Healthiest Baby Formula: Other Things to Consider
When you’re searching for the healthiest baby formula for your infant, it’s easy to fall into a ton of different rabbit holes. You’re going to hear about things like whey/casein ratio and A2 milk. Let’s look at some of the factors worth considering when you’re looking at the best formula brands.
Whey/Casein Ratio
In an attempt to mimic real breast milk, formula manufacturers engineer their products to have a specific whey/casein ratio. Not sure what whey and protein are? Here’s the deal:
- Whey proteins stay in liquid form in the stomach (when exposed to stomach acid)—think the watery whey that separates in a container of natural yogurt–and exit the stomach more quickly. Whey proteins are therefore easier to digest and are rarely a source of allergies.
- Casein proteins form solids in the stomach (like cheese curds) and empty at a slower rate. They are more likely to cause digestive issues and be a source of allergies.
There is controversy over the optimal whey/casein ratio for a baby formula because the ratios found in breast milk change over time. Whey content is high in early lactation (with a ratio of about 90:10), and by late lactation, whey and casein protein amounts are roughly equal.
Goat milk and cow milk both have a whey to casein ratio of about 20:80. Manufacturers add whey protein to their formulas to adjust this ratio.
So what is the optimal whey/casein ratio? This depends on factors such as how old your baby is (in other words, how developed his/her digestion is), whether your baby has any digestive issues (like reflux, which may be a reaction to too much casein), and whether your baby is sensitive or allergic to casein.
We also don’t really know how much of the whey and casein added to formula actually ends up being assimilated. It’s definitely worth having a conversation with your pediatrician about which formula has the right ratio for your baby, although in many instances the whey/casein ratio isn’t an issue you need to worry about. Most babies do fine on standard formulas.
Bottom line: Because human milk is so rich in whey, we prefer formulas that add it. The best formula brands almost always do.
Prebiotics & Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, and prebiotics are food for probiotics. You probably already know that good gut bacteria is key to healthy immune function.
Breast milk has natural prebiotic properties, such as its oligosaccharide content. The act of breastfeeding also introduces lots of healthy bacteria to the breastfed infant’s microbiome. In an attempt to mimic human milk (and ride the wave of current health trends!), many formula manufacturers now add prebiotics and probiotics to their products.
There’s little research to suggest that this offers any real benefits, and the American Association of Pediatrics doesn’t officially recommend it. Still, the addition of pre- and probiotics are almost certainly not harmful to healthy babies.
Bottom line: Even though many of the healthiest baby formula contains pre- or probiotics, I probably wouldn’t rely on this as an effective supplement (mostly because of dosage and quality/viability of the organisms). Parents who are interested in supplementing with probiotics should choose a high-quality product like this one from Bobbie.
Aluminum in Infant Formulas
Unfortunately, it seems like high aluminum content in formulas is pretty much ubiquitous (studies confirm this in UK and Canadian markets, and there is no research done yet on formulas in U.S. market).
It’s not clear exactly why this is, but there are a variety of modes of potential contamination: raw materials (powdered milk may have aluminum added to prevent clumpiness, for instance), additives (like phosphorous), and manufacturing processes.
It’s important to note that a lot of healthful foods we eat contain more aluminum than any of the formulas in this study–including fish, spinach, and many types of tea. I’m not convinced that the amount in formula is something worth worrying about.
We also don’t know is how much of the aluminum that’s ingested ends up accumulating in the body of infants and toddlers. In adults, most aluminum is excreted, but what remains does accumulate and can cause problems in the long term.
There’s little that consumers can do about aluminum in formula, except for:
- Choosing breastmilk if possible.
- Avoiding soy-based formulas, as these tend to be highest in aluminum.
- Preparing powder formula with a silicon-rich mineral water—in the U.S., Volvic and Fiji water fit the bill. Experts believe that this could reduce the absorption of aluminum across the gut of the child and also potentially help the child to excrete aluminum in the body via the urine. However, these are areas which are also being researched.
A2 Milk
You will see that some of the best formula brands in our lists above contain “A2 milk.”
Here’s the deal: Cow milk has two primary types of proteins–A1 and A2 beta-casein. More studies are needed, but there is some evidence to suggeste that A2 milk is easier to digest and less likely to cause inflammation than is A1 milk. The strongest evidence is around lactose intolerance–studies suggest that milk with A2 protein is much less likely to cause gastrointestional distress.
