Do all infant formulas have the same composition?

It is beyond question that breastfeeding is best for infants, as human milk contains all important macro- and micronutrients that an infant needs to grow and thrive. Additionally, it provides valuable bioactive substances, pre- and probiotics that support the intestinal microbiota and the still immature immune system.

Infants who are not exclusively breastfed should receive an infant formula (IF). The composition of IF is strictly regulated by law at the European level. But is it true that all IF have the same composition then?

The European regulation defines the required nutrient composition of IF, including the specific quantities in which these nutrients must be present. In addition to the compulsory ingredients, IF could contain optional functional ingredients in varying amounts. So, it is not true that all IF have the same composition.

The enrichment with pre- and probiotics, some of which are also found in human milk, is a popular example for optional functional ingredients. The combination of pre- and probiotics is called synbiotic and serves to support the early microbiome and therefore the immune system development. Valuable prebiotic dietary fibers support the development of positive intestinal microbiota by promoting the growth of beneficial lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. The health effects of different probiotics are strain specific. It is advisable to look out for IF for which the synbiotic combination has been proven to provide clinical benefits and demonstrate long-term safety.

Moreover, an IF should contain a fatty acid composition that closely resembles the fatty acid profile of human milk. Regarding health, IF should have a protein content below 2,0 g/kcal as a higher protein content is associated with an increased risk of obesity later in life.

Furthermore, different forms of micronutrients could lead to a different bioavailability. For example, Metafolin^®* is the natural form of folate that is also found in human milk and has shown to have superior bioavailability compared to folic acid.

* Metafolin^® is a registered Trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany