Gmo free baby food
The Best Organic Baby Foods of 2022
Feeding
written by JACLYN VORAN
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It’s time to start your baby on solid foods—congrats! You and your baby have reached a big milestone.
If you’re anything like us, you may feel overwhelmed at where to start. It seems that everyone has an opinion on what’s best for babies when it comes to, well, just about everything—and starting solid foods is no exception.
Whether you’re taking the puree approach, diving straight into baby-led weaning, or some combination of the two, the most important thing is starting your baby off with a healthy and balanced diet. This means a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products (that don’t include milk since the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastmilk or formula until 12 months before offering them whole milk).
With so many baby food options out there today, it’s easy to get confused and to wonder what’s best or if there’s really any difference.
Is Organic Baby Food Actually Better?
Nutritionally, no. When it comes to chemicals and pesticides, yes.
Research does not suggest that organic food provides major nutritional benefits over non-organic food, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). However, organic baby foods may have lower levels of certain pesticides and other chemicals, the AAP says.
The one thing all experts agree on is that offering your baby a wide variety of healthy options, whether they’re organic or not, is what matters most.
When Should I Start Giving My Baby Solids?
Most experts recommend waiting until your baby is 6 months old to start solids.
The AAP advises that you make sure your baby is physically ready for solids—they should be able to hold their head up and sit in a high chair or infant seat with good head control.
Another sign of readiness? They open their mouth when food comes their way or when they watch you eating. They may even reach for your food.
What Kind of Food Should I Give My Baby First?
To prevent choking, it’s best to start babies on soft or pureed food. Initially, you may want to limit foods to a single ingredient at a time for a few days to watch for any reactions before introducing a new one. After a couple months, your baby’s diet should include lots of different types of food, including breastmilk and/or formula, fruits, vegetables, meat, cereal, eggs, and fish.
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GMO Vs.
Non-GMO Infant Formulas: Finding The Best Option For Your BabyOverview
What makes non-GMO formulas different from the ones with GMOs? Are they a safer and healthier choice for your baby?
What Does GMO Mean In Baby Formula?
“GMO” (genetically modified organism) is the term used to describe any animal, plant, or microorganism whose DNA (genetic material) has been altered through genetic engineering. (1)
The purpose of GMOs is to prevent crop loss and improve farmers’ yield because these GMOs are more resistant to diseases, viruses, and insect damage. They’re usually tolerant to herbicides, too, so that farmers can use these chemicals to control weeds without damaging crops. (1)
Is GMO Formula Bad For Babies?
While GMO foods and formulas may have provided consumers with more affordable options, there’s also growing concern about their impact on health.
Dr. Michelle Perro, a California-based pediatrician, recommends choosing organic formulas with non-GMO ingredients for your baby. She said: (2)
“Why not GMOs? There is an alarming rate of childhood disorders now including allergies, autoimmunity, neurological disorders (Autism and ADHD), growth failure, endocrine disruption, etc. There are modifications to the immune function that can take place prenatally and early in life which leads to the above disorders (‘developmental immunotoxicity’).
Increased exposure to environmental toxins during those sensitive times may contribute to the health conditions noted above.”
What Is The Difference Between GMO, Non-GMO, And Organic?
Note that there’s a difference between GMO-free and certified organic foods or baby formulas.
Non-GMO baby formulas or foods are those that are made without GMOs. They can come from organic or regular sources.
That’s why some formulas aren’t organic but are non-GMO. Examples are Similac Pro-Total Comfort and Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease.
Certified organic foods or formulas are all non-GMOs because the use of genetic engineering is prohibited in all organic products. They’re also free from pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals. (3)
High-quality regular formulas can still provide your baby with complete nutrition, but a non-GMO, organic infant formula may offer a healthier alternative.
While they might cost more than traditional formulas, you’re assured that the organic product doesn’t contain chemicals that may affect your baby’s health.
Which Baby Formula Is Non-GMO?
The following are some GMO-free formulas:
HiPP Organic Formula (28.22 oz can: $46.99)
- This European formula contains (prebiotics) galacto-oligosaccharides and (probiotics) Lactobacillus fermentum.
Holle Goat Based Formula (14.12 oz can, case of four: $32.99 each)
- It’s sourced from organic farms that follow the strictest EU standards.
Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers (22 oz can: $36)
- It’s an organic plant-based formula that can provide your toddler with whole food nutrients for natural digestion.
Baby’s Only Organic Pea Protein Formula (12.7 oz can: $14.99)
- This dairy-free product may be the only pea protein formula currently on the market.
Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease (19.5 oz tub: $29.99)
- It has MFGM (milk fat globule membrane) that may support your baby’s cognitive development. (4)
Similac Pro-Advance (20.6 oz tub: $28.99)
- It has the prebiotic 2’-FL HMO (2’-fucosyllactose human milk oligosaccharide), which may support your baby’s developing immune system. (5)
Earth’s Best Soy-Based Infant Formula (23.2 oz tub: $31.96)
- It’s a soy formula with most of its ingredients from organic sources.
Continue reading for details about these non-GMO formulas.
HiPP Dutch Organic Combiotic Infant Milk Formula
Pricing
- 28.22 oz can, case of 10: $42.99 each
- 28.22 oz can, case of six: $45.99 each
Best Features & Safety
- It contains natural ingredients in breast milk: (prebiotics) galacto-oligosaccharides and (probiotics) Lactobacillus Fermentum cultures.
- It’s a European formula sourced from farms that strictly comply with EU standards (European Union) for organic farming.
Ingredients
- Organic whey
- Organic skim milk
- Organic lactose
- Organic vegetable oils (palm, sunflower, or rapeseed oil)
- Organic galacto-oligosaccharides (sourced from organic lactose)
- Whey protein
- Fish oil
- Choline
- Mortierella alpina oil (ARA)
- Hereditum Lactobacillus Fermentum CECT5716 (probiotics)
Nutrition Facts
Each serving of 3.4 oz has the following:
- Total fats: 3.6 g
- Total carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fibers: 0.3 g
- Proteins: 1.25 g
- Vitamin E: 0.7 mg
- Vitamin K: 5.1 mcg
- Iron: 0.5 mg
- Calcium: 51 mg
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): 13.2 mg
- ARA (arachidonic): 13.2 mg
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.06 g
- Omega-6 fatty acids: 0.4 g
Product Recall
In August 2021, Able Groupe recalled this formula and other products from HiPP, plus other European formula brands Bioland, Holle, and Kendamil for: (6)
- Lack of FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) pre-market approval
- Lower iron content than the recommended 1 mg per 100 calories
- Missing the label that indicates the possible need for iron supplementation
These formulas are still safe for consumption, but your baby might need iron supplementation. Consult with your pediatrician.
Pros
- It’s made with minimal manufacturing processes yet has a stable shelf life.
- It has DHA from fish oil.
- It’s free from corn syrup, gluten, soy, peanuts, artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, or other additives.
Cons
- It was recalled in the US. (6)
- Your baby may need iron supplementation if you use this formula.
- It has palm oil which can affect calcium absorption in your baby’s body. (7)
- It contains highly processed vegetable oils, such as rapeseed (canola).
- It can cost more than regular formula brands.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“The HiPP Dutch works so well for my baby.” – Reviewer on Little Bundle.
Negative Reviews
“My son did not do well on this formula.” – Reviewer on Shopper Approved.
Holle Organic Goat Milk Formula
Pricing
- 14. 12 oz can, case of four: $32.99 each
- 14.12 oz can, case of six: $30.99 each
- 14.12 oz can, case of 12: $28.99 each
Best Features & Safety
- It’s a goat formula sourced from farms that follow the strictest EU standards.
- It has smaller proteins than cow’s milk, which may make them easier to digest.
- It can be a gentle formula for babies with sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients
- Organic full cream goat’s milk powder
- Organic lactose
- Organic maltodextrin
- Organic vegetable oils (rapeseed or sunflower oil)
- Microalgae oil
Nutrition Facts
Each serving of 3.4 fl oz has the following:
- Calories: 68 kcal
- Total fats: 3.6 g
- Total carbohydrates: 7.5 g
- Proteins: 1.4 g
- Vitamin E: 1.3 mg
- Iron: 0.67 mg
- Calcium: 60.7 mg
- Linoleic acid: 510 mg
- Choline: 21 mg
- Iodine: 13.6 mcg
Product Recall
It’s among the European formula brand products (HiPP, Holle, Kendamil, and Bioland) recalled in August 2021 for: (6)
- Low iron content
- Failure to meet FDA pre-market requirements
- Incorrect labeling
Consult with your pediatrician before using this formula. It’s generally safe for consumption but your baby might need iron supplementation.
