By Selena Keegan
(NaturalNews) Top baby formula brands sold in stores contain alarmingly high levels of corn syrup and sugar. In light of rising rates of childhood obesity and diabetes, parents need to read labels carefully to protect their children's health.
Consumption of large quantities of sugar and high fructose corn syrup have been linked to behavioral disorders such as ADD as well as other issues such as anxiety, daytime drowsiness and nighttime insomnia.
Feeding your baby sugar and corn syrup also increases your child's risk for a wide spectrum of other health problems ranging from dental cavities to high triglyceride levels to nutritional deficiencies. Even the mainstream medical establishment warns of the dangers of added sugars.
Warnings issued about sugar consumption for children
The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued warnings about the health dangers of children drinking sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas, sweetened fruit drinks and sports drinks (
http://www.aap.org/).
Unfortunately, many parents do not realize that the most store-bought formulas they feed their infants and toddlers may pose the same health risks as a can of soda.
Most baby formula product lines offer options for cow's milk-based formula as well as soy milk for infants with lactose intolerance. Many formulas come in ready-to-feed, liquid concentrate and powdered forms. All the major baby formula brands offer options for all age groups from premature infants through toddlers, choices for children with special medical conditions, and
organic product lines.
The top five ingredients listed for Similac Sensitive Formula for Fussiness and Gas are:
Corn Syrup Solids, Sugar (Sucrose), Milk Protein Isolate, High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil.
Enfamil is a product of Abbott Nutrition, a division of Abbott Laboratories. Enfamil's Soy Toddler formula also lists Corn Syrup Solids as the initial ingredient, followed by Vegetable Oil (Palm Olein, Coconut, Soy and High Oleic Sunflower Oils), Soy Protein Isolate and Calcium Phosphate. Enfamil is produced by Mead Johnson Nutrition, a subsidiary of Mead Johnson & Company, LLC which was spun off from Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2009.
Gerber is owned by Nestle, the candy company which makes Kit Kat bars, and which also owns Jenny Craig. The list of ingredients for Gerber's Good Start Protect Formula: Whey Protein Concentrate (From Cow's Milk, Enzymatically Hydrolyzed, Reduced In Minerals), Vegetable Oils (Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut, And High-Oleic Safflower Or High-Oleic Sunflower), Lactose, Corn Maltodextrin.
Parent's Choice is the Wal-Mart store-brand of baby products. Their Organic Infant Formula contains Organic Reduced Minerals Whey, Organic Non-Fat Milk, Organic Lactose, Organic Corn Syrup Solids, Organic Palm Oil or Palm Olein.
Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula with DHA and ARA has a similar ingredient list (Organic Reduced Minerals Whey, Organic Non-Fat Milk, Organic Lactose, Organic Glucose Syrup Solids, Organic Palm Oil Or Organic Palm Olein).
Nature's One lists the following ingredients in its Dairy Formula: Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Organic Non-Fat Dry Milk, Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Organic Soybean Oil. Nature's One is a privately held company based in Columbus, Ohio.
Take the time to research baby
formulas before feeding your baby. You can learn more about baby formula ingredients, as well as information on formula packaging here:
http://www.organic-baby-resource.com/organic-infant-formula.html and here
http://www.cornucopia.org/2010/04/new-administration-at-usda-steps-up...
Complete lists of ingredients for the products mentioned here can be found at manufacturer's websites:
http://abbottnutrition.com/Products/similac-advance-organic
http://www.enfamil.com/app/iwp/enf10/content.do?dm=enf&id=/Consumer_H...
http://www.parentschoiceformula.com/organic-baby-formula.aspx
http://www.gerber.com/AllStages/products/formula/gerber_good_start_pr...
http://www.earthsbest.com/products/product/2392310040
http://www.naturesone.com/dairy/
Note from the publisher of The Doula Guide blog: This article is reprinted with permission from NaturalNews.com, a Web site about environmental issues. I am not in agreement with all opinions that appear on NaturalNews.com, however I wish to express my appreciation for this informative article on infant formula ingredients. For definitions of corn syrup, maltodextrin, and other sweeteners see http://www.sugar.org/other-sweeteners/other-caloric-sweeteners.html.
So what is the conclusion? What do you recommend parents who have to use formula do?
ReplyDeleteHello, there is not an easy answer to this question. The World Health Organization recommends that milk donated by another mother be used, before using formula. However, there is not a large system of milk banks available to all who need it, especially in the U.S. There does exist a network of people who participate in "informed milk sharing" outside of milk banks. You can read a commentary about milk sharing in the International Breastfeeding Journal here:
Deletehttp://www.internationalbreastfeedingjournal.com/content/6/1/8#B8
My intention in publishing the blog post about ingredients in formula was to encourage parents to read labels. The formulas in the article use sugar, corn syrup or maltodextrin as one of the first 4 ingredients. However, other formulas exist which do not use these ingredients. (I do not have the ingredients of all formulas handy right now, but simply reading labels while in the store can be helpful for anyone.) I know when I needed to use formula at one time, I did not read the ingredients, even though this is something I do for many other foods that I buy for my family.
