is broken down, various chains of natural sugars are formed, including a small amount of glucose. Therefore, this glucose is not added, but is a result of the process. We would like to emphasize that Nutrilon Royal 1 and 2 do not contain added sucrose.

The vanilla flavor is added to improve the acceptance of the milk. The addition of a vanilla flavor and its declaration in the list of ingredients is in line with the Codex Standard for this type of infant milk and the Indonesian Consumer Protection Law and Government regulation (PP No.69/1999).

We completely agree with you that the development of a "sweet tooth" should be avoided as much as possible. That is exactly why Nutrilon Royal does not contain added sucrose.

CASSANDRA C. KROONENBERG
International Nutrition Manager
Nutricia Baby Food Division
Schiphol The Netherlands