Infant dairy products have become a multibillion-dollar global business, despite warnings from health authorities that the benefits of infant formula are unproven.
The products are marketed with claims of improving brain development or immune function, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warned in an October 2023 report that infant formula is “unnecessary and potentially harmful to young children“.
“For healthy toddlers without a specific medical diagnosis, there is no evidence of the need [for] or benefit from toddler milk,” Dr. Jenelle Ferry, a neonatologist and director of feeding, nutrition and infant development at Pediatrix Medical Group in Tampa, Fla., told Fox News Digital in an interview .
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Despite these warnings, toddler milk has become a $20 billion global business, according to a recent report.
“It is disappointing that regulations have not been strengthened, given on-pack claims and marketing messages that suggest toddler milks are beneficial, or even necessary, for the healthy growth of toddlers,” Fran Fleming-Milici, PhD, director of marketing initiatives at the Rudd Center. for Food Policy and Health at the University of Connecticut, told Fox News Digital.
Milk for toddlers has become a $20 billion global business, according to a recent report, although some argue that “for healthy toddlers without a specific medical diagnosis, there is no evidence of ‘a need “. [for] or benefit from toddler milk. (Getty/iStock)
Infant formula or toddler milk
Most infants in the United States receive some or all of their nutrition from infant formula, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Standard infant formula can be supplemented with appropriate solid foods around 4 to 6 months of age, ensuring the intake of essential nutrients like iron, calcium and zinc, the AAP said in a previous statement .
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Infant formula is regulated by the Infant Formula Act, which requires products to meet nutritional needs as the only source for babies. the first 12 monthsadds the press release.
If a toddler drink is intended for infants younger than 12 months, the product must comply with FDA infant formula regulations in addition to all other applicable food regulations, a spokesperson for the FDA said. FDA at Fox News Digital.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warned in an October 2023 report that infant formula is “unnecessary and potentially harmful to young children.” Proponents of the formula, however, have a different opinion. (iStock)
According to a previous research report from NYU College of Global Public Health.
Unlike infant formula, infant formula is not nutritionally complete, experts say.
“A healthy diet for toddlers would limit excess processed foods, salt and sugar.”
About 80% of infant formulas have a higher sugar content than whole milk and 100% contain less protein, the AAP says.
After weaning toddlers breastmilk or formula, Ferry recommends they drink milk and water, with the majority of their nutrients coming from solid foods.
“A healthy diet for toddlers would help limit excess processed foods, salt and sugar,” she said.
Regulating toddler milk
“Toddler drinks intended for children 1 year and older are regulated like conventional foods and must meet FDA standards. labeling regulations” an FDA spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
“This includes providing a Nutrition Facts label, specifically for children ages 1 to 3.”
When it comes to marketing infant milk, manufacturers must follow certain rules.
Most infants in the United States receive some or all of their nutrition from infant formula, according to the FDA. (iStock)
“Manufacturers cannot make claims about illnesses, but can use language relating to symptoms, even if they are not supported by evidence,” he told Fox News Digital in an email. email.
They can claim their product is lactose-free, for example, but can’t claim it’s helpful for lactase deficiency, he said.
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“Claims relating to nutritional content or health claims are not authorized on food products intended specifically for use by infants and children under 2 years of age, unless specifically provided for by regulation,” added the FDA spokesperson.
“In general, product labeling should be truthful and not misleading.”
Cross-promotion in marketing and packaging
Some experts warn that infant formula and milk are often marketed and packaged in ways that can get parents to believe they are the same in terms of nutritional content.
“The cross-promotion of infant milk with infant formula… allows…