You could try making your own formula (tricky if you're using a supplemental nursing system, but terrific for bottle-fed babies). Here are some well-established and researched recipes:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.westonaprice.org/childrens-health/recipes-for-homemade-baby-formula#chart
I just want to mention that carbohydrates in the form of lactose, a sugar, constitute 10% of breastmilk. Certainly it's in a form and composition that is more readily assimilated into the digestive system of a small baby, but it's sugar nonetheless. In fact human milk contains more sugar than any other mammal's milk. That is to say, there is a challenge in creating a breastmilk substitute that is palatable for itty babies who are expecting the sweet sweetness of mother's milk (PLEASE don't misconstrue that as a defense for using refined sugar in infant formula, which truly is egregious knowing all we know about nutrition these days...just trying to present the other side).
Thank you for your message, which I do not want to disallow. However, I am not able to endorse nor dispute the recipes for homemade formula, because I am not familiar enough with that practice.
DeleteAnd for children who can't have lactose? Not to mention raw milk should never be given to an infant.
DeleteI would recommend that you look up the ingredients for homemade formula and see for yourself if you could endorse them. It's been established that raw milk produced under clean conditions from healthy animals is NOT a high-risk food, so making a raw milk formula is no different than making yourself a home-cooked meal vs. opening a can of Ensure. I've made it for a friend and it's not hard and tastes good. Also since all of the ingredients are REAL, unprocessed food, it's much more nutritious. Many parents have found that their baby thrives on a raw milk formula, much more so than processed commercial formula.
Deletehttp://farmandranchfreedom.org/raw-milk-is-not-high-risk-food/
Reading that statement makes me wonder what the difference between a no-sugar diet mother and a normal sugar intake (whatever that is) diet mother's breast milk would be. The same for the mammal's milk statement too, how much sugar do other mammals consume compared to humans? big difference.
DeleteHomemade formula may not be safe for baby. Read this: http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/homemadebabyinfantformula.htm#.U4X09Ym9LCQ
DeleteTo the anonymous poster...I had to use formula for both of my children. Before anyone starts judging, yes, I HAD to use formula or my baby would have died. I think the WHO recommends milk sharing over formula because they are the WORLD health organization, and they have to consider all the women without access to clean water with which to mix formula. If I could have milk shared with someone I had known and trusted for a very long time, I would have done it, but a kind stranger who may or may not be screened for a handful of substances didn't cut it for me. I used Nature's One for my first son (who is brilliant, well behaved, has no allergies, no asthma, is hardly ever sick, and is not fat), but the brown rice situation scared everyone so much, it became too difficult to find. For my second baby I used Earth's Best. For the first year, I think it's extremely risky to try to make your own formula, so I wouldn't recommend that. Keep in mind also, that breastmilk too, is loaded with sugar, more so than formula. It's so difficult to have to use formula these days, the judgment is unreal. I hope you're not experiencing too much of that! Good luck with whatever you choose.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the judgment mothers experience when using formula is very troublesome. I too used formula at one point.
DeleteThose who practice "informed milk sharing" are encouraged to use an elaborate screening process. It is my understanding that of the thousands of families who have participated in this process, there have been no reports of babies being harmed by it.
Any infant feeding method other than feeding directly at the breast increases possible risks for babies. Cows whose milk is used for formula are often suffering from infections such as mastitis. I agree that these are burdensome decisions for individual parents to have to make.
Yes, breast milk has sugar, but its naturally made in the mothers milk. Baby formula has High Fructose Corn Syrup which is not a naturally occurring sugar, its chemically made. That reason alone was why I decided to breast feed my daughter.
DeleteAcutally you are in correct. It isn't high fructose corn syrup at all. Enfamil uses corn syrup solids in a few special formulas and that is COMPLETELY different that HFCS.
DeleteYou failed to recognize the difference between high fructose corn syrup and regular corn syrup. Also that this article is not from a reliable source for health information and the studies are not sited. The term ADD is no longer used in practice they use ADHD types 1 or 2 and the disorder is linked to genetics not sweeteners. The suggestion in the comment section of using donated breast milk does not recognize that there are several disorders that do not allow a child to consume breast milk such as galactosemia, PKU or even congenital lactase deficiency like my son and several of his cousins, or an allergy to breast milk resulting in a need for elemental formula. Casual sharing of breast milk is also not advisable for infants with severe allergies and those with a weakened immune system or those with feeding tubes(all of these groups are usually formula fed).
ReplyDeleteThe blog post does contain a link at the end with definitions of HFCS and regular corn syrup.
DeleteHere is the link to the recommendations from the AAP which strongly discourage the use of sugar-sweetened beverages for children:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/120/Supplement_4/S229.full
Hospitals increasingly prefer to use human milk banks for infants with a weakened immune system or feeding tubes, to prevent the hazards of using formula with this population such as necrotizing enterocolitis.
