Infant feeding: a critical look at infant formulas

Commercially available infant formulas serve as the best alternative to hum an milk when breastfeeding is not possible. Infant formulas are designed sp ecifically to mimic the composition of human milk or the functional aspects of human milk feeding. This review highlights the issues related to the co mposition of infant formulas. The most hotly debated issue currently is whe ther to add long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to infant formulas. Othe r controversial topics include the safety and efficacy of soy-based protein formulas, protein quantity and quality as they relate to the infant's nutr itional needs and feeding tolerance, and the replacement of lactose with ot her carbohydrate sources for specialized infant formulas, Recent modificati ons in the fat blend of infant formulas have led to improved fat digestibil ity. However, the full spectrum of benefits associated with the addition-oi nucleotides. awaits further study. Modifications to infant formulas are ma de when the preponderance of scientific evidence suggests that the composit ional change will better meet the nutritional needs of the infant, (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.