Pros
- It’s free from soy, added sugars, gluten, artificial preservatives, flavors, chemicals, or colors.
- It doesn’t have brown rice syrup or palm olein oil.
- It contains DHA from algae.
Cons
- It has had a recall in the US. (6)
- You may need iron supplements for your little one.
- It may cost more than regular formulas.
- It has vegetable oils and maltodextrin.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“Cured my babies EZCEMA with Holle Goats Milk. ” – Reviewer on Organic Baby Shop.
Negative Reviews
“This product made my baby really sick. He’d throw it all up every time I gave it to him.” – Reviewer on Nursing Angel.
Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers
Pricing
- 22 oz can: $36
- 22 oz can, case of two: $70
- 22 oz can, case of four: $136
Best Features & Safety
- It’s an organic plant-based formula.
- Each serving has 4 mg of iron per 180 calories (that’s 2.22 mg per 100 calories), which is twice the FDA’s minimum requirement of at least 1 mg of iron per 100 calories. (8)
- It’s free from dairy, soy, gluten, and corn syrup.
- It doesn’t use hexane for chemical processing and solvent extraction methods.
- It doesn’t use highly processed ingredients.
Ingredients
- Organic buckwheat flour
- Organic almond butter
- Organic tapioca maltodextrin
- Organic sunflower lecithin
- Organic cane sugar
Nutritional Facts
One serving of 4 fl oz contains the following:
- Calories: 180 calories
- Total fats: 9 g
- Total carbohydrates: 19 g
- Added sugars: 2 g
- Dietary fibers: 2 g
- Proteins: 5 g
- Vitamin A: 145 mcg
- Vitamin C: 4 mg
- Choline: 40 mg
- Iron: 4 mg
- Calcium: 220 mg
Product Recall
- None
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It doesn’t contain corn syrup.
- It’s a plant-based formula that can be suitable for vegetarians.
- It’s sustainably made.
- It can provide your toddler with whole food nutrients for natural digestion.
Cons
- It’s not suitable as baby food or formula during your child’s first year; it’s only for toddlers over a year old.
- According to the company’s website, this formula shouldn’t be used as your toddler’s sole nutrition source. Instead, it’s better to use it with breast milk, cow’s milk (formula), and/or solid foods.
- It contains tree nuts (almonds) and may not be ideal for kids with nut allergies.
- It may be prone to clumping.
- It has added sugars and maltodextrin.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“My grand daughter cannot drink milk but she loves shakes made with Else and I love the extra nutrition she gets everyday from this.” – Reviewer on Else Nutrition’s website.
Negative Reviews
“This product taste disgusting! my baby does not like and she starting to gag. I spent a lot of money for a chemical product.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Baby’s Only Organic Pea Protein Formula
Pricing
- 12.7 oz can: $14.99
- 12.7 oz can, pack of six cans: $89.94
- 12.7 oz can, pack of 12 cans: $179.88
Best Features & Safety
- It may be the only pea protein-based formula currently on the market.
- It’s free from soy proteins, dairy, and gluten.
- This plant-based formula can be suitable for Kosher diets and vegetarians.
- It contains essential fatty acids that may promote brain structure and eye development.
Ingredients
- Organic pea protein concentrate
- Organic brown rice syrup
- Organic high oleic oil (sunflower or safflower)
- Organic canola oil
- Organic linoleic sunflower oil
- Organic sunflower lecithin
- Organic coconut oil
Nutritional Facts
Each serving of 4 fl oz contains:
- Calories: 80 calories
- Total fats: 4 g
- Total carbohydrates: 9 g
- Proteins: 2 g
- Vitamin A: 70 mcg
- Vitamin D: 1. 3 mcg
- Vitamin K: 7 mcg
- Choline: 10 mg
- Vitamin E: 1.1 mg
- Iron: 1.4 mg
- Calcium: 90 mg
- Potassium: 110 mg
Product Recall
- None
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It may be ideal if your child has food allergies or intolerance to dairy, gluten, wheat, soy, corn proteins, or tree nuts.