Disorders such as galactosemia and congenital lactase deficiency are extremely rare at 1 in 60,000 babies.
This article was intended for those of us who do have the option of reading labels. It is simply a factual listing of ingredients of widely-marketed brands. I wish I had read labels when I needed to use formula.
Rare does not mean non-existent. My son has CLD like you I said before and so do many people in both mine and my husband's families. Human milk banks are drastically different from casual milk sharing and are VERY expensive. Naso- gastric feeding tubes are compatible with breast milk but gastric feeding tubes for the most part are not for the long term.
DeleteEveryone has the option of reading labels and the sensitive formula you listed for Similac is made for children with a lactose sensitivity and so is the soy like it says in the post. Why not talk about regular Similac or Enfamil which has mostly lactose? These formulas are generally used because a child had a problem with the regular formula and the family has found that the child tolerates them better.
You cannot make a sugar free formula because it has provide the same calories, proteins, fats and sugars as breast milk which by itself is a very fatty, sugary substance and those building blocks are what the human body runs on.
Sensitive and soy formulas are made for babies with a sensitivity to cow's milk protein -- not lactose.
DeleteEven these babies are designed to best digest lactose, not corn syrup or sucrose.
Formulas should be manufactured accordingly. I agree that the options available to families who cannot breastfeed are limited, and this is shameful in a country with so many resources.
Thank you for posting this Ananda. I am certain that it will draw lots of fire from those feeling very defensive about their choices. There are very few women who do not produce enough milk to breastfeed their babies but for some it certainly does take more effort. Though painful, I think it is an important article to read. We all make choices every day about, among many other things, the food we eat and the food we feed our children and it is important for us to make informed choices.
ReplyDeleteDo you really think that lack of supply is the only reason that women use formula? Besides the current estimated rate of women who can't produce enough milk is 5% which is 1 in 20. Plus you add the women who have to work but can't pump enough, plus the women who have had breast surgeries which routinely means they can't produce sufficient milk, plus that doesn't account for the women who's children have a weak suck, won't latch, cleft palates, tongue tie or a number of other physical anomalies that can cause insufficient milk supply. Also you have to add in the women on incompatible medications and who have previous sexual abuse that causes a problem. I'm glad you live in a privileged social class that allows you to stay home and "try harder". The total lack of understanding for actual nutrition, statistics, pathophysiology and just plain old sociology is what bothers me not guilt. Have fun with your privileged life style because I'm done with this crap.
DeletePlease do not continue to leave hostile messages on this blog or all of your comments will be deleted. I can see that you are angry and have had painful experiences. Mothers are not each other's enemies. We can discuss these difficult issues without attacking one another. Thank you for your understanding.
DeleteGreat response here for the overly defensive moms...there are also many underlying problems with not breastfeeding their babies...many include psychological issues...such a pity...thanks for being a great,tactful mediator here!
DeleteJust once I'd love to read a comment by a mom who used formula that doesn't say "and my child is brilliant and healthy, so no harm done." Just once.
ReplyDeleteHi Ananda,
ReplyDeleteI've given my 11 month old Earth's Best Infant Sensitivity formula all her life. I chose the low lactose version because some digestive problems she had, and not due to a lactose intolerance.
She loves it. However, I am about to transition her to cow's milk and I know that she might have a hard time digesting it if her organism became lazy producing lactase IF its an ingredient in a low-lactose formula.
I haven't been able to find whether Earth's Best uses it. It's not on their website either.
Does you or anybody know if this particular brand uses lactase in their Sensitivity formula??
Hi Tatiana,
DeleteI am afraid that question goes beyond my current scope of knowledge. Here is the link to the Earth's Best web site with their phone number:
http://www.earthsbest.com/about-earths-best/contact-us
I encourage you to call and ask!
Thank you! For some reason I always forget that you can actually call them. Hopefully I'll get to speak to a human.
DeleteYou may want to check your sources for top 4 ingredients and use something more recent than Cornucopia 2010. I am finding conflicts with what I see listed online from older sources and what is actually on the back of cans on store shelves.
ReplyDeleteYes, please do read the most current labels when making decisions.
Deletewhat formula would you recommend? I have a 5 month old that has been taking similac sensitive thank you
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing! My recommendation would be to ask your pediatrician for the names of formulas that are suitable for your baby, then read the ingredients to see which formula you feel provides the best balance of ingredients, including sugar.
DeleteAlso, do you know why your baby requires the sensitive formula? There may be different approaches you can take depending on the actual reason for needing sensitive formula.
Here is an article on "Optimizing the Health Of Your Formula-fed Baby" that readers might find helpful:
http://babyreference.com/when-it-has-to-be-formula-optimizing-the-health-of-your-formula-fed-baby/
Good luck and best wishes!