Experts say the majority of children between the ages of 6 and 36 months do not need “continuation milk.”
In a new report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, researchers from the AAP's Nutrition Committee examine the growing number of infant formulas in the United States and find that the majority of these products use misleading marketing strategies. It was concluded that it was advertised as
Follow-up milk, which generally refers to milk intended for infants and toddlers over 12 months of age, has seen significant growth in the United States in recent years, with sales increasing by more than 158 percent between 2006 and 2015 . Sales increased by approximately $53 million, and product advertising correspondingly increased fourfold.
“Manufacturers typically associate infant formula with the 'next step' in the formula chain, suggesting that infant formula has a role that infant formula does not,” said George, lead author of the report.・Mr. Fuchs said. said a member of the AAP's nutrition committee. newsweek. “Promotional materials and marketing often use logos, product names (e.g., numerical steps, sequential number names), and packaging that resemble infant formula. [Thus] Products advertised as “follow-up milk,” “baby food milk,” or “infant milk and formula” are misleadingly presented as being a necessary part of a healthy child's diet. is advertised in ”
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Infant formula is sold in the United States to supplement the nutritional needs of infants, to be used in conjunction with breastfeeding, or as an alternative when breast milk is not available for infants. These infant formulas are typically intended for ages 0 to 12 months and comply with strict nutritional standards, requiring that liquids alone meet all of an infant's nutritional needs. However, formula for older children is not held to these same standards. Therefore, quality and composition vary widely from brand to brand.
“Families and caregivers are understandably confused by the differences in names, ingredients, and claimed benefits of these so-called 'prescriptions,'” report co-author Stephen A. Abrams said in a statement. Ta.
Some of these follow-on powdered milks have been criticized for having higher sodium levels and added sweeteners and sugars than cow's milk, which can affect children's taste preferences later in life. there is.
Compared to unfortified milk, children consuming follow-up milk have been shown to have increased intakes of vitamins D and E, micronutrients that are often lacking in the diets of many young children in the United States. I am. -Milk purchased in the United States is fortified with vitamin D. When it comes to other essential nutrients, you should focus on feeding your child a balanced diet rather than requiring expensive supplements every day.
“For young children (children 12 months and older), parents should provide a varied diet that includes fortified foods to optimize nutritional intake. Powdered milk for older children Although it is safe to use as part of a diverse diet, it does not offer any nutritional benefits.''Most children consume a balanced diet that often includes breast milk or cow's milk,'' says Fuchs. said. “Infant drinks do not have a special role in the daily care of healthy children and are more expensive (up to 20 times more) than cow's milk.”
Of course, there are exceptions. For example, children with allergies or other medical conditions. However, in these cases, choosing non-dairy alternatives fortified with calcium and vitamin D can ensure that you are getting enough of these essential nutrients without the need for expensive follow-up formula.
A spokesperson for Abbott, one of the largest manufacturers of infant and toddler milk in the United States, said there may be other situations in which infant milk is a necessary or useful addition to an infant's diet. Stated.
“According to the National Health Survey, the diets of young children in the United States often have nutritional gaps related to poor diet. Drinks are high in complementary nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in your diet. Abbott does not recommend or prescribe infant drinks for infants under 12 months of age.”
To provide more accurate messages to parents and caregivers, the AAP recommends the following:
“Marketing of infant formula for older children requires clear and distinct differentiation from standard infant formula in promotional materials, logos, product names, packaging, etc.,” Fuchs said. “Product names should not be associated in any way with infant formula (numbers, steps, sequential names) and should be labeled as something other than formula. For example, follow-up or infant formula. Must be displayed as “Drink” or “Beverage” rather than Follow. Or about the “ceremony” for young children. Older infant formula products should not be placed on store shelves alongside standard infant formula products. ”
The report is scheduled to be presented Friday at the 2023 AAP Conference & Exhibition in Washington, DC.
Updated October 20, 2023, 12:50 PM ET: This article has been updated to include Abbott's statement.
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