Many families feed formula to their infant in the first year of life as an alternative to human milk. They trust that it will be safe and provide the nutrients their baby needs.
Still, you may have heard about a report that found heavy metals or other contaminants in some baby formula products. There are also new plans to review infant formula ingredients and nutrition.
Here's what parents need to know about contaminants, ingredients and rules to keep baby formula safe.
How do heavy metals or other contaminants get into baby formula?
Heavy metals are found naturally on Earth. Metals and other contaminants are also released as pollution and get into the water and soil used to grow food.
Heavy metals and contaminants are found at some level in nearly all foods. This includes infant formula,
baby food and even breast milk. Exposure to heavy metals and other contaminants from food and in our homes can add up.
High amounts these can harm a child's developing brain. The goal is to keep the level of exposure as low as possible.
Recently, infant formula samples from well-known companies, store brands, startups and imported brands were
tested for contaminants. The samples were tested for
lead, mercury,
arsenic, cadmium, acrylamide, aluminum, bisphenol A (BPA) and
"forever chemicals" (also called "PFAS"). Heavy metals or contaminants were found in 20 out of 41 of the powdered infant formula samples. Fortunately, in the majority of the products tested, the levels remain within safe thresholds.
The American Academy of Pediatrics supports testing for heavy metals to make sure contaminant levels are as low as possible. They also support steps to keep baby formula as safe, nutritious and
affordable as possible.
What ingredients are in infant formula?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires infant formula to have 30 nutrients that growing babies need. It sets minimum amounts for all 30 nutrients and maximum limits for 10 of them.
A lot of research has gone into the balance of nutritional ingredients and other steps to make all
types of infant formula safe and healthy. All infant formula, including imported formula sold in the U.S., must meet these rules to keep formula safe and nutritious.
(Learn why it isn't safe to feed homemade formula to your baby.)
Formula ingredients must provide the same essential nutrients as breastmilk. Having the right amount of these nutrients is important. Here is what to know.
Fat makes up about half of the calories in baby formula—just like breastmilk. Usually, formula contains a blend of oils that provides the right amount of fatty acids. Common ingredients include soy oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, high-oleic safflower or sunflower oils, palm olein oil and coconut oil. These oils are easily digested by your baby and mimic the the fat profile of breast milk as closely as possible.
Carbohydrates in formula provide about 35% to 40% of calories. Common ingredients include lactose (supports normal, beneficial bacterial flora in the gut), corn syrup solids (different than high-fructose corn syrup), sucrose, modified starch and maltodextrins.
Protein makes up about 7% to 12% of the calories in formula. Common protein sources used in baby formula include ingredients from cow, soy and goat milk.
Vitamins and minerals in formula include vitamin A, B12, C, D, E, K, thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin, folic acid, pantothenate, biotin, choline, inositol (sometimes called "B8"), calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, iodine, selenium, sodium, potassium and chloride.
Other ingredients are not required but may be added. Examples include rice starch (a thickener) for reflux, soy fiber for digestion, and probiotics to address
colic symptoms.
There are also ingredients in baby formula to help prevent spoilage.
(See What should I know about recalled baby formula?) Ready-to-feed and concentrated liquid formulas often contain ingredients such as lecithin, carrageenan and mono- and diglycerides to prevent the formula from separating during shelf-life, for example. And there are rules about packaging and storage to keep formula fresh until it is time to feed your baby. (Even with these steps, it's a good idea to check the expiration date and not use formula that has expired.)
Remember
Baby formula has been a healthy source of nutrition for millions of infants. For years, pediatricians, the government and manufacturers have worked to make sure that formula provides the best nutritional value, is safe and is
affordable for all babies.
If you have questions about your baby's formula or want to know how to minimize any possible risks, talk with your pediatrician.
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