Probiotics in Infant Formula

Probiotics in Infant Formula

August 2nd, 2010 by admin  |  1 Comment

As the science of nutrition advances, there have been many changes to infant formulas aimed at improving them and bringing them closer to the standard set by breast milk for nutrition and immune support. One of the most recent additions to infant formulas are probiotics, which you have probably heard quite a bit of buzz about in the media. The addition of probiotics to formulas improves their ability to support your baby’s immune system, which is one of the areas in which formula is lacking compared the breast milk.

What are Probiotics?

When your baby is born, the digestive system is sterile. This means that there are no bacteria, either good or bad. After your baby passes through the birth canal, however, this changes rapidly. The presence of bacteria in the digestive system is completely normal; however, some bacteria are harmful while others actually help your body to digest food and fight off infections.

Probiotics are the good bacteria that are normally found in your digestive system. They aid in digestion and generally support your baby’s immune system. Because breast milk contains starches that promote the growth of good bacteria, breast fed babies will have an advantage in healthy digestion and general well being. Formula does not provide the same friendly environment for good bacteria to reproduce. Probiotics are bacteria that are added as a supplement to help colonize the digestive system with good bacteria, which will give formula more power to support your baby’s digestive health.

Probiotics in Formula

Although infant formulas containing probiotics have been available in other countries for many years, it is only recently that formulas containing probiotics have become available in the US. These formulas contain a type of probiotic organism that encourages digestive health in babies. Not all formulas contain these bacteria – the label should clearly say that the formula contains probiotics, otherwise it probably doesn’t.

The research on the use of this new type of formula shows good results. Babies fed a formula containing probiotics have a reduction in diarrhea caused by antibiotics and also acute gastroenteritis, which is caused by a stomach virus. Probiotic formula also improves colic and reduces the risk of allergies in the future. Because probiotics help your baby’s digestion, you will likely find that baby experiences less gas and constipation as well.

Should You Choose a Probiotic Formula?

When deciding on a formula for your baby, you should discuss the options with your baby’s doctor. Remember that while the new probiotic formulas are an improvement that brings formula a little closer to providing the same benefits to your baby as breast milk, it is still the official recommendation of the AAP that you breast feed your baby for optimal nutrition.

If you have already decided to use formula, choosing one with probiotics will give your baby a definite advantage. You want your baby to have the best nutrition possible, and if breastfeeding is not an option for you, choose the formula that offers the closest possible imitation of the benefits of breast milk. Your doctor can tell you a lot more about what probiotics can do for you and your family. With these amazing little bacteria currently the focus of a lot of new research, it’s likely that even more benefits to supplementing with probiotics will come to light.

How Much Formula is Enough?

How Much Formula is Enough?

February 19th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

It is very difficult for mother to know how much breast milk a baby is receiving during breastfeeding. However, the volume of infant formula intake is measurable. The estimated intake of infant formula is shown as below:

Birth to 1 Week

Infant who is a week old should normally feed on cue for about 6 to 10 times a day. The amount of infant formula for each feed is about 2 to 3 oz (60-90 ml).

1 week to 1 month

The volume of formula consumed will increase with age. So, infant who is older than 1 week need 3 to 4 oz (90-120 ml) of formula each feed. He should feed in every 3 to 4 hours, which is about 6 to 8 times per day.

1 to 3 Months

The frequency of feeding decreases to 5-6 feed per day when an infant is about 1-3 months old. The intake of formula increases to 4-6 oz (120-180ml) per feed.

3 to 7 Months

A 3-7 month old baby should drink 6-7 oz (180-210ml) of formula each time. He should feed 4-5 times a day.

7 to 12 Months

After 7 months, an infant requires 7-8 oz (210-240 ml) of formula, 3-4 times a day.

Note:
Please take not that the size of a baby and the activity level will affect the actual intake of infant formula. The values provided above are estimated. If you have doubt, please check with your birthing hospital or ask your lactation consultant for advice.

