Common Baby Formula Ingredients
In this article we define and explain common baby formula ingredients.
DHA: A Brain Builder
Short for docosahexaenoic acid, DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid, and an important baby formula ingredient that supports healthy brain development and more. It's an important building block of both the brain and the eyes. It is found in all of our formulas!
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that help feed the good bacteria (probiotics) in a baby's digestive system. Many Enfamil formulas have prebiotics to help support digestive health.
HuMO6™*
HuMO6 is our exclusive immune blend found in Enfamil® NeuroPro™ formulas that helps support digestive health and the immune system.
Enfamil® NeuroPro™ Infant has has expert-recommended brain-building DHA, naturally occurring MFGM components† and a proprietary HuMO6 immune blend including PDX, GOS, and 2′-FL HMO‡.
Enfamil® NeuroPro™ Gentlease® has has easy-to-digest gentle partially hydrolyzed proteins with naturally occurring MFGM components† as well as 80% less lactose than standard routine formulas. Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease has brain-building DHA as recommended by experts§ and immune system-supporting 2’-FL HMO.
HMO
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are carbohydrates found in breast milk that help support the immune system. Enfamil formulas have a variety of HMOs similar to those found in breast milk to help support immune function and gut health.
Inositol
Inositol is a type of carbohydrate that is naturally found in breast milk. The human body needs inositol for cell development and growth, and it is found in many types of foods including meats, fruits, and grains.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for vision, growth, and immune function. It also helps organs such as the heart and lungs work properly. Vitamin A is common in the foods we eat, including carrots!
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is both a nutrient that we can consume, and also a hormone that our bodies make naturally. It’s very common in supplements, as vitamin D is famous for its role in helping the body absorb calcium to build strong and healthy bones. Many scientists believe vitamin D has additional benefits such as supporting immune function.
Enfamil formulas have vitamin A to support healthy eyes and immune function.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Enfamil formulas have vitamin E to support healthy growth and development.
Iron
Iron is a mineral and especially important for red blood cell production. When iron is exposed to oxygen, it becomes red–and that’s what gives our blood its color!
Corn syrup solids
Corn syrup solids are a source of carbohydrates that provide energy for growing babies. Some Enfamil formulas have corn syrup solids as a source of carbohydrates.
Soy
Soy is a source of protein that is used in some plant-based baby formulas such as Enfamil® ProSobee®. Soy is a very common ingredient in all kinds of foods, including tofu, edamame, and meat alternatives.
Palm olein oil
Palm olein oil comes from the nutritious palm fruit, which is native to Africa and common in dishes from around the world. Palm olein oil is a filtered version of palm oil that, combined with other ingredients, helps mimic the fat composition found naturally in breast milk.
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is a protein naturally found in human breast milk that helps support iron absorption and immune function in babies. It is also found in the milk of other mammals, including cows.
Learn more about nutrition with Enfamil Family Beginnings®
Understanding the ingredients in baby formula can help you make informed decisions with your doctor about what formulas to choose for your little one. To learn more about nutrition for your baby and to receive special offers, tips, and advice, we welcome you to join Enfamil Family Beginnings®.
*In Enfamil NeuroPro Infant the HuMO6 blend has 2’-FL HMO, PDX, GOS, Vit C & E, Selenium; In Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease the HuMO6 blend has 2’-FL HMO, PDX, GOS, Vit C & E, Selenium, partially hydrolyzed proteins and reduced lactose.
† From whey protein concentrate.
‡2’-Fucosyllactose Human Milk Oligosaccharide. Not from human milk.
§World Health Organization recommended amount of DHA is 0.2%-0.36% of total fatty acids. Enfamil has 0.32% of total fatty acids as DHA, similar to the average amount found in world-wide mature breast milk.
Frequently asked questions
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