Infant Formula
...However, many parents, for any number of reasons, do not choose to breastfeed at birth. And of those who do choose to breastfeed initially, 78% stop doing so by the time their baby is six months of age.1 These families are faced with having to choose an infant formula. Any trip to a local grocery can prove how difficult a task this can be. The questions these parents most likely would ask would be: is one formula better than another? Does brand name matter? Does "new and improved" or "enhanced" formula mean better? Are infant formulas really a safe and nutritious choice for feeding babies?
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulates over forty different brands and types of infant formulas in the United States.2 They can be milk-based, soy-based or protein hydroslysate formula (hypoallergenic).7 They can be a name brand or generic brand. In addition, they can be further broken down into many other categories including formulas with iron or with low iron, lactose-free formulas, nutrient-enhanced formulas, and even formulas for preventing excess spit-up.3 Then, if that isn't enough, there are also ready-made, concentrate and powdered forms!
The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition, despite its strong endorsement for breastfeeding, advocates the use of iron-fortified formulas for non-breastfed babies.6 Due to this recommendation, this paper will cover the reasoning behind this endorsement. In addition, this paper will look at the new enhanced formulas containing the two nutritional fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AHA).
The need for breast milk supplementation is not new. Before the era of modern medicine there were circumstances, just as today, which would prevent a new mom from nursing her baby. It was common then under those circumstance to employ a "wet-nurse."9 A wet-nurse was in fact...
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