This article will highlight a few of the main ingredients to watch out for in baby formula. Read on to learn about Carrageenan, Palm oil, High-oleic safflower oil, Tran’s fats, and other ingredients to avoid. It will also give you an idea of which ones you should avoid altogether. Listed below are some common examples of ingredients to look out for. In addition to avoiding these, you should also avoid products containing ethyl alcohol, hydrogenated oils, or MSG.
Carrageenan
The first sign of trouble with this ingredient is its occurrence in infant formulas. While carrageenan is used to thicken and stabilize liquids, it is also a known allergen. It can affect the development of the eyes and brain, but some recent research suggests babies do not convert much of it from dietary linoleic acid. It is also known to interfere with the bacterial environment in the gut and cause inflammation. In recent years, the FAO and WHO expert committee on food additives concluded that carrageenan should not be included in infant formulas.
The chemical compound is yellowish-green in color and is practically odorless. Carrageenan is extracted from seaweed and dried into a powder. It has a CAS number of 9062-07-1, and the EINECS number of l-carrageenan is 232-953-5. The chemical composition of carrageenan is the same for all three types: i-carrageenan and k-carrageenan.
Palm oil
It may come as a surprise to some people, but palm oil is a common ingredient in baby formula. This oil is found in many household products. This article discusses the effects it may have on the health of your child and the environment. Read on to find out more about palm oil and its uses. Listed below are some of its benefits and disadvantages. And keep in mind that palm oil is also used for animal feed.
One of the most common concerns with palm oil is its environmental impact. Much of the palm oil produced in the world is grown with methods that damage ecosystems. Fortunately, many well-known companies have made a conscious choice to use socially-responsible organic palm oil, which is free of pesticides and produced in an environmentally-friendly manner. It is a popular Organic’s Best ingredient in baby formula, but it’s not the only place you should worry.
High-oleic safflower oil
The nonsaponifiable lipids found in safflower oil include tocopherols, carotenoids, and phytosterols. Traditional safflower oil contains about 250 mg tocopherol per gram. High-oleic safflower oil contains more than three times that amount. Studies have shown that safflower oil contains between nine and forty percent tocopherols.
In a study of infant formula, high-oleic safflower extract increased the ratio of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It also improved absorption compared to other forms of fats, including all-vegetable fat blends. However, the positions of fatty acids in high-oleic safflower oil and other vegetable oils are different from those found in human milk. In human milk, palmitic acid occupies the Sn-1 and Sn-3 positions, while in safflower oil, it’s at the Sn-2 position.
Fats
New research suggests that breast milk may contain high levels of fats, depending on the mother’s diet. Understanding the trans-fat content of breast milk can help nutritionists make accurate recommendations for mothers. Likewise, if mothers consume high amounts of fats while breastfeeding, they are more likely to have high percentages of body fat later on. Researchers studied three groups of mothers: mothers who breastfed exclusively, mothers who used formula, and mothers who mixed breast milk with formula.
There are several options for reducing the amount of fat in baby formula. First, consumers can choose to buy products that are lower in trans-fat or do not contain it at all. Manufacturers can also reduce the amount of fat in their products. This way, parents can choose products that are low in trans-fat and still provide their children with the nutrients they need. For more information, consult the Center for Food Safety. If you’re unsure, check the Nutrition Information Inquiry System and select the product with the lowest content.
High-oleic sunflower oil
When choosing a high-oleic sunflower oil for your baby’s formula, be sure to read the label. Many high-oleic oils are derived from cheap and highly processed sources. These oils contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which are highly inflammatory. While these oils are not harmful for your baby, you may want to limit their use in your baby’s diet. Here’s why.
If you’re introducing sunflower seeds to your baby, choose unroasted seeds if you can. Raw seeds are lower in sodium than roasted ones. Also, remember that whole sunflower seeds are a choking hazard for young children. Make sure that your baby can reach the nuts before introducing them to sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds, like peanuts, can splinter and break when ingested.
Prebiotics
It is difficult to know which types of prebiotics and probiotics are best for your baby. Thankfully, most baby formula manufacturers list their ingredients on the label, and all are relatively safe for your infant. But there are a few things you should know about prebiotics and probiotics in baby formula. These beneficial bacteria support healthy intestinal growth and immune system development. Here are the advantages of prebiotics in baby formula.
Conclusion
The best prebiotics to add to baby formula include oligosaccharide. These compounds are similar to the substances found in breast milk and mimic effect of HMOs in the gut. Studies have shown that the presence of these prebiotics improves the immune system, bowel function, and development in infants.
