What is added to infant formula to make it better?
The gold standard in feeding newborns and infants for many years has been breast milk. Scientific studies have shown that breastfeeding brings multiple benefits for both the mother and the child. This is all due to the complexity of breast milk composition and its adaptability to the current needs of the infant. It has been demonstrated that breast milk contains precisely 1,606 proteins, so it is estimated that the total number of all components reaches several thousand.
Based on certain standardized norms for the quantity of individual components in human milk and EFSA guidelines, the European Union has prepared regulations specifying the minimum composition for products intended to replace human milk. Although breast milk remains the gold standard for infant nutrition, it is not always available or sufficient. Therefore, scientists and food manufacturers have developed infant formulas that closely mimic its composition and properties.
Current knowledge clearly indicates that proper nutrition plays a key role in prevention and maintaining health, especially in newborns, infants, and children, when the body is most susceptible to shaping the foundations of health and immunity. This is why, in recent years, there has been particular interest in adding biologically active functional ingredients to infant formulas.
These are substances which, in addition to their basic nutritional value, positively influence the health and development of infants. The most commonly used additives include prebiotics, probiotics, unsaturated fatty acids, nucleotides, and bioactive proteins. Their inclusion in infant formula is often a voluntary choice of the manufacturers. In a child’s body, these substances aim, among other things, to support the maturation of the immune system, gut health, and brain development.
DHA is a polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acid obtained from fish oil or microalgae. It is essential for the proper development of the child’s brain and senses (including vision). DHA supports concentration, memory, and the nervous system, which translates into healthy cognitive development and exploration of the world.
ARA is a polyunsaturated Omega-6 fatty acid naturally found in breast milk, which supports brain development and the infant immune system. It functions as a mediator, i.e., a kind of signal transmitter. It is also a precursor of, among others, the phospholipids that build the membranes of all cells in the body, especially in the brain.
GOS are advanced compounds of simple sugars derived from cow’s milk, resembling those naturally occurring in human milk. GOS supports gut health and helps maintain a healthy microbiota. Because they are not digested by the human digestive system but instead by bacteria in the gut, they are also called prebiotics. Thanks to GOS, infants can benefit from better immunity and experience fewer digestive problems.
FOS are oligosaccharides derived from plants, including chicory. They are a type of plant fiber that stimulates the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Good bacteria play a key role in maintaining intestinal balance, supporting both digestive health and the immune system.
HMOs are unique, advanced sugars that occur naturally in breast milk (e.g., 2’-fucosyllactose) and support both gut microbiota and immunity. Their addition to infant formula helps more closely mimic the properties of natural breast milk.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support a child’s digestive health, protecting them from infections and allergies. A properly colonized and diverse gut microbiota is key to a healthy belly and also influences immunity. Scientists have also shown that a healthy gut is critical for proper brain health and development.
Nucleotides are the building blocks of all nucleic acids—DNA and RNA. They occur naturally in breast milk and support the maturation of the gut, the immune system, and cell regeneration. Thanks to nucleotides, infants gain better protection against infections.
MFGM is a unique fraction of mammalian milk fat consisting of a triple lipid layer. It is rich in proteins and fats characteristic of those found in all cell membranes. Naturally present in breast milk, MFGM supports both the child’s cognitive development and immune function.
Lactoferrin is a protein found in breast milk that supports a child’s natural immunity, protecting them from infections. It has proven antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, antifungal, and anticancer properties. It acts like a protective shield, boosting the body’s natural defenses.
This is the most abundant whey protein in human milk, rich in amino acids that support immunity. It possesses antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and mood-enhancing properties. It is easily digestible and tailored to infants’ needs. Additionally, it supports the microbiota and gut health.
Lutein is a natural compound derived from plants that supports vision development and protects the eyes from harmful light. Lutein is also an antioxidant that protects against free radicals and the effects of cellular stress. It helps protect not only vision but also the skin from harmful UV radiation.
L-carnitine is a protein-like compound made up of amino acids. It plays a key role in energy metabolism by aiding in the conversion of fatty acids into energy. Thus, it supports healthy growth and development. It also influences hormone metabolism, including thyroid hormones.
Taurine is a non-protein amino acid that directly affects the digestion of fats. It is also a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator, essential for maintaining the health of the nervous system and proper cognitive functions. Taurine supports the body during intense growth and development while protecting it from the negative effects of oxidative stress and free radicals.
Phospholipids are fundamental components of the cell membranes of all cells in the human body. They are therefore essential for normal growth. In addition, they support the development of the brain and nervous system. Phospholipids provide fluidity to cell membranes, which is crucial for proper intercellular communication and for forming specialized structures (e.g., axons) that transmit signals.
Inositol is a plant-derived compound that supports brain and nervous system development in infants. It has a positive influence on mood, well-being, memory, and muscle function. It helps improve glycemic control and lipid profiles. Additionally, it is a precursor for key messengers in the human body.
The development of infant formulas enriched with biologically active functional ingredients is a fundamental step toward bringing their properties closer to the unique composition of breast milk. The greater the number of these ingredients—such as DHA, prebiotics, lactoferrin, or MFGM—the more health and developmental benefits for the child and the closer the formula is to breast milk.
Unfortunately, as the number of advanced biologically active additives in a formula increases, the cost of production also goes up. Although formulas with richer compositions are more expensive, investing in a higher-quality product can provide an infant with the best support during crucial stages of development.
At Geo-Poland, we incorporate most of the aforementioned functional ingredients into our formulas. We can offer infant formula recipes suited to your marketing and distribution goals, featuring the functional ingredients that provide a strong competitive advantage. Please contact us to learn more.
Disclaimer: The content presented is for educational purposes only and does not constitute expert nutrition advice, nor does it replace individual professional consultation in the field of medicine or related areas. The information contained on our pages is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical or dietary advice.
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