Ingredients and Nutrition
What is the source of proteins?
The proteins in the milk based formula are whey protein concentrate and nonfat
milk, the whey to casein ratio is 60:40, like mature breast milk.
The protein found in the soy baby formula is derived from soy sources and does
not contain cholesterol.
What nutrients are present in Parent's Choice baby formula and why are they
included?
Infant formulas contain energy-providing nutrients (protein, carbohydrate and
fat) as well as water (an essential nutrient) and appropriate vitamins and
minerals. The energy nutrients provide the calories necessary to maintain bodily
functions, support activity, and promote growth. They also support desirable
immune functions as an outcome of overall nutrition. Protein provides the
building blocks necessary to form and repair tissue.
Vitamins and minerals are essential in the metabolism of energy nutrients.
Minerals play an important part in bone structure, regulate certain body
functions and, together with water, help maintain the body’s water balance.
Standard iron-fortified formulas are nutritionally complete foods for normal
infants. When a physician recommends a low iron formula, another source of iron
should also be recommended. A physician may recommend fluoride supplementation
to infants at least 6 months of age only if the water supply is without adequate
fluoride. U.S. manufacturers of infant formula currently offer formulas
containing DHA (docosahexanoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), two nutritional
fatty acids considered to be “building blocks” for the development of brain and
eye tissue.
Formulas containing DHA and ARA have been shown to provide visual and mental
development similar to the breastfed infant.
What is the source of the lipids in Parent's Choice formulas?
The source of lipids, or fats, in the formulas is a blend of palm oil or palm
olein, high oleic (safflower or sunflower) oil, coconut oil and soybean oil.
Another source of lipids is DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic
acid) which are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The body can make DHA
and ARA from certain other dietary fatty acids, which are found in plant oils
and other sources; however, DHA and ARA are also consumed directly in the diet.
The DHA and ARA in infant formula are from natural vegetarian sources.
What are the FDA Guidelines for DHA/ARA?
FDA does not have set guidelines for DHA/ARA. It is known that long-chain
polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA in particular) are important building blocks in
the brain and eye of the fetus, especially during the last trimester of
pregnancy. These fatty acids are also found in the fat of human breast milk.
Blood levels of DHA and ARA are typically higher in breast-fed infants than in
infants fed formulas not containing these fatty acids. For these reasons, DHA
and ARA are added directly to infant formula.
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