My mother found this and I thought others might like to see it. My question is who truly put this together. T. Michelle Ramsey C.B.E. [log in to unmask] --------------------- Forwarded message: Subj: The composition of infant formula similar to breast milk, but not perfect match Date: 96-03-18 20:14:04 EST From: Grandhuney To: JRamsey135 This is the article on formula I told you about: Call me later. Really found some good info today. Love/Huney Copyright 1995 Health ResponseAbility Systems, Inc. The composition of infant formula is similar to breast milk, but it isn't a perfect match. Further, the exact chemical makeup of breast milk is still unknown. Infant formula, however, is increasingly close to breast milk, especially in the area of fatty acids and lipids. More than half the calories in breast milk come from fat, and the same is true for today's infant formulas. This may be alarming to many American adults watching their intake of fat and cholesterol, especially when high saturated fats, such as coconut oil are used in formulas. High saturated fats tend to increase blood cholesterol levels more than other fats or oils. But the low-fat diet recommended for adults doesn't apply to infants. Infants have a very high energy requirement. They have a restricted volume of food that they can digest, and the only way to get the energy density of a food up is to increase the amount of fat. Homemade Isn't Best Homemade formulas based on whole cows' milk don't meet all of an infant's vitamin and mineral needs. The high protein content of cow's milk makes it difficult for an infant to digest and may put a strain on the baby's immature kidneys. Substituting evaporated milk for whole milk may make the formula easier to digest, but it is still nutritionally inadequate when compared to commercially prepared formula. Use of soy drinks as an opposed to formula can actually be life-threatening. Commercially prepared formulas are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as a food for special dietary use. FDA regulations specify exact nutrient level requirements for infant formulas, based on recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. The following nutrients in formulas are regulated: 1. protein 2. fat 3. linoleic acid 4. vitamin A 5. vitamin D 6. vitamin E 7. vitamin K 8. thiamine (vitamin B1) 9. riboflavin (vitamin B2) 10. vitamin B6 11. vitamin B12 12. niacin 13. folic acid 14. pantothenic acid 15. vitamin C 16. calcium 17. phosphorus 18. magnesium 19. iron 20. zinc 21. manganese 22. copper 23. iodine 24. sodium 25. potassium 26. chloride In addition, formulas that are not made with cow's milk must have biotin, choline and inositol added. Formula Choices The most common sources of protein in infant formulas are either cow's milk or soybeans. Soy formulas appear to be as nutritionally sound as milk-based formulas for term infants. Their use is unlikely to expose infants to nutritional risk. There is some question, however, about whether the minerals in soy-based formulas can be used by the infant's body as well as those from cow's milk formula. The specific indication for soy formula is for infants with lactose intolerance. Lactose, also known as milk sugar, is the main carbohydrate in milk. Infants who don't have enough of the enzyme lactase to digest the lactose may suffer from abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, bloating, or cramps. There is no lactose in soy formula. Infants, however, can also be allergic to soy. There are special cow's milk formulas known as protein hydrolysates, which don't cause allergic reactions because the proteins are already broken down. Both milk and soy formulas are available in powder, liquid concentrate, or ready-to-feed forms. The choice usually depends on cost and conenience for the parents. Whatever form is chosen, proper preparation and refrigeration are essential. Opened cans of ready-to-feed and liquid concentrate must be refrigerated and used within the time specified on the can. Once the powder is mixed with water it should also be refrigerated, if it is not used right away. The exact amounts of water recommended on the label must be used. Under-diluted formula can cause problems for the infant's organs and digestive system. Over-diluted formula will not provide adequate nutrition, and the baby may fail to thrive and grow. Warming the formula isn't necessary for proper nutrition. Some babies, however, will refuse cold formula. Vitamin Supplements: Yes or No? The answer is controversial. The American Academy of Pediatrics says "the normal breast-fed infant of the well-nourished mother has not been shown conclusively to need any specific vitamin and mineral supplement." Similarly, there is no evidence that supplements are required for full-term, formula-fed infants nor for the properly nourished normal child. Many physicians recommend supplements, nevertheless--especially for breast-fed infants. The controversy on supplements usually revolves around the following: 1. Iron: Although the amount of iron in breast milk is very low (0.3 milligrams of iron per liter), the infant absorbs almost half. In contrast, while iron-fortified formulas contain 10 to 12 mg per liter, babies absorb only about 4 percent, amounting to about 0.4 mg per liter to 0.5 mg per liter. In either case, those amounts of iron are adequate for the first 4 to 6 months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. In the past, there was concern that iron-fortified formulas could cause gastrointestinal problems such as colic, constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting. But, based on several studies over the last 10 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not believe there is any evidence connecting these problems to iron and recommends that iron-fortified formula be used for all formula-fed infants. 2. Vitamin D: Insufficient vitamin D can cause rickets, a disease that results in softening and bending of the bones. Although the amounts of vitamin D in breast milk are small, rickets is uncommon in the breast-fed term infant. This may be because, like the iron in breast milk, the vitamin D in breast milk is easily absorbed by the baby. Sunlight is important for the formation of vitamin D, but probably as little as a few minutes exposure a day is all the baby needs. Exposure to the whole body isn't necessary, just the arms and face are enough. 3. Fluoride: No one knows for sure if giving fluoride during the first six months of life will result in fewer cavities. Reflecting the uncertainty surrounding fluoride supplements, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting fluoride supplements shortly after birth in breast-fed infants, but also says that waiting up to six months is acceptable. Because there is no fluoride in infant formula, that twofold recommendation also applies when ready-to-feed formula is used or when the water used for powdered or concentrated formula has less than 0.3 parts per million of fluoride. Soy Beverages: Not Complete Formulas Mothers should be aware that soy beverages, sometimes improperly called "soy milk" are not the same as soy-based infant formulas. Unlike true infant formulas, which are nutritionally complete and appropriate for infants, soy beverages are lacking some of the nutrients infants need. Common deficiencies include calcium, niacin, and vitamins D, E and C. Source: FDA Consumer