- A new AAP report says infants don't need “milk” and may be lacking in nutrients.
- They also tend to be high in sugar.
- Marketers often give the false impression that they are equivalent to infant formula.
- Health experts say a balanced diet is preferable to infant formula.
- Children 12 months and older can safely drink cow's milk or plant-based milk.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Nutrition Committee, infant “milk” meant for older children and preschoolers is not necessarily the healthy drink marketers claim.
A clinical report presented at the 2023 AAP Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C., says infant formula is unnecessary and may be deficient in certain important nutrients, including: states.
- calcium
- Rin
- magnesium
- vitamin D
In a press release, lead author Dr. George J. Fuchs III said that these beverages, which are often sold as “follow-up milk,” “baby food milk,” and “toddler milk,” are misleading to parents. He commented that it gave an inviting impression. that they are a necessary part of a child's healthy diet or that they are nutritionally equivalent to infant formula;
Additionally, it may be placed in the same aisle as infant formula, giving the impression that it is a recommended next step after weaning.
Dr. Stephen A. Abrams, a co-author of the report, said it was “understandable” that families and caregivers of young children might be confused by claims about infant formula.
But there are no federal regulations governing what's in these drinks, which is why they're most often not recommended by pediatricians, the AAP report explains.
This means that manufacturers often make health-related claims on packaging even though they have not undergone a scientific review process by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The AAP report further details recommendations on how to address this issue. These include:
- Babies under 12 months should be fed breast milk or infant formula.
- Infants over 12 months of age need a varied diet that includes fortified foods to provide optimal nutrition.
- When it comes to marketing, there should be a clear distinction between infant formula and standard infant formula.
- Pediatricians should examine the child's nutrition and help caregivers adjust the child's intake of solid foods and vitamin supplements as needed.
Dr. Leah M. Alexander, a pediatrician and consultant for Mom Loves Best, says one of the biggest problems with infant formula is that it contains excessive amounts of sugar to make it taste better. he said.
“If you look at a product label, one of the first ingredients is some form of sugar, and sometimes two or three types of sugar. [of sugar],” she said. These may include:
Alexander further explained that added sugar promotes tooth decay, which is a big concern for young children who have all their baby teeth by the age of two.
Getting even small children to brush their teeth can be difficult, she says.
“When you add sugar to your diet,
Alexander pointed out that infant milk has vitamins added to it. But the sugar content outweighs any benefits you get from them.
Additionally, she pointed out that many parents tend to rely on these drinks to supplement their picky eaters' nutrition.
“Unfortunately, some children know that they can be fed what is known as 'sweetened milk,' which can further limit the variety of foods in their diet,” Alexander said. said.
Lauren Thayer, a registered nurse with a background in pediatrics, said infant formula often contains additives that tout health benefits such as brain growth and boosting immunity.
But she pointed out that research shows that infant formula doesn't give babies anything they wouldn't get from a balanced diet.
“Many of these milks contain artificial sweeteners and fats that add unnecessary and empty calories,” Sayer says.
“Additionally, these formulas are often expensive,” she added.
Thayer explained that a balanced diet that meets the nutritional needs of young children includes:
“Children over 1 year of age without medical conditions can drink cow's milk or unsweetened plant-based milks such as soy milk or almond milk,” she said.
Thayer also assured concerned parents that while a child's appetite may vary from day to day, there is no need to supplement their child's diet with infant formula.
“If you have concerns about growth and development, you should talk to your child's health care provider to come up with a plan,” she advised.
“This is all considered typical and normal,” she concluded.
A new AAP report says infant formula is unnecessary, despite deceptive advertising to the contrary.
Additionally, they may be lacking in some nutrients and tend to be high in unhealthy added sugars.
Health experts say a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, protein, and whole grains is best for young children.
Cow's milk and plant-based milks are safe and healthy drinks for children over 12 months.
Parents and caregivers also need to understand that it is perfectly healthy and typical for a child's appetite to change from day to day.
