Hypoallergenic blend without palm oil. Features of the use of palm oil in baby food

Recently, there has been a heated debate about the role of palm oil in baby nutrition. Palm Oil Free Infant Formula - the subject of a dispute between manufacturers of baby food, pediatricians and caring mothers. Let's try to justify the addition of palm oil to the composition of infant formula.

It is an undeniable fact: mother's milk remains the ideal food for babies in all plans. For those who are left without it, it remains to eat specialized mixtures. Their production technologies are constantly being upgraded with only one goal - to reproduce breast milk as accurately as possible. The main raw material for the production of its substitutes is cow's milk, less often goat's milk. For children with lactase deficiency, soy or almonds are used as a base component. Cow's milk is significantly different in composition from women's milk, so it is adapted - artificially approximated in many ways. Consider the mechanism of adaptation of the fat component, because it is for this purpose that palm oil is added to the composition of infant formulas.

Correction of the fat component:

In breast and cow's milk, the quantitative composition of fats is approximately the same, but their chemical structure is significantly different. 50% of human milk lipids are unsaturated fatty acids: myristic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic. They have high biological activity, are not synthesized in the human body, but are indispensable in the diet. The manufacturer must not only solve the issue of their content in the mixture in a physiological ratio, but also perform a practical task: to ensure the protection of the product from oxidation and good solubility. This significantly affects the quality and tolerability.

In order for a child to grow and develop normally on mixed or artificial feeding, the fat component of the milk mixture must provide:

The optimal ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (from 1:5 to 1:15)
Proper distribution of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids
Sufficient amount of unsaturated acids
The necessary ratio between the main antioxidant vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids for protection against lipid peroxidation.

To this end, milk fat is partially or completely replaced by a combination of vegetable oils. In isolation, each of them cannot meet stringent requirements. For better absorption, lecithin, mono- and diglycerides are introduced into the mixture. Milk formula without palm oil: how justified is its use?

Palmitic acid makes up one-fourth of the fat in breast milk. Its main natural source is the oil of the oil palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis). This substance is widely used in food production due to its low cost, valuable components and resistance to oxidation. It contains the following set of fatty acids:

palmitic - 45%
oleic - 39%
linoleic - from 4 to 13%
stearic - about 6%
myristic - about 1%.

Human milk contains a substance called beta palmitate. In it, palmitic acid is in the second position of glycerol (beta position). This is how it is located in tropical palm oil - the only natural source of this substance. As you can see, if you use a formula for a newborn without palm oil, in which it is replaced by other vegetable fats, you can deprive it of physiological essential substances.

In addition, the production uses the liquid component of palm oil - palmitic olein, which concentrates the most useful substances - fatty acids, carotene, antioxidants. Do you still prefer palm oil-free infant formula over others? Well, let's give more arguments.

... and more about palm oil:

Phospholipids included in its composition, the body uses to "build" nerve cells. Vitamins A, E, linoleic acid enhance immune defense, affect the formation of teeth and bones. The presence of coenzyme Q10, one of the main catalysts for metabolic processes, makes palm oil unique in its composition.

Saturated acids in palm oil are predominantly short chain. This contributes to the formation of normal intestinal microflora. Milk formula without palm oil lacks the advantage of having tocotrienol, a substance that helps lower blood cholesterol, excessive formation of phagocytes, prevents the formation of blood clots, and improves immunity.
Palm oil-free, non-gmo infant formula is another subject of discussion. A number of documents regulate the quantitative and qualitative composition, mandatory ingredients, sanitary and hygienic standards, etc. In Europe, this is Codex Alimentarius and Commission Directive 2006/141/EC. In accordance with them, the composition of milk mixtures should not include genetically modified raw materials, as well as sesame and linseed oil. They do not mention restrictions on palm oil.

Which mixture to choose?:

If our arguments still do not convince you, here is a list of baby formulas without palm oil. It is not so big: Similak (Abbott, USA) and Nenny (Bibikol, New Zealand).

Similac - one of the leaders in the production of baby food in the United States. Really high quality adapted milk formula without palm oil. Its absence has become the brand of the product. The fat component is adapted with high oleic sunflower, coconut and soybean oils. Note that in them palmitic acid is represented by a compound that is difficult to absorb. Similac bills itself as palm oil-free, non-gmo infant formula, although it contains soybean oil.  

The products meet all modern requirements for a highly adapted mixture, and the cost is appropriate. The range is represented by starter, follow-up and special mixtures (hypoallergenic, soy, anti-reflux, low-lactose).