- It’s OU-certified Kosher.
- It’s free from insecticides, pesticides, or weed-killer glyphosate.
- It doesn’t contain DHA extracted with toxic chemicals that can damage the brain.
- It’s free from glucose or corn syrups as sweeteners.
- It doesn’t contain palm olein oil.
Cons
- It’s only for kids over one year old.
- According to their website, pea protein-based formulas haven’t been commercially approved for formula feeding. Still, the formulation meets all the nutrient composition requirements set by the U.S. Infant Formula Act and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics).
- It has brown rice syrup, a processed sweetener.
- It also contains vegetable oils, including canola oil.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“I started this formula when my son was 4months old and it has been great he loves it and… I love that the ingredients has most the nutrients needed for development without having harsh chemicals or dairy products!!!” – Reviewer on Nature’s One.
Negative Reviews
“My baby didn’t do well he had a skin reaction.” – Reviewer on Nature’s One.
Enfamil Gentlease NeuroPro Baby Formula
Price
- 19.5 oz tub: $29.99
- 19.5 oz tub, case of four: $116.99
Best Features & Safety
- It contains smaller, easy-to-digest proteins.
- It contains MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), a breast milk component that can support your baby’s cognitive development. (4)
Ingredients
- Corn syrup solids
- Partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk
- Whey protein-lipid concentrate (from milk)
- Vegetable oils (palm olein, soy, coconut, and high oleic sunflower oils)
- Mortierella alpina oil (ARA source)
- Schizochytrium Sp. oil (DHA source)
Nutrition Facts
Each serving of 5 fl oz contains the following nutrients:
- Calories: 100 calories
- Total fats: 5.3 g
- Total carbohydrates: 10.8 g
- Added sugars: 0 g
- Proteins: 2.3 g
- Vitamin E: 2 IU
- Vitamin K: 9 mcg
- Iron: 1.8 mg
- Calcium: 82 mg
- Linoleic acid: 780 mg
- Choline: 24 mg
Product Recall
- None
Pros
- The proteins are smaller, which can make this formula easier to digest.
- It can be ideal for sensitive tummies.
- It has a thinner consistency and may make it dissolve more easily.
Cons
- It contains palm olein oil, other vegetable oils, and corn syrup.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“The only formula that is gentle on my babies stomach.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Negative Reviews
“This formula gives my baby bad constipation and horrible foul gas. ” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Similac Pro-Advance
Price
- 20.6 oz tub, one tub: $28.99
Best Features & Safety
- It contains the prebiotic 2’-FL HMO (2’-fucosyllactose human milk oligosaccharide), which can support your baby’s developing immune system. (5)
- It contains OptiGRO, Similac’s special blend of vitamin E, DHA, and lutein which may help with brain development and eye health. (9)(10)
Ingredients
- Nonfat milk
- High oleic safflower oil
- Whey protein concentrate
- Soy oil
- Coconut oil
- Short-chain fructooligosaccharides
- 2’-FL HMO
- Lutein
- Crypthecodinium cohnii oil (DHA)
- Mortierella alpina oil (ARA)
Nutrition Facts
Each serving of 5 fl oz contains:
- Calories: 100 calories
- Total fats: 5.6 g
- Total carbohydrates: 10.5 g
- Proteins: 2.07 g
- Vitamin E: 1.5 IU
- Iron: 1. 8 mg
- Calcium: 78 mg
- Linoleic acid: 1,000 mg
- Choline: 24 mg
- Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
- None
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It doesn’t have artificial growth hormones.
- It contains DHA and ARA.
- There’s no palm olein oil.
Cons
- It contains highly processed vegetable oils.
- It has soy oil. While highly processed soy oil isn’t an allergen, you might choose not to include any soy ingredient in your child’s diet. (11)
- It may cause constipation.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“My grandbaby is using this and she is doing great! Gaining weight, less fuss, better sleep, and not constipated.” – Reviewer on Similac’s website.
Negative Reviews
“Switched baby from advanced to this pro advance and that’s when problems started. He was restless, crying, gassy and inconsolable. He began to sleep less at night. ” – Reviewer on Similac’s website.
Earth’s Best Non-GMO Soy-Based Infant Formula
Price
- 23.2 oz tub: $31.96
Best Features & Safety
- It’s a soy formula that may be suitable for lactose intolerance.
- It’s a plant-based infant formula that meets FDA requirements for complete nutrition.
- Most of this formula’s ingredients come from organic sources.
- It has DHA from algal oil.
Ingredients
- Organic corn syrup solids
- Organic palm olein or palm oil
- Soy proteins
- Organic soy oil
- Organic coconut oil
- Organic high oleic (safflower or sunflower) oil
- Mortierella alpina oil (ARA source)
- DHA algal oil (schizochytrium)
Nutrition Facts
Each serving of 5 fl oz contains:
- Calories: 100 calories
- Total carbohydrates: 10.6 g
- Total fats: 5.3 g
- Total carbohydrates: 10.6 g
- Proteins: 2. 5 g
- Vitamin A: 300 IU
- Vitamin B6: 60 mcg
- Vitamin C: 12 mg
- Vitamin D: 60 IU
- Iron: 1.8 mg
- Calcium: 105 mg
- Linoleic acid: 750 mg
- Choline: 24 mg
Product Recall
- None
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It has ARA and DHA for your child’s eye health and brain development. (9)
- It’s Kosher certified.
Cons
- It doesn’t contain dairy ingredients but is manufactured in dairy equipment that may increase the risk of cross-contamination.
- It also has soy oil.
- It contains corn syrup and palm olein oil.
- It also has vegetable oils.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“This one isnt harsh on her stomach, she doesnt spit up, shes not gassy.” – Reviewer on Earth’s Best website.
Negative Reviews
“The ingredients in this formula are stellar but unfortunately our little gal did not love it. ” – Reviewer on Earth’s Best website.
Summary & Recommendation
These GMO-free formulas have different pros and cons. You can pick the best one, depending on what you want for your baby.
Choose:
- HiPP Organic Formula – if you prefer a European formula with a combination of prebiotics and probiotics.
- Holle Goat Based Formula – if you prefer goat formula sourced from organic farms that follow the strictest EU standards.
- Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers – if you’re looking for an organic plant-based formula that may provide your toddler with whole food nutrients for natural digestion.
- Baby’s Only Organic Pea Protein Formula – if you want your baby to try a dairy-free product made from pea protein formula.
- Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease – if you prefer a formula with MFGM to support your baby’s cognitive development. (4)
- Similac Pro-Advance – if you prefer a formula with the prebiotic 2’-FL HMO to support your baby’s developing immune system. (5)
- Earth’s Best Non-GMO Soy-Based Infant Formula – if you prefer an organic soy formula.
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/how-gmo-crops-impact-our-world
(2) https://www.greenamerica.org/blog/downsides-gmo-infant-formula-we-asked-pediatrician
(3) https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2013/05/17/organic-101-can-gmos-be-used-organic-products
(4) https://bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12887-020-02087-9
(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6213476/
(6)
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/able-groupe-recalling-products-labeled-infant-formula-formulas-have-insufficient-iron-levels
(7) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16582027/
(8) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=107.100
(9) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10479465/
(10) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164534/
(11) https://www. kidswithfoodallergies.org/soy-allergy.aspx
How to choose baby food without GMOs
— Anastasia Ivanovna, what are GMOs in baby food and why are they needed?
— In genetically modified organisms (abbreviated as GMOs), genetic information is changed in a special way - certain genes are included or excluded. As a result of genetic engineering, living objects are obtained that do not exist in nature. Mostly we are talking about plants and animals. The World Health Organization defines GMOs as all organisms in which the DNA has been altered. nine0005
The goals of genetic engineering were originally good - growing new varieties of cereals and vegetables that will be stored for a long time or look good, contain more vitamins.
Since June 2016, there has been a ban on the production and cultivation of genetically modified foods in Russia, and the import of GMOs from other countries has also been banned.
— Why are GMOs scary and are mixtures, purees and cereals with GMOs dangerous for children?
