Baby formula is a food manufactured to support adequate growth of infants under six months of age when fed as a sole source of nutrition. The composition of infant formula is roughly based on a mother's milk at approximately one to three months postpartum. The most commonly used infant formulas contain purified cow's milk whey and casein as a protein source, a blend of vegetable oils as a fat source, lactose as a carbohydrate source, a vitamin-mineral mix, and other ingredients depending on the manufacturer. In addition, there are infant formulas using soya bean as a protein source in place of cow's milk (mostly in the United States and Great Britain) and formulas using protein reduced (hydrolysed) into its component amino acids for infants who are allergic to other proteins. An upswing in breastfeeding has been accompanied by a deferment in the average age of introduction of other foods (such as cow's milk), resulting in increased use of both breastfeeding and infant formula between the ages of 3–12 months.
A 2001 WHO report finds that infant formula prepared in accord with applicable Codex Alimentariusstandards is a nutritionally adequate and safe complementary food and a suitable breast milk substitute. Nonetheless, with few exceptions the WHO report recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life for all babies.
Infant formula is necessarily an imperfect approximation of breast milk because:
- The exact chemical properties of breast milk are still unknown.
- A mother's breast milk changes in response to the feeding habits of her baby and over time, thus adjusting to the infant's individual growth and development.
- Breast milk includes a mother's antibodiesthat help the baby avoid or fight off infections and give his immature immune system the benefit of his mother's immune system that has many years of experience with the germs common in their environment.
Below is a summary of same baby formula products currently on the market.
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Baby Formula
"Infant formula - from birth. Keeps tummies full for longer"
Casein-dominant infant formula with carotene for use from birth onwards. |
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Baby Formula
Novalac Colic formula helps decrease wind and bloating that contribute to colic. For this reason it contains reduced levels of lactose and increased easily digestible carbohydrates. Baby Formula Novalac Colic is not suitable for general use and should be used under medical supervision. |
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Baby Formula
Novalac Constipation formula relieves the discomfort of constipation by producing softer stools which form more frequently and can pass through the body more easily. It contains increased lactose and decreased casein plus increased magnesium and an optimal calcium:phosphorus ratio 2:1 (which helps soften stools). Baby Formula Novalac Constipation is not suitable for general use and should be used under medical supervision. |
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Baby Formula
Novalac Reflux formula can help manage infant reflux by keeping the stomach contents down and protecting the oesophagus from acidity. It is liquid in the bottle, but thickens when it reaches the stomach. Baby Formula Novalac Reflux is not suitable for general use and should be used under medical supervision. |
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