Among the healthiest baby formula brands, four contain A2 milk: Aussie Bubs, Baby’s Only, Serenity, and Holle. Also, goat milk contains that A2 protein, so this is part of the reason it may be more digestible.
Bottom line: We think A2 is probably better than A1 milk for babies, and some–but not all–of the best baby formula brands include it.
DHA/ARA
DHA and ARA are long chain fatty acids found naturally in human breast milk, which make up the major long chain fats in baby’s brain and nerve tissue.
We know that naturally occurring oils from food, food-based oils, and mom’s diet (in breast milk) is highly beneficial. However, it’s not clear that these benefits are enjoyed when DHA and ARA are added to formula. Still, most formulas now boast the addition of essential fatty acids DHA and ARA.
The most common types of DHA and ARA extracted by the solvent hexane, a known neurotoxin, although the hexane is removed from the formula after it’s been processed. There are other methods for extraction, but these are relatively new and the jury is out on whether they are harmful, beneficial, or of no consequence at all.
If you choose a formula without DHA added, but want to supplement on your own, this is the brand we like.
Note that all European formulas are now required to contain DHA, and that organic oils in European formula cannot be hexane-extracted.
Bottom line: We think there’s no downside to the addition of DHA/ARA in formula, and most of the best formula brands have choses to add it.
BPA in Formula Cans
Good news: there is one thing you no longer have to worry about when buying formula, and it’s BPA. The FDA has finally gotten with the program and banned BPA from formula container linings. Of course, I worry about what’s being used in place of BPA, but still this is a small victory!
Healthiest Baby Formula FAQs
What is the closest formula to breast milk?
Needless to say, I’m pro-breastfeeding. I have only two kids, but I breastfed for a total of 7 years, so you can do the math. But of course I also know amazing parents who formula feed their (very healthy!) children.
Every formula brand claims that their nutrient blend most closely mimics breast milk. Based on our research process, we think that ByHeart and Kabrita get the closest.
What’s the best hypoallergenic baby formula?
Some babies, like those with milk protein allergies, need a hypoallergenic formula. Sometimes called “gentle,” these formulas contain hydrolyzed proteins, which means that they are broken down and more digestible.
Many pediatricians recommend Pregestimil or Nutramigen (both by Enfamil) or Alimentum (by Similac). If forced to choose between these, I would go for the Alimentum since it skips the carrageenan and corn syrup. But I can’t call any of these Good Stuff since all three contain ingredients of concern and none is organic. Nutramigen is probably the very worst of these, comprised of 48% corn syrup solids!!
If it were my baby, I would choose HiPP HA organic baby formula, which contains no sugar, corn syrup, or maltodextrin, and is full of good prebiotics. You also might want to try HiPP Anti-Reflux formula if your baby has a sensitive stomach. It’s made with 100% whey and no casein to prevent reflux.
If you want an American brand, Bobbie Organic Gentle is the only one that is sweetened with just lactose.
Please check with your pediatrician first if you suspect an intolerance or allergy.
Can you give an infant a “toddler” formula?
I know many parents who have chosen to feed their infants a “toddler” formula. Most toddler formulas contain the 29 key nutrients that are required by the FDA for infant formula. Some of these are the best formula brands out there but are not marketed as infant formula because the brands haven’t completed the infant feeding studies. A few notes on this country’s formula rules and regulations, by the way:
- The recipe requirements are from the Infant Formula Act of 1980 (which I believe is in desperate need of an update!).
- Infant formula certification requires multi-year and multi-million dollar feeding studies.
- Thus, there is a huge barrier to entry for innovative companies or smaller brands. ByHeart is one of the few brands who did their own study. (More on them in this post.)
- In early 2022, the FDA recalled brands (e.g., Similac, Alimentum and EleCare) after babies drinking these formulas became ill. This was nearly 6 months after the FDA found out but failed to act on the information. In March of 2022, the FDA finally shut down the facility producing these formulas, which lead to a formula shortage.
Again, ask your pediatrician to review the nutrition label on any formula you’re considering.
Where is American baby formula made?
Almost all infant formula sold in this country is produced by just four manufacturers:
- Mead Johnson (Enfamil)
- Abbott Nutrition (Similac)
- Nestlé (Gerber)
- Perrigo (Bobbie, Earth’s Best, generic formulas for many grocery chains)
ByHeart is made in the U.S. in its own factory.
Should you use filtered water for baby formula?
