What is Infant Formula made of?
All infant formulas have a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats that have been processed to be easily digested and to help babies grow and develop. The proteins in infant formulas are from one of 3 sources: Cow’s milk, Soy-based protein and protein hydrolysate (the proteins are broken down and easier to digest for babies who are allergic to cow’s milk formula). Infant formulas based on goat’s milk are not recommended as they have been shown to be deficient in some vitamins and nutrients and have the same likelihood of allergy as cow’s milk. In the first year of life, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that when not breastfeeding, babies use infant formulas and not milk from the carton, pasteurized or evaporated milk, or soy milk as a substitute. They do not have the necessary vitamins and nutrients that are necessary for babies to grow and develop normally.