Nanny - infant formula without palm oil in goat's milk. It is in many ways similar to women's: it has a similar amino acid and fat composition, is easier to digest, and contains less lactose. "Minus" - casein formula of the mixture. The proportion of whey proteins in it is only 20%. This fact indicates a low adaptation of the protein component of the mixture.
But they are represented by alpha- and gamma-lactalbumins, as in human milk, in contrast to beta-globulins in mixtures based on cow's milk. A special form of casein contributes to the formation of a delicate food clot and better digestion of proteins. The manufacturer indicated on the packaging that the mixture contains at least 46% goat milk. Raw materials valuable for dietary nutrition cause a high cost.

Conclusions:

Palm oil-free infant formula is more "bad" than "good". It contains palmitic acid, which is indispensable for the body, in the beta position, which is favorable for absorption. In other vegetable oils, its structure causes delayed absorption of Ca and fats. Given this fact, all adapted mixtures are enriched with calcium and vitamin D.
To adapt the fat component, the oleic liquid fraction is used, which contains all the most useful components of palm oil. Its harm is more of a marketing move by companies using other vegetable oils to replenish milk fat. But if you are a stubborn opponent of palm oil, then you can choose for your baby a modern adapted mixture without it - Similac. It is suitable for breastfeeding from birth. Nanny's mixture is low adapted in protein composition, so it is better to use it as an additional food.  

Breastfeeding is not only a natural process, conceived by nature, it also greatly simplifies the feeding process for the mother. Food for the child is always at hand, with the right temperature and contains all the substances necessary for the child. Of course, a woman has to follow a certain diet, but compared to the benefits of breastfeeding, this is nonsense. Other, not so lucky mothers, have to choose a mixture for newborns without palm oil, because the debate about the dangers of this product is ongoing.

Is the component really that harmful? Why do many manufacturers hide the fact that their products contain such oil?

Harm of palm oil for a newborn

Scientists have long argued that palm oil does not bring significant benefits to the human body. Moreover, it cannot be accumulated, otherwise the weight may increase, diseases in the vascular sphere will begin. And this is for an adult!

As for babies, first of all, it is worth remembering that they must eat the mixture constantly, every day, moreover, many times as they ask. If they also consume palm oil, even when there is little in each package of food, in total it will quickly accumulate in the body. Oil prevents the body from absorbing calcium, which is vital for the development of teeth, growth of bones and nails, and this is a direct road to future disability. It contains a lot of cholesterol, a substance completely unnecessary for crumbs.

On the other hand, manufacturers should look for plant-based sources of palmitic acid, which is essential for the baby. It is in breast milk. In nutrition, it is replaced by oils like palm or rapeseed.

Therefore, many mothers are strongly against palm oil. But how do they know for sure if it's in the ingredients when most manufacturers hide it? After all, it is not profitable for them to reduce consumer demand. And why don't they refuse to add oil themselves? Alas, it is too unprofitable for them.

But when choosing a formula for newborns without palm oil, judging by the feedback from users, they are willing to pay more, because the health of the child comes first.

Palm Oil Free Blends

The list of such products is quite modest, and on the shelves they are expensive when compared with their "colleagues". According to user reviews, most of the advantages received:

• Similak, a formula developed in Denmark, has been feeding children for many years. Over time, the manufacturer has increased the variety of food types. Now their "Similac" can be chosen for a child with low weight, an allergy sufferer or a premature baby. There is food with lactose or an analogue without it. Easy-to-use packaging, and the mixture - the powder dissolves easily with water, leaving no lumps. According to reviews, children love it for its taste and eat up, sleep well later. Colic passes, the work of the stomach with the intestines is getting better. There are many nutrients in the diet that the body needs for development. They can be fed from the first days of life, there are no contraindications. Many pediatricians recommend it. On the packaging there is an indication of the age and features of the composition of the product. Of course, there are negative reviews about the occurrence of rashes or constipation after the introduction of the mixture. But the reason is rather in the individuality of the child. Babies often suffer from colic or flatulence, even on breast milk. Moms have to work on the composition of the diet. And if the food is artificial - select different mixtures so that the body accepts them. Palm oil-free infant formula, Similac is definitely a good choice.
• "Nanny", according to user reviews, a product that does not contain oil. However, when refusing it, parents should understand that such mixtures are looking for an analogue of another protein composition, switching to a casein composition. Oils are usually replaced by a source of palmitic acid, which is vital for a growing organism. Parents notice the occurrence of constipation or their strengthening after the introduction of Nanny or Similac in the child's menu. Others notice a deterioration in the well-being of children. Therefore, among parents and professionals, disputes about the presence of palm oil are ongoing. It is best to first consult a doctor before choosing a diet. "Nanny" is famous for goat's milk, on the basis of which it is made. The manufacturer also adds sunflower and canola oil. Parents need to look at the presence of rapeseed oil, which was previously used only in the technical field. Thanks to goat milk, "Nanny" is famous for its hypoallergenic properties. They bring it from distant New Zealand, with natural ingredients, so the cost of packaging is quite high. The manufacturer has also established itself and has been producing baby food for several years. Palm Oil Free Infant Formula, Nanny, is worth the price.
• Nutrilon came to the domestic market from the Netherlands. It is a mixture rich in various omega acids and other bifidobacteria. Parents all over the world have been using it for a long time, the manufacturer is known for its consistency and carefully monitors quality. Several generations have already grown up on Nutrilon and various stores take it, knowing that the food will be sorted out.
• "Heinz" is brought from the USA, where specialists from overseas nutrition universities have worked on the composition of the food. They tried to create a product that is as useful as possible for a child, realizing that so far nothing can 100% replace breast milk. There are many useful elements in Heinz that work to improve digestion.
• "Cabrida" can be found on the shelves, the product also comes from the Netherlands. The food is rich in omega acids and various bifidobacteria necessary for the baby. At home, the product has long been known for its quality, so it is also taken for sale abroad.
• "Unstable" childbirth from Switzerland, contains various prebiotics that work as digestion adjusters, which is important, because the child's body is preparing for the "adult" menu.
• "Mamex" is an adapted formula based on milk, which can be fed to children during the first year of life. It contains many nutrients for healthy growth of the body.

