April 2007
Features to consider Baby formula
DHA/ARA. Many brands of formula are now fortified with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), synthesized versions of the essential fatty acids that are naturally found in breast milk; the natural versions of DHA and ARA are also concentrated in the cells of the brain and eyes. The fortified formulas tend to cost a bit more than standard formulas, and whether you should spring for them is debatable. Some evidence supports the hypothesis that supplementing formulas with DHA and ARA benefits infants; other studies refute this. What to do? It may depend on whom you ask. "In light of the current science, as a father and a pediatrician, I would consider it unethical not to give a baby formula supplemented with DHA/ARA because for some babies, formula is the sole source of nutrition for the first six months of life," says William Sears, M.D., co-author of "The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood." Your pediatrician may have an opinion, which is worth seeking. And keep in mind that even formulas with DHA and ARA aren't a perfect match for breast milk because the exact chemical makeup of breast milk still isn't known.
Iron. The formula that you buy should be fortified with iron unless your pediatrician says otherwise. Although there are low-iron formulas available, the AAP strongly discourages using them because they can increase the risk of infant iron deficiency.
Organic. To date, at least one manufacturer, Similac, offers an organic version of its milk-based formula, which includes iron, DHA, and ARA. We expect others may follow suit shortly. Organic formula costs slightly more than nonorganic, but it's something to consider. Using organic formula is a matter of personal preference.
DHA/ARA. Many brands of formula are now fortified with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), synthesized versions of the essential fatty acids that are naturally found in breast milk; the natural versions of DHA and ARA are also concentrated in the cells of the brain and eyes. The fortified formulas tend to cost a bit more than standard formulas, and whether you should spring for them is debatable. Some evidence supports the hypothesis that supplementing formulas with DHA and ARA benefits infants; other studies refute this. What to do? It may depend on whom you ask. "In light of the current science, as a father and a pediatrician, I would consider it unethical not to give a baby formula supplemented with DHA/ARA because for some babies, formula is the sole source of nutrition for the first six months of life," says William Sears, M.D., co-author of "The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood." Your pediatrician may have an opinion, which is worth seeking. And keep in mind that even formulas with DHA and ARA aren't a perfect match for breast milk because the exact chemical makeup of breast milk still isn't known.
Iron. The formula that you buy should be fortified with iron unless your pediatrician says otherwise. Although there are low-iron formulas available, the AAP strongly discourages using them because they can increase the risk of infant iron deficiency.
Organic. To date, at least one manufacturer, Similac, offers an organic version of its milk-based formula, which includes iron, DHA, and ARA. We expect others may follow suit shortly. Organic formula costs slightly more than nonorganic, but it's something to consider. Using organic formula is a matter of personal preference.
