Myth vs Fact: Corn Syrup in Baby Formula
Distinguish between myths and facts about corn syrup in baby formula. Discover more about what corn syrup solids are, how they compare to high-fructose corn syrup and what is in infant formula.
Myth
Corn syrup solids are the same thing as high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
Fact
Because both ingredients originate from corn starch, their names can be misleading. But they are NOT the same.
Corn syrup is glucose polymers - long chains of glucose linked together - derived from corn. To make corn syrup solids, corn syrup is dehydrated until most of the water has been removed. Corn syrup solids provide energy for your baby. Plus, they are easily digested even if your baby is sensitive to lactose or sucrose.
High-fructose corn syrup has been processed such that some of the glucose has been converted to fructose. It is used to increase the sweetness level of processed foods (e.g. cookies and ketchup) and soft drinks.
Myth
Enfamil® products contain high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
Fact
No. As always, Enfamil products do not use HFCS as a source of carbohydrates. Some of our lactose-free and reduced-lactose products such as Nutramigen® with Enflora™ LGG®*, Enfamil® Gentlease®, and Enfamil® ProSobee® use corn syrup solids as a source of carbohydrates. However, corn syrup solids are NOT the same as HFCS.
High-fructose corn syrup is not used as a source of carbohydrate in any of our products”
Myth
Corn syrup solids aren't safe for my baby.
Fact
Remember, corn syrup is an important energy source and infant formulas are rigorously evaluated for safety by national and international authorities, including the FDA. According to the FDA Code of Regulations, corn syrup solids are generally recognized as safe for use in infant formula and the Infant Nutrition Council of American agrees.
Corn syrup solids have been shown in clinical studies and many years of consumer-use to be safe and support normal growth and development in infants.”
Myth
Corn syrup solids may not be safe for a baby who is prone to allergies.
Fact
The corn syrup solids used in Enfamil® products are made from hydrolyzed corn starch and are considered hypoallergenic. Corn syrup solids provide energy for the body and are clinically shown to be readily digestible and well-tolerated by infants who may have issues with other carbohydrates such as sucrose or lactose.
Enfamil does not have sucrose (or table sugar) as a source of carbohydrate in our infant formulas. Now that you have the facts straight about corn syrup in baby formula, discover more about what important ingredients are in infant formula like DHA. Learn about the importance of DHA for babies.
