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.
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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