Nutrient Composition of Formula

Nutrient Composition of Formula

February 19th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Comparing the nutrient composition of breast milk, formula and cows milk.

Breast Milk Cow’s Milk-Based Formula Whole Cow’s Milk
Protein 6% 8-9% 20%
Fat 50% 45-50% 50%
Carbohydrates 40-45% 41-43% 30%
Form of Infant Formula

Form of Infant Formula

February 19th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Infant formulas are typically sold in the following form:

  • Powdered concentrate
  • Liquid concentrate
  • Ready-to-use formula

Powdered Concentrate

All types of formula are available in powdered form. The powdered form of infant formulas is the cheapest among all other types of infant formula. Powdered concentrate must be measured and mixed with clean water. Preparing powdered concentrate is not as convenient as liquid and ready-to-use formula. However, the shelf life of powdered form is longer as compare to others. Once open, a tin can be stored up to 1 month.

Liquid Concentrate

The liquid concentrate is relatively more expensive than powdered variety. However, it is easier to measure and mix than the powdered concentrate. The liquid concentrate must be used within 48 hours after it is opened.

Ready-to-use Formula

Ready-to-use formula is the most expensive form of formula. However it does not require mixing and it can be used at anytime. The variety of ready-to-use formula is limited. Only cow’s-milk and soy-based formulas are available in ready-to-use package.

Choosing and Preparing Infant Formula

Choosing and Preparing Infant Formula

February 19th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

If breastfeeding is not the right solution for you and your baby, formula feeding provides baby with all of the nutrients he needs and also allows you to hold your baby and establish the same level of bonding as you would while breastfeeding. To ensure success with formula feeding, first discuss your child’s health and situation with a pediatrician to learn what she recommends.

Cow’s Milk-Based Formula

In the vast majority of situations, doctors prescribe cows milk-based formula for infants. There are both commercial and organic versions of milk based formula and there are differences to consistency and taste between brands. Your baby might prefer one brand to another, but switching formulas should always be done slowly and cautiously to avoid upsetting baby’s digestive system.

Milk based formula is derived from cow’s milk. The cow’s milk is broken down to remove harsh proteins that can harm the baby’s fragile system and many additional nutrients are added to make it as close to breast milk as possible. This is true of all formulas. Despite this, some babies still have trouble digesting cow’s milk-based formula and do better on a different formula.

Soy-Based Formula

Babies that don’t do well with cow’s milk-based formulas often switch to a soy-based formula. This type of formula is derived from soybeans and is dairy free. While soy-based formula can be gentler on the digestive tract for those babies that suffer from lactose intolerance, there is just as much likelihood of allergies with soy products as milk-based ones. Speak to your doctor about soy-based formulas if you think it is right for your child.

Lactose-Free Formulas

There are other formulas that might be suitable for a child with sensitivity to lactose but not a full-fledged milk allergy. Lactose-free formulas are made with cow’s milk proteins, but have the lactose carbohydrate removed and replaced with a carbohydrate that is easier to digest.

Elemental Formulas

Formulas made without milk or soy are created using hydrolysate proteins. This makes it easier to digest for babies with milk and soy allergies. Elemental formulas, like all formulas, are fortified with iron and all required vitamins and nutrients.

Preparing Formula

Once you’ve decided on a formula, you generally have three options of how to prepare it. There is a powdered form which requires you adding a certain amount of water, shaking up the bottle and then feeding it your child. Powered formula is usually the easiest to handle while on the go as it doesn’t require refrigeration. Concentrated formulas also require you to add water and shake to create formula in a bottle. The remainder of the concentrate should then be refrigerated.

Ready-to-use formulas are packaged in bottles much like milk and are ready to be used, as stated in the name. Simply pour the desired amount of formula into a bottle and you are ready for a feeding. There is no measuring involved. The unopened container of formula does not require refrigeration, but it must be refrigerated and used within 48 hours once opened. Ready-to use formula is typically the most expensive option available.

Page 2 of 212