Carbohydrates, along with fats and proteins, are fundamental macronutrients that serve as the body's primary source of energy and play vital roles in human nutrition and metabolism. In infancy, carbohydrates serve as an important energy source for growth and brain development. Given the critical role of carbohydrates in infant development, they are abundantly present in both breast milk and infant formula.
This article unpacks the importance of carbohydrates for infants and the different types of carbohydrates found in infant formula to help you make an informed feeding decision for your little one.
Why do babies need carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are one of your baby’s primary energy sources and are essential for brain development and proper growth. Lactose, the primary carbohydrate in breast milk, accounts roughly for 40% of the calories. Modeled after the composition of breast milk—nature’s gold standard—most infant formulas in the U.S. derive approximately 40–45% of their calories from carbohydrates, typically sourced from lactose or an alternative carbohydrate.1
What is the most common kind of carbohydrate used in infant formula?
Cow’s milk-based formulas are the most common infant formula type, where lactose serves as the primary carbohydrate source. Often referred to as “milk sugar,” lactose provides energy for babies, promotes good gut bacteria, and supports calcium absorption. Lactose is added to Abbott’s routine formulas as it best models the most abundant carbohydrate found in breast milk, the gold standard of infant nutrition. These formulas are considered safe and well-tolerated by most infants.
While lactose is a common carbohydrate used in infant formulas, mild tolerance formulas and specialty formulas may use alternative carbohydrates to support the needs of infants with food sensitivities or other medical or dietary problems.
What alternative carbohydrate sources are available for babies who do not tolerate lactose?
While lactose is the most common carbohydrate in routine infant formula, some babies may experience lactose malabsorption, lactose intolerance, or have a rare condition called galactosemia. For infants with dietary sensitivities, tolerance formulas use alternative carbohydrate sources that are considered safe and nutritionally adequate. Some of the most common alternative carbohydrates include:
- Corn syrup and/or corn syrup solids (but not high-fructose corn syrup)
- Maltodextrin
- Sucrose
These carbohydrate sources can be found in Abbott’s tolerance formulas, such as Similac Sensitive Infant Formula Powder, which contains corn syrup, an easy-to-digest carbohydrate for babies with lactose sensitivities. It’s important to note that while corn syrup and corn syrup solids are used in these specialty formulas, none of Abbott’s formulas contain high-fructose corn syrup.
Is corn syrup in formula the same as high-fructose corn syrup?
No. Because both ingredients originate from corn starch, their names can be misleading. But they are NOT the same. Corn syrup and corn syrup solids in formula are derived from the breakdown of corn starch. The primary carbohydrate in corn syrup is glucose, which is a simple sugar that is easily digestible by the body. These are not the same as high fructose corn syrup, which is produced by converting some of the corn starch to fructose to make it sweeter. U.S. infant formulas do not contain high-fructose corn syrup as a source of carbohydrates.
My baby is gassy. Could the carbohydrates be the issue?
No two babies are alike, and what causes discomfort for one might be a non-issue for another. It may be normal for babies to experience symptoms like gas, spit-up, or fussiness—and these can happen for many different reasons. Sometimes, it’s because their tiny tummies are having a hard time digesting lactose, especially if they have a temporary lactose sensitivity or an underlying intolerance. But often, it can also be due to things like drinking too quickly, swallowing extra air, or reacting to other ingredients in their formula or diet. The good news? Even small changes—like adjusting your feeding position or switching bottle types—can make a big difference in how they feel. As always, it's best to speak with your pediatrician to help determine the underlying cause and evaluate the best way to feed your baby.
You’ve got this, and we’re here to help
Carbohydrates are essential for infants, playing a critical role in supporting growth and development. While breast milk remains the gold standard for infant nutrition, many families rely on formula for a variety of reasons—and fortunately, there are safe, effective options available to meet babies’ unique needs. Abbott offers science-backed formulas that include a range of carbohydrate sources, including lactose, designed to support your baby’s nutritional needs with care and confidence. With a century of innovation and commitment to advancing infant nutrition, Abbott continues to support parents and caregivers every step of the way.
Reference:
1. Duggan, C., Watkins, J. B., & Walker, W. A. (Eds.). (2016). Nutrition in pediatrics (5th ed., Appendix III). People’s Medical Publishing House.
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