Yes! Tap water may be contaminated with chlorine byproducts, weed killers, insecticides, solvents, lead, BPA, phthalates, PFAS…the list goes on. Fluoride is present in infant formula, and when combined with fluoridated tap water, infant exposure levels can exceed safe amounts. I think everyone should invest in a good water filter, but especially if you have a formula-fed baby in your home.
What is the safest baby bottle?
Here is a cheat sheet to help you choose the safest bottle for your baby, whether you are breast- or formula-feeding!
Should I consider a goat milk formula?
Yes! Goat milk may be more similar to human milk because it contains A2 beta-casein protein. For an in-depth look at the pros and cons, check out our post about goat milk formulas.
659 comments
Maia James
I think it’s a great option for those in need of a hypoallergenic formula.
Jan
Hi!!
Thank you!Question, you mention the Similac Organic ready-to-use contains carrageenan, does this also apply to their powdered formula? Would you recommend it?
Jen
Thank you so much for taking your time to reply!
Joe Lemmons
I love people with no tangible credentials telling others how to make choices based on non-facts. Moreover, criticizing other people whose studies do not fall into their beliefs. Some many people have become sheep to the public view with no real knowledge. So afraid that their choice will be criticized as wrong or even the mere idea that it is not actually best, that they recoil with a barrage of non-facts to scare off any doubters.
Time to wake up. Breast is best people always run to the Antibodies right off the bat. Fact – the baby gets most antibodies from the placenta. The antibodies from breast milk are Never passed into the blood at all and the actual benefits are overstated. Fact – the mothers health is not a perfect science. Whatever is being taken in by the mother is likely going to be passed on to the newborn. There is no firm science on how long alcohol stays in the breast milk, nor medications, nor recreational drugs. The reality is that almost anything a mother puts in her body while breast feeding has a chance of making it into the newborn child. Fact – this is not the same formula from years ago. Over the last 10-15 years there have been many advancements in both the contents of formula and the varieties available. I am not a pro formula person per-say. My wife breast fed both children, but she got mastitis and could not feed my youngest well. I don’t need someone trying to down on anyone for using formula. I was formula fed and have done numerous tours overseas, never get sick, and feel like I hang with the most intelligent people out there. Make you own choice and don’t listen to people that don’t have actual background of case study to back up their claims. I am not an expert, but I have read the studies. The Journal of the American Medical Association, British Medical Journal, and The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition have all gone public on studies saying that breast milk benefits are “modest” at best. Some UK publications have gone further to state that it is of no benefit at all. The truth is in the eye of the beholder. Find what works best for your child and don’t let the Breast is Best campaign way your decision on bias.Natalie
Have you reviewed this formula…The Hypoallergenic from HIPP….I am going to try it but was wondering if you have any info or comments.
Maia James
Some people do feed exclusively goat formula, but you should ask your pediatrician if he/she is comfortable with that.
Maia James
Hi! All of my formula posts need updated, and I appreciate everyone’s patience! (Nothing that I say is Good Stuff is now Bad or Sneaky, but other Good Stuff options have emerged!). I actually think at this point I would put Plum Organics formula above Baby’s Only (this one: http://amzn.to/2bEKbMQ). But really both are great options. As for goat—Sammy’s is definitely Good Stuff, but a lot of people have said their pediatricians are not comfortable with goat’s milk formula, so I would check with yours!
Maia James
I like that Kabrita uses non-GMO goat milk and has lactose as the primary added carbohydrate. Kabrita forgoes the most concerning preservatives and most synthetic nutrients (they do add L-carninite and taurine). I don’t like that they use glucose syrup solids, but there is only a small amount (it’s used as a carrier for other nutrients, not a source of carbohydrates), and it’s from non-GMO corn. I’m not a fan of the palm-based oils and soybean oil that are part of their blend of added fats. They add hexane-extracted DHA and ARA but claim that hexane is not present in the finished product. Overall, yes, I like Kabrita:).
Maia James
Yes, Earth’s Best has improved their formula! (And I do need to update that Safe Product Guide). In fact, based on the ingredients list you just sent me (which has changed even since when I last looked a couple months ago), it looks like it’s very similar to Plum (with lactose as the sweetener). I want to do a little more digging, but it looks like Earth’s Best might now be Good Stuff. Please note that the Sensitive formula lists corn syrup solids as the very first ingredient.
Zuly
Great information. Carry on bro. I am working as a content writer , so your articles will help me to write my next project. I am printing this page.thank you.
Regards
Zuly Zonova
Owner of http://pickbestfishoil.com/