If you look on the back of your infant formula and check the ingredient list, you may come across a few things you may not be aware of.Most European infant formulas have the same basic ingredients. AllBestBrands has put together a simple guide that details these common ingredients so you always know what’s in your child’s diet so you can make the best nutritional decisions.
Whey
European infant formulas and all infant formulas are protein based. The most common are whey protein and casein protein. Whey is a complex protein, or chain of amino acid proteins bound together. Whey is the protein that is in liquid form when milk is coagulated. Try it. It is ideal for infant formula because it is easy on the stomach, retains its liquid state, and is digested faster than casein protein.
Lactose
Lactose is found in both breast milk and infant formula. More specifically, lactose is a large sugar molecule made up of two smaller sugar molecules, glucose and galactose. When lactose enters the body in the form of formula or breast milk, the body breaks it down into smaller components. This allows lactose to be absorbed from the intestine. Most babies tolerate lactose without any problems, but some babies suffer from lactose intolerance or lactose intolerance in the first few months of life. Prebiotics and Probiotics (GOS)
Galacto-oligosaccharides and other organisms, better known as prebiotics and probiotics (GOS), are gastrointestinal boosters. They are often included in European infant formulas to aid in digestive development and reduce digestive complications. They are usually composed of chain sugars from plants. Naturally found in dairy products, root vegetables, and legumes. They nourish the beneficial bacteria that live in the intestines. Probiotics are organisms such as Saccharomyces, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus, but galacto-oligosaccharides as prebiotics.
Power
Starch is found in almost everything we eat, but it’s also a common additive in infant formula. get the most energy. Sugar is also a carbohydrate, but it is sweet. Other forms of starch used in infant formulas provide energy without adding sweetness. Another purpose of the starch in infant formula is to thicken the starch so that it takes longer to digest.
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a food additive commonly found in infant formula. It is popular in infant formulas because it is derived from plant starch and is easy to digest. Maltodextrin is absorbed by the body faster than other types of sugar and is usually tasteless or slightly sweet. keeps you feeling full longer.
Organic palm oil
Palm oil is a healthy source of fat found in many infant formulas. A baby needs a high concentration of healthy fats to support rapid early growth and because breast milk is 50% fat, infant formula provides the same ratio of fatty acids to sustain baby with natural and healthy formula. Palm oil is one of the most commonly used oils, followed by several other healthy oils.
Omega-3 (DHA & ALA Oil)
Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that help promote brain and system development in young children. Most European formulas contain at least 0.2-0.4% DHA fatty acids and 0.35-0.7% ARA fatty acids. Both DHA and ARA are found in breast milk and are associated with higher IQ in young children. Most, if not all, European infant formula brands add his DHA and ARA in the form of omega-3 oils to their infant formulas. Not only does this bring formula closer to breast milk in simulation, but it also supports healthy heart and brain development.
Potassium chloride
This ingredient is found in most infant formulas. A type of salt that is basically a mixture of potassium and chlorine. Not all baby formula brands use this ingredient, but most include it under a variety of names.
Omega 6
Like omega-3s, AA omega-6s are essential for proper brain development in children. Many mothers increase their natural intake of both omega-3 and omega-8 foods during pregnancy. Omega-6 is also found in many infant formulas in both the US and EU. Omega-6s have been shown to reduce the development of many common allergies while reducing the risk of developing asthma.
Soy
Soy may seem like a buzzword used by those looking for an alternative lifestyle.However, soy is a healthy ingredient commonly used in infant formula. Some infants who are sensitive to animal proteins or who may be lactose intolerant may use soy-based formulas instead. You can also consume infant formula from Soy is a plant that is used as a healthy protein source in place of cow or goat milk protein.It is lactose-free and contains a different type of sugar than milk-based infant formulas.
Added vitamins and minerals
The list of possible added vitamins and minerals is quite long, most European infant formulas have added vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. In addition to these basic vitamins, infant formulas often also have added thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), iron, B6, and B12. These vitamins and minerals have been added to support an infant’s immune system, bone growth and development. Exact concentrations and supplements vary by brand and stage of infant formula.
You can find whole assortment of European baby foods that contain these nutritious ingredients in our baby food category here. You can find all big brands sourced from Europe including Kabrita, Hipp, Holle, Topfer, Lebenswert and others!