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PREGNANCY & CHILDHOOD

A Primer on Other Ingredients in Your Baby’s Formula

A Primer on Other Ingredients in Your Baby’s Formula

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Learn about the most common infant formula ingredients and their benefits.

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OCT. 23, 2025   3 MINUTE READ
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In addition to the three macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—infant formulas provide other nutritional components including essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and other optional ingredients such as probiotics, prebiotics and HMOs, which have been shown to be beneficial to babies. Keep reading to learn about the most common infant formula ingredients and their benefits.

Why are there so many ingredients in my baby’s formula?

When scanning any infant formula ingredients list, you may find more ingredients than you’d expect. Breast milk, the benchmark for infant formula, naturally contains a complex array of nutrients that each serve a purpose. To ensure infant formulas meet your baby’s nutrient needs, manufacturers thoughtfully add many ingredients that play a specific role in baby’s growth and development.

What are micronutrients and why do babies need them?

Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals needed in a baby’s diet in small amounts. Micronutrients serve various functions at the cellular level including regulating metabolism, producing new cells, and supporting the immune system. Here are a few micronutrients found in infant formula and their benefits:

Vitamins

  • Vitamin A - Supports vision, growth, and the development of the immune system.
  • Vitamin D - Promotes bone health and prevents rickets, a debilitating weakness of the bones. It’s important to note that while breast milk is considered the gold standard for infant nutrition, it does not supply adequate vitamin D on its own. Since babies under 12 months old require 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin D daily, those who are solely breastfed or receive a mixture of breast milk and formula may need to supplement with vitamin D. It is recommended to consult your pediatrician for guidance. 
  • Vitamin E - Works as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from damage due to substances called free radicals, supports the immune system and is linked to cognitive development.

Minerals

  • Iron - Supports red blood cells and helps carry oxygen throughout the body.
  • Calcium – Essential for bone development, working in conjunction with vitamin D.
  • Phosphorous - Needed for bone health and proper growth in babies, alongside calcium and vitamin D. Research shows phosphorous may play an even larger role in bone development in preterm infants.
  • Zinc - Supports tissue growth and repair and the immune system.

These micronutrients are naturally found in breast milk. Minimum micronutrient amounts in infant formulas are set by the FDA and are based on the quantities formula-fed babies need to grow and develop.

What are prebiotics and probiotics in formula, and do babies really need them?

Probiotics are live “good” bacteria, while prebiotics serve as the fuel for these bacteria. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that feed the good bacteria in your baby’s gut, nourishing them to support a healthy digestive system.

Research shows that probiotics and prebiotics can support digestion, help regulate stool consistency and frequency, and promote a robust immune system. They are both naturally found in breast milk and are added to some infant formulas.

The most common strains of probiotics used in formula are Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium lactis. While babies do not need probiotics or prebiotics in their formula, they may be helpful for maintaining normal digestive function.

What are HMOs and how could they benefit my baby?

In addition to the traditional blend of probiotics and prebiotics, some infant formulas contain prebiotics called human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs).* As the third most abundant solid component in breast milk, experts believe HMOs could be a factor in breast milk’s digestive and immune-supporting properties.

Research suggests that in breastfed babies, HMOs help shape a healthy gut where 70% of the immune system is located. They feed the good bacteria, which can positively impact immune and brain development, and digestive health.

Abbott was the first to launch the only infant formula brand in the U.S. that has a blend of five of the most abundant HMOs found in breast milk.

You’ve got this, and we’re here to help

Choosing the right formula can feel overwhelming, but understanding infant formula ingredients can help empower your decision. From micronutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D and specialized ingredients like probiotics, prebiotics, and HMOs, each component is carefully selected to support your baby’s growth and development.

Abbott has been at the forefront of infant nutrition innovation for decades, including pioneering our unique infant formulas that have HMOs in the U.S. Abbott’s commitment to scientific research and safety ensures every formula is crafted with your baby’s well-being in mind—so you can feel confident in every bottle.

* Not derived from human milk.

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