Page 100 - MHF-FeedingMinds-final.indd
P. 100
Infant Formula 91
Food hypersensitivity same whey-to-casein ratio (20 : 80) as cow’s
milk. The energy content of casein-dominant
Very occasionally, a food that the mother eats can formula is the same as that of whey-dominant
cause an allergic response in the infant. Common formula. There is no evidence to support the
triggers are dairy products, eggs and nuts. If a claim that these formulas are suitable for
mother needs to exclude a whole food group (e.g. hungrier babies but there is some evidence that
milk and dairy products) then she should be they may take longer to empty from the stomach
referred to a registered dietitian for advice to make and infants may therefore feel satisfied for
sure her diet remains adequate in all nutrients, longer (Taitz and Scholey 1989, Billeaud et al.
particularly calcium. 1990).
Infant Formula Overall there is insufficient evidence to suggest
changing from whey- to casein-dominant formula
The standard infant formulas are made from or for switching brands.
skimmed milk powder with added fats and
nutrients to make the composition nutritionally ●● Modified infant formulas for infants with mild
adequate for infants. Formula milks have been digestive problems such as colic have recently
modified as knowledge and technology progresses. been introduced. They contain partially
However, their composition must always comply hydrolysed protein, prebiotics, modified fat and
with strict criteria set by European Union thickeners and are promoted for babies with
regulations, which are updated from time to time minor digestive problems. Some have only
as scientific research advances. Current regulations partially hydrolysed whey protein and no casein
can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/ while others have a 50 : 50 mixture or partially
labellingnutrition/children/formulae_en.htm and hydrolysed whey and casein proteins.
their interpretation for England at www.legislation.
gov.uk/uksi/2007/3521/contents/made. Differences between brands
The EU regulations allow the protein in formula There are four different brands of infant formula in
milks to be from either cow’s milk protein or soya the UK. The formula manufacturers research and
protein. Goat’s milk is not allowed as a source of develop their milk formulas in different ways and
protein as the evidence to support its use that has each company promotes the benefits of their
been presented to the European Food Safety formula to healthcare professionals based on
Authority was considered insufficient. different additions such as nucleotides, prebiotics
and different milk proteins such as alpha-
Choosing an infant formula suitable lactalbumin. However, these differences are
from birth minimal and healthcare professionals cannot
promote one brand over another.
Infant formulas based on cow’s milk
protein Some of the nutrients in typical infant formula
There are three main types of milk-based infant milks are listed in Table 4.1.2. The list of nutrients
formulas: is not complete but the table highlights key
differences between breast milk and different
●● Whey-dominant infant formula: This is often brands of infant formula milks.
labelled with a ‘1’ and is promoted for newborn
babies. The protein has the same whey-to-casein Numbering system
ratio (60 : 40) as mature breast milk.
Any infant formula is nutritionally adequate for
●● Casein-dominant infant formula: This is labelled infants throughout their first year of life. However,
with a ‘2’ in some brands and is promoted as the current labelling on formula milks implies that
suitable for hungrier babies. The protein has the a baby should progress by stages through the
different types of formula milks, with the use of
