Standard and Specialized Infant Formulas in Europe: Making, Marketing, and Health Outcomes

Abstract

Infant formulas are the only suitable substitute for human milk. The most common infant formulas are standard formulas based on cow's milk. In addition, there are formulas for infants showing signs and symptoms of intolerance and for clinical conditions such as allergy, prematurity, and gastrointestinal diseases. A comprehensive review of the literature was made to review the composition of standard and specialized infant formulas and analyze indications for use, real or presumed nutrition differences and properties, and impact on infant growth. A brief consideration on costs is outlined for each formula. Over the past few years, industrial production and advertising of infant formulas have increased. Human milk still remains the most complete source of nutrition for infants and should be continued according to the current recommendations. Few differences exist between infant formulas, both for the nutrition action and the macronutrient/micronutrient composition. Specialized infant formulas have limited indications for use and high costs. The role of the pediatrician is crucial in the management of infant nutrition, promotion of breastfeeding, and prescribing of specialized formulas only in specific clinical conditions.

Assessment of Maternal Readiness for Childbirth and Childrearing among Adolescent Mothers in Ghana

“…This finding correlates with a study by [23] in which infant nutrition, especially breastfeeding was problematic for adolescent mothers. Complementary and supplementary feeding of infants is a costly venture [24]. Empowering adolescents by way of education is very important to prepare them towards making healthier choices after delivery.…”

Nutritional, Gastrointestinal and Endo-Metabolic Challenges in the Management of Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1

“…The choice of formulas for enteral nutrition (EN) depends on the age of the child, his metabolic state and the GI function [ 52 ]. For the infusion of formulas through tube, it is suggested to use flavor-free ones.…”

Molecular Approaches for Diagnosis, Therapy and Prevention of Cow’s Milk Allergy

“…Partially hydrolyzed milk formulas (phMF) usually contain whey protein derived-peptides smaller than 5 kDa, they are not considered to be completely hypoallergenic but are more easily digested than whole milk proteins. In contrast, hypoallergenic products are either extensively hydrolyzed milk formulas (ehMF), composed of small peptides <1.5 kDa, or amino acid formulas, consisting of essential and nonessential amino acids, the latter are recommended for infants who do not tolerate ehMF, but are significantly more expensive [83,84]. Milk protein hydrolysates have not only been shown to avoid allergic symptoms in cow’s milk allergic children due to the destruction of IgE epitopes but might also have immunomodulating properties like the induction of T cell tolerance and the prevention of sensitization [85].…”