We often hear from advertisements and baby food sellers that organic baby formulas are the most beneficial for infants and toddlers, natural, and closely resemble breast milk. Can we truly believe what they say? Are there scientific studies that confirm it? Let’s find out. And to do that, first of all, we need to look into the ingredients of organic baby formulas. The nutritional content of infant formulas is extremely important – you have to know what your precious little one eats to be certain he/she is getting everything he/she needs for healthy development.

Every baby formula’s composition includes protein (animal or plant protein), fats (various fatty acids), carbs (carbohydrates, such as lactose, glucose, maltodextrin, glucose syrup, starch, etc), and vitamins + minerals (a wide number of them – vitamin A, B1, B6, B12, C, K1, E, zinc, iron, copper, selenium, manganese, iodine, and so on). Each of these ingredients is essential for a baby’s health and plays a role in the normal development of different systems in a child’s body.

Common ingredients of organic baby formula

Among the main useful ingredients of organic formula are:

• polyunsaturated fatty acid DHA (Omega-3);
• probiotics and prebiotics;
• iron;
• soy.

Each of these ingredients is extremely useful for a baby’s health. They help your little one grow and develop properly. Besides, organic infant and toddler formulas are free of such dangerous substances as hormones, antibiotics, remains of herbicides and pesticides from animal feed, and similar components that can often be found in non-organic baby foods. Certified organic formulas are produced according to strict rules of the organic farming and baby food industry, so when you buy organic infant formula, you can be sure that your child gets only the best and safest nutrition.

Let’s take a closer look at the mentioned ingredients and their influence on your baby’s health.

DHA (Omega-3) – encourages nervous system development and normal development of the retina. The polyunsaturated fatty acid DHA has been an obligatory ingredient of baby formulas in Europe since 2020, when the European Commission has established it as a mandatory ingredient of any formula in the EU. Although, for American baby foods, DHA is not required. So, some parents in the US specifically buy european baby formula because it contains this particular fatty acid. Multiple studies show that babies who get adequate amounts of DHA during the first months of life have a healthier, normally developed nervous system.

Probiotics and prebiotics – improve gut health and immunity. These components of baby formula are very important for the normal development of the digestive and immune systems. Many stomach problems in babies and even adults are caused by the lack of healthy microflora. The proper probiotics and prebiotics from infant formulas ensure a baby’s gut health and high immunity.

Iron – supports neurological development. Iron is an essential element for a baby’s health. It helps with the neurological development of children. Infants should get 4-8 mg of iron from baby food, while premature-born babies and infants with low birth weights may need larger amounts of this element. For toddlers, it’s recommended to add iron-rich products to their ratio.

Soy – source of protein, fiber, and Omega-3. This ingredient is rather debatable among parents, but it is a good source of protein, fiber, and Omega-3 fats. Baby formulas that include soy usually contain isoflavones, similar to the hormone estrogen, but there is no proof that it can be somehow dangerous for a baby.

Conclusion

Organic baby formulas are created using multiple recent research and scientific studies to provide infants and toddlers with only the best nutrition. The ingredients of organic baby foods, especially European baby formulas (manufactured according to strict EU standards and prescripts), are as natural as possible and as beneficial for a baby’s health as possible. Formulas of different brands differ in composition, so it’s important to pick the right infant or toddler food for your little champ. In case you’re not sure if a certain formula will suit your baby’s needs, consult a pediatrician or nutrition specialist, and they’ll help you choose the best option.