- Gene modification is confused with a gene mutation, which everyone is afraid of as changes in the cells of the body at the genetic level. Therefore, all infant formulas, cereals, mashed potatoes with GMOs are considered dangerous and they try to limit or exclude their use. No one will risk the health of children.
Parents also fear that GMOs will cause allergies or gastrointestinal problems. Essentially, any food can be an allergen, and whether an allergy would correlate with GMOs is not always clear. Digestive problems in babies are more related to the diet and day. nine0005
Myth 1. Genetically modified foods are everywhere.
— Genetic engineering is a rather expensive process, which is more often used for medical purposes, molecular genetics. If there were GMO products on sale, they would be labeled. In addition, Rospotrebnadzor regularly examines product samples, and you can be calm about baby food.
Myth 2. If you eat a lot of genetically modified food, you will become a mutant. nine0023
— Not all GM foods affect our body. If you believe this myth, then any potato or cucumber can give a mutation.
Myth 3. GMOs are poison, and non-GMOs are healthy.
Also delusion. On the one hand, genetic modification is confused with mutation, on the other hand, the intrigues of advertisers and marketing tricks are tangible.
Myth 4. GMO causes infertility, cancer, allergies.
nine0005- An allergic reaction can be to any product. However, food is not considered a factor that may or may not affect the development of cancerous tumors. The WHO website lists more than 160 causes of cancer, and none of them are related to food. There are no GMOs either.
- Soybeans, rapeseed, corn, wheat are some of the most popular modified plants, and are often used in baby food. What "modified" ingredients should be avoided? nine0004
- It is undesirable to abuse cereals that contain a lot of starch. It is not only harmful to the undeveloped enzymatic system of the child, but also gives an insulin response. Starch is also often used as a thickening preservative in baby purees.
Soy is rarely found in baby formulas, and you can be sure about products for babies from 0 to 3 years old. A conscientious producer will add regular soybeans instead of genetically modified soybeans. The same with corn. nine0005
Despite the fact that we have secured ourselves by a ban on the import of products with GMOs, when ordering online from abroad, there is a risk of purchasing baby food with GMOs that is not certified in Russia.
MAMAKO ® Goat Milk Non-GMO Baby Food also does not contain starch, rapeseed or palm oil. Links to a wide range of products:
- Non-GMO infant formula
- non-GMO baby cereals
- non-GMO baby cream soups
- non-GMO baby puree with cottage cheese and fruit
MAMAKO ® ORGANIC cereals are a combination of organic cereals and fruits and 32% ORGANIC farm goat milk.
— What to look for when choosing baby food: what should not be in infant formula, and what labels can alert?
- All components of baby food should be natural and understandable to mom, and a product with unknown ingredients should be immediately returned to the shelf . Moisture-retaining ingredients, vegetable fats, and many other food ingredients can be dangerous.
- Among the E-additives there are few natural ingredients, for example, E260 - citric acid, E300 - ascorbic acid, E290 - carbon dioxide. It is necessary to be afraid of synthetic additives among preservatives and thickeners, because they affect digestion, the occurrence of allergies. For children, the most dangerous food additive E270 is lactic acid, which must be avoided. nine0062
- Flavors that are identical to natural, they only talk about imitation of natural ingredients, but in fact they are artificial ingredients.
- Carcinogenic additives, additives that can harm the stomach, lead to skin diseases, cause intestinal disorders, and pressure changes are prohibited in the Russian Federation.
- Is organic baby food different from "bio" products?
- A product made from pure agricultural raw materials is called organic. To do this, plants are grown without fertilizers and growth stimulants, and free-range, stress-free keeping and growing without hormones and antibiotics are provided for animals. At the same time, the ecological situation cannot guarantee an organic approach to cultivation, and the concept of "environmentally friendly production" is often confused with "natural product". nine0005
Prefixes bio - in bio-potatoes, bio-kefir - will have different meanings. In fermented milk products, such marking means the presence of not only beneficial fungi, but also live bacteria. This is another category of product with additives. Some of them are needed to give the product certain properties so that it looks good, stored for a long time - and they are not very useful; others are beneficial - for example, products of the 0-3 year category are fortified.
