Read on to learn about the benefits of protein in infant formula, the difference between milk and plant-based proteins, and various formula options based on babies’ needs.
Why do babies need protein?
Protein provides amino acids, which are essential building blocks of protein needed for growth, development, and normal body function. Babies grow rapidly throughout the first year of life and need protein to support normal growth and development. Human milk provides protein in amounts that change over the course of lactation to meet the needs of the growing infant. For babies who do not exclusively receive human milk, infant formulas are carefully designed to provide appropriate amounts of protein to support growth during infancy.1
What kind of protein is used in formula?
Cow’s milk is the protein source most commonly used in routine infant formulas, and it contains two different types of proteins: whey and casein.
Like that of breast milk, our routine cow’s milk-based infant formulas contain a combination of both whey and casein proteins. Additionally, the whey and casein proteins in cow’s milk have different amounts of amino acids than those in breast milk. But infant formulas are specially designed to adjust for those differences, so your baby gets all the essential amino acids they need. Abbott infant formulas include protein blends that have been extensively studied to verify that they support normal growth.
Are some protein sources better than others?
While cow’s milk protein is well-tolerated by most infants, mild tolerance and specialty formulas containing different proteins are available for babies who may benefit from them. The following alternate protein ingredients are available and may be recommended by your pediatrician:
- Partially hydrolyzed cow’s milk protein: Formulas like Similac® 360 Total Care Gentle Comfort® where the milk proteins are partially broken down into smaller pieces, making them easy to digest for delicate tummies.
- Extensively hydrolyzed cow’s milk protein: Similac® Alimentum® contains protein that’s been extensively broken down into small pieces to virtually eliminate allergic reactions in most babies allergic to cow's milk protein.
- Soy protein: A plant-based alternative containing protein derived from soy, such as Similac® Soy Isomil®. Soy protein-based infant formulas are options for babies with galactosemia and for families with plant-based preferences.
- Amino acid-based formulations: Formulas made with free amino acids, rather than intact or hydrolyzed proteins. These are designed for babies with food allergies or GI disorders who cannot tolerate intact or hydrolyzed protein. Your doctor may recommend EleCare® if your little one falls into this category.
All of these formula types provide the necessary nutrients for a baby’s growth and development. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss the best option to feed your baby based on their needs.
