Products
Infant formulas are the only suitable alternatives for babies who are not breastfed. They are based on cows' milk, but are modified to ensure that they are nutritionally suitable for infants.
Infant Formula
Infant formula is specifically developed to be suitable for infants from birth. It is a modified cows’ milk formula that has been specially developed to provide key nutrients in appropriate quantities, which are required by infants for adequate growth and development. Unmodified cows’ milk provides too much protein and sodium for an infant's metabolism and does not provide other nutrients including iron, vitamin C and vitamin D in sufficient quantities to meet the nutritional needs of infants.
Follow-on Formula
Follow-on formula has been specially formulated to meet the increased nutritional needs of infants from 6 months of age to help ensure that, when used as recommended in combination with the usually available solid and semi-solid foods, the recommended nutrient intakes are met. Follow-on formula is manufactured from modified cows' milk and has a similar energy content to infant formula but contains higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals. Vitamin D and iron are added at levels above those in infant formulas and those found in cows' milk as these nutrients are particularly important in the weaning diet.
The Department of Health advises that unmodified cows’ milk is not suitable as a drink until 12 months of age. Up to this age infants should be breastfed or given infant formula or follow-on formula (the latter from 6 months of age).
Soya formula
The Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) recommends that, although there is no definitive evidence that phytoestrogens in soya formulas adversely affect the health of infants, there is a potential risk.
The BDA Paediatric Group, therefore, advise an alternative formula is used where possible for infants under the age of 6 months. Further information from the British Dietetic Association can be found here: Infant Specialised Formulas (web link)
There are certain clinical conditions where any potential risk is outweighed by the risk of withholding soya formula:-
- Infants with cow’s milk allergy or intolerance
- Infants who refuse extensively hydrolysed/elemental formulas
- Infants of vegan mothers
Further information about the different types of formula products that are available and the components found in these products is available in the following document: Further information on formula products: types and components (pdf, 60KB)
The nutrient composition and ingredients in the formula products available in the UK can be found in the following tables: