Despite warnings from health officials that the benefits of this milk formula are unproven, baby milk products have grown into a billion-dollar global business.
The products are marketed with claims of improving brain development or immune function, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warned in an October 2023 report that toddler formula is “unnecessary and potentially harmful.” Harmful to small children,
“For healthy babies without a specific medical diagnosis, there is no evidence (of) the need or benefit of baby milk,” said Dr. Janelle Ferri, a neonatologist and director of food, nutrition and infant development at Pediatrics Medical Group in Tampa. Florida told Fox News Digital in an interview.
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Despite these warnings, baby milk According to a recent report, there has been a worldwide trade of 20 billion dollars.
“It is disappointing that regulations have not been strengthened, given that package claims and marketing messages suggest that infant milk is beneficial for a child’s healthy development,” says Fran Fleming-Milici, PhD, director of marketing initiatives at the Rudd Center. , or even necessary.” for food policy and health at the University of Connecticut, told Fox News Digital.
According to a recent report, baby milk has become a $20 billion business worldwide, while some say that “for healthy children without a specific medical diagnosis, there is no evidence of the need or benefit of baby milk.” Not there.” (Getty/iStock)
infant formula vs infant milk
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most infants in the US get some or all of their nutrition from formula.
The AAP said in a previous statement that at about 4 to 6 months of age, standard infant formula can be supplemented with appropriate solid foods, ensuring intake of essential nutrients such as iron, calcium and zinc.
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Infant formula is regulated under the Infant Formula Act, which requires that products meet nutritional requirements as the sole source for infants. first 12 months of ageThe statement said.
If an infant drink is intended for infants under 12 months of age, the product must comply with the FDA’s infant formula regulations in addition to all other applicable food regulations, an FDA spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warned in an October 2023 report that toddler formula is “unnecessary and potentially harmful to young children.” However, proponents of the formula think differently. (iStock)
According to previous research reports, there are two different types of infant milk available in the market: transition formula for infants and toddlers aged 9 months to 24 months, and infant milk for children aged 12 months to 36 months. NYU College of Global Public Health,
Experts say that unlike infant formula, baby milk is not packed with nutrition.
“A healthy diet for children will limit excess processed foods, salt and sugar.”
The AAP states that about 80% of baby milks contain more sugar than whole milk and 100% have less protein.
after weaning breast milk or infant formula, Ferry recommends they drink milk and water, with most of their nutrients coming from solid foods.
“A healthy diet for children will limit excess processed foods, salt and sugar,” she said.
regulation of infant milk
“Infant beverage products made for children ages 1 year and older are regulated as conventional foods and must comply with the FDA labeling rules” An FDA spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
“This includes providing nutrition facts labels specifically for children ages 1 to 3.”
When it comes to marketing baby milk, manufacturers must follow certain rules.
According to the FDA, most babies in the US get some or all of their nutrition from formula. (iStock)
“Manufacturers cannot make claims about disease states, but can use language related to symptoms, even if they are not supported by evidence,” he told Fox News Digital in an email.
For example, they can claim that their product is lactose-free — but cannot claim that it is helpful for lactase deficiency, he said.
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An FDA spokesperson said, “Nutrient content claims or health claims are not permitted on food products specifically made for use by infants and children under 2 years of age unless specifically provided by regulation. is done.”
“In general, product labeling must be truthful and not misleading.”
Cross-promotion in marketing and packaging
Some experts warn that infant formula and milk for young children are often marketed and packaged in this manner. inspire parents to believe They are similar in terms of nutritional content.
Fleming-Millisi warned, “Cross-promotion of baby milk with infant formula… allows for formula brands to shift caregivers’ trust to a product that is not regulated, contains added sugar occurs, and is not recommended by the AAP.”
The AAP states that standard infant formula can be supplemented with appropriate solid foods at about 4 to 6 months of age, ensuring intake of essential nutrients such as iron, calcium and zinc. (iStock)
“Research shows that these messages lead caregivers to believe that baby milk is better for their family’s diet than plain cow’s milk – which is much less expensive and is what experts recommend.”
A WHO report states that “marketing of formula milk, not the product, hinders informed decision making and undermines breastfeeding and child health,
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Fleming-Millis’ research found that showing parents educational videos to correct misleading marketing could help reduce sugary drink consumption in a child’s first few years of life.
“Exposure to the video significantly reduced children’s positive attitudes toward milk and fruit drinks and also reduced intentions to serve both,” they told Fox News Digital.
Potential Nutritional Benefits
However, advocates argue that toddler formula is helpful for many young children who do not get the proper nutrients in their diets.
“In general, product labeling must be truthful and not misleading.”
A spokesperson for the Infant Nutrition Council (INCA) told Fox News Digital, “Research shows that nutrient intake for young children often lacks adequate levels of iron, vitamins D and E, calcium, choline, potassium and fiber. becomes less.”
INCA is a Washington, DC-based association of infant formula and infant milk manufacturers that represents brands including Abbott Nutrition, Gerber Products Company, Perrigo Nutritionals and Reckitt Benckiser.
Advocates argue that toddler formula is helpful for many young children who do not get proper nutrients in their diets. (iStock)
An INCA spokesperson said, “For children aged 12 months to 36 months who need nutritional support, children’s nutritional drinks contribute to nutritional intake and potentially bridge nutritional gaps, as Globally recognized in the international Codex Alimentarius standard.”
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when children need extra nutrition Because of a medical condition — such as failure to thrive or intestinal or metabolic disorders — they should receive special liquid nutrition rather than products marketed as baby milk, Ferry said.
A spokesperson for Nestlé, which makes a variety of powdered milk products for children, previously said in response to a Fox News Digital query that the company is “reimagining foods and beverages to support consumers at all stages of life.” Wants to provide a series.”
“National Institutes of Health studies indicate that nutritional deficiencies in the diets of American children are often related to irregular eating habits,” (iStock)
The spokesperson said, “Nestlé has consistent standards that apply to our responsible marketing of products for infants and young children. Those standards and practices fully comply with the WHO (World Health Organization) Code and either We follow local laws or our own policy – whichever is more strict.”
A spokesperson for Similac also provided a statement to Fox News Digital in response to an earlier question.
“National Institutes of Health studies indicate that nutritional deficiencies in the diets of American children are often related to irregular eating habits,” the spokesperson said. “When they don’t do well to switch to table foods, or drink milk, our kids’ drinks contain many of the supplemental nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, that may be missing in their diets.”
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The spokesperson also said, “Toddler drinks may be an option to help meet nutrient deficiencies for these children aged 12 to 36 months. Abbott recommends its Toddler Drink for infants under 12 months Does not recommend or indicate drinking.”
Fox News Digital also contacted other companies that make powdered milk products for children.
Parents of young children should always check with their pediatricians for the best and latest nutrition advice.
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.
