A recent study from the University of Kansas has shed light on a concerning issue with infant formulas available on the U.S. market. The study, published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, revealed that most infant formulas in the U.S. contain primarily added sugars instead of the naturally occurring lactose found in cow-milk base. This poses a significant risk to the health and development of infants, as added sugars are not recommended for children under the age of 2.
Lead author Audrey Rips-Goodwin, along with senior author Tera Fazzino, conducted an analysis of 73 infant formulas and found that only five of them contained a high proportion of naturally occurring lactose, which is closest to human breast milk. The rest of the formulas contained mostly added sugars, such as corn syrup solids, fructose, and glucose. This is especially concerning because the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the sources of carbohydrates in infant formulas, allowing formula companies to use any type of carbohydrate, including added sugars.
The consumption of added sugars in infant formula can lead to a preference for sweet tastes, which may result in overfeeding and an increased risk of obesity and related health problems later in life. The lack of regulation and labeling requirements for sugar content in infant formula makes it difficult for parents to make informed choices about the best nutrition for their babies.
While breast milk is universally recommended as the best option for infant health, not all mothers are able to breastfeed due to various reasons, such as low milk supply, difficulty latching, or medical conditions. Societal barriers, such as the lack of parental leave and support for breastfeeding mothers, make it challenging for many parents to provide breast milk to their infants.
With limited resources for breastfeeding and a market full of formulas containing added sugars, parents are left in a difficult position when it comes to providing the best nutrition for their babies. The study highlights the need for more regulatory oversight and support for breastfeeding mothers to ensure the health and well-being of infants.
The findings of this study emphasize the importance of making informed choices about infant nutrition and the need for structural support for breastfeeding mothers. By raising awareness about the issue of added sugars in infant formulas, parents can make better decisions for their babies’ health and development.