— Is it possible to completely avoid GMOs by switching a child to homemade natural baby food? nine0004
- No matter how sad it may sound, no one is immune from anything. When a mother cooks at home, she cannot be one hundred percent sure of the quality of the products. Both gastroenterologists and allergists tend to this. Even garden-grown potatoes can be overfed with fertilizer. The same goes for complementary foods - you can spend time cooking, but not get sure that the child eats really high-quality food, including without the intervention of genetic engineering. nine0005
The topic of GMOs is controversial, especially in baby food, because genetic modification of crops is often confused with gene mutation. Some argue that such products should not be eaten, while others, on the contrary, say that they do not affect health. Therefore, the issue of genetically modified food should be approached carefully and given to the child industrial baby food marked “GMO-free”.
* Breast milk is the best food for babies. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child's life and continued breastfeeding after complementary foods are introduced until the age of 2 years. Before introducing new products into the baby's diet, you should consult with a specialist. The material is for informational purposes and cannot replace the advice of a healthcare professional. For feeding children from birth. The product is certified. nine0074
Palm oil-free, non-GMO infant formula
01/01/1970 Rassadina Zinaida Vladimirovna
Articles
Mixtures without palm oil
The main goal of the creators of adapted infant formulas is to obtain a product that is as close as possible in composition to mother's breast milk. All components and minerals are selected taking into account their need for babies of different ages (mixtures of stages 1,2,3). nine0005 The main goal of the creators of adapted infant formulas is to obtain a product that is as close as possible in composition to mother's breast milk. All components and minerals are selected taking into account their need for feeding babies of different ages (mixtures of stages 1,2,3). One such important ingredient is palm oil. However, every mother has heard more than once that milk formulas without palm oil are useful for newborns. How to be, and how to choose the right food for a baby on artificial feeding? Let's take a closer look. nine0005
Palm oil in infant formula - harm or benefit?
Palm oil is extracted from the fruits of the oil palm tree, it has a reddish tint and a specific smell. The use of such oil for food is allowed in all countries of the world.
In baby food, such a component is used as a substitute for the fat component of breast milk, since only it contains palmitic acid, which is indispensable for the child's body. To make a mixture with a composition that is extremely identical to breast milk, the content of palmitic acid should be about 20-24%. nine0005
However, the addition of pure palm oil to infant formulas can result in serious health problems for the baby:
- a significant decrease in calcium absorption (by 15-20%), which leads to bone fragility, growth retardation, rickets;
- pure oil contains an excessive amount of saturated fatty acids, the use of which threatens to gain excess body weight, and hence problems in the functioning of the cardiovascular system; nine0061 The use of pure oil in infant formula for infants up to one year old can lead to increased stool density and, consequently, to problems in the digestive tract.
Why is such a useful palmitic acid in breast milk has such a negative effect, being in the composition of palm oil? The differences lie in the location of palmitic acid on the fat molecule:
- in the composition of the oil, it has a lateral location and therefore is easily accessible for digestion, as a result of which it binds calcium, which is part of baby food, creating insoluble salt formations that are not available for absorption in the intestine, resulting in increased stool density; nine0062
- in the breast milk molecule, palmitic acid is in the middle, therefore it is not available for digestion, lipase does not act on it, therefore it is absorbed in the intestine in its original form.
There is a way out! Children's dry adapted mixtures with palm olein.
Materna creates high-quality formulas for babies from birth with the addition of one of the beneficial fractions of palm oil fats - palm olein. The position of palmitic acid in the composition of olein is changed and as close as possible to the breast milk molecule. Palm olein has a lower melting point - 20-24 degrees, while at the initial stage of the melting process, the content of solid fats does not exceed 9%.
The properties of palm olein can be compared with the beneficial properties of olive oil, it is absorbed much better than the milk fat of cow and goat milk; is a source of carotenoids.
In a balanced amount, palm olein in baby food contributes to:
- lowering blood cholesterol levels;
- prevention of cardiovascular disease;
- saturation of the child's body with fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins - A, D, E, K; nine0062
- harmonious flow of energy generation processes;
- building hormones and cell membranes.
Materna Palm Oil Free Infant Formula is the best choice for your baby's healthy and digestive comfort. Materna infant formulas contain only palm olein, which makes the formula as close as possible to mother's breast milk. This food is suitable for babies and toddlers up to two years.