The rating of mixtures for newborns without palm oil, the presence of Nutrilon or Heinz in which, can be considered conditional, since they contain beta palmitate, it is also palm oil, only with an artificially improved formula so that hexadecanoic acid is in it as in mother's milk. Unfortunately, the child also needs it along with other useful substances.

The debate about the benefits and harms of palm oil in infant formula began a long time ago and does not stop to this day.

Most baby formulas contain this ingredient, and for good reason.

The fact is that in the manufacture of mixtures for newborns, processed whey protein is used, the content of healthy fats in which is significantly reduced.

In order for babies to get enough fat, palm oil (among others) is added to formulas for artificial feeding.

Why you should opt for milk formulas without palm oil

A certain set of vegetable oils must be present in the formula of any milk formula. Otherwise, the normal formation of newborn cell membranes will simply be impossible.

Without healthy fats, babies will not have the energy to grow and develop, and the formation of hormones will also not work properly.

At the same time, it should be understood that palm oil, which is part of the mixture, contains a large amount of cholesterol, which can provoke excessive weight gain and a number of disorders in the cardiovascular system.

Therefore, parents of newborns diagnosed with CVS disorders should definitely refuse to feed their child with products containing palm oil.

Another unpleasant moment is the absorption of calcium. The fact is that palmitic acid, which is found in large quantities in palm oil, can significantly reduce the percentage of calcium that is absorbed by the child.

Passing through the digestive system, palmitic acid forms a strong bond with calcium. So strong that calcium is excreted from the child's body in large quantities (children whose diet includes palm oil absorb calcium 20% less than those who consume palm oil free infant formula).

A side effect of this process is frequent constipation in babies who eat mixtures high in palm oil.

Unfortunately, until now, many manufacturers of infant formula sin by using cheap, low-quality ingredients (such as GMOs or palm oil).

In such a situation, the task of parents is to carefully select the most healthy and wholesome food for their kids.

Non-GMO & Palm Oil Blend List Review

• Nanny

New Zealand infant formula. The basis of the mixture is goat milk processed by a special technology.

Nanny's blends are completely free of palm oil. The fatty component includes encapsulated fish oil, high oleic sunflower oil, as well as coconut and canola oils.

This mixture on goat milk without palm oil can be safely given to healthy children as the main food. It is also suitable for babies who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract (colic, constipation), and for children with low weight and allergies to cow's milk proteins.

• Similac

The mixture is made in Ireland on the basis of cow's milk.

Palm oil in the formula of this blend has been completely replaced with coconut and high oleic sunflower oils. Similac Premium 1 - great formula from birth without palm oil.

In addition to healthy fats, it contains lutein for the proper development of vision, prebiotics to strengthen the immune system, as well as probiotics to maintain the stable functioning of the gastrointestinal tract of the newborn.

This mixture is suitable for healthy children and those who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, but, unfortunately, cannot be recommended for babies with lactose allergy.

• Nutrilon

Not all mixtures produced by this British company do not contain palm oil, so you need to carefully study the composition, which is described in detail on the packaging.

Without the use of palm oil is produced, a mixture of Nutrilon Amino Acids. Here, fats are represented by a composition of high quality vegetable oils (sunflower, coconut, rapeseed).

In addition, this mixture contains amino acids that almost completely repeat the spectrum of natural human milk, and does not contain lactose.

This formula is ideal for children with severe food allergies and can be used as a main meal from birth.

• Heinz

Although this American company has been seen using GMOs in the production of other products, the baby food of this company can be safely recommended even to the smallest.

Heinz blends are made from high quality ingredients and without the use of GMOs or GMIs. In particular, a mixture of Heinz Infanta is produced in this way, which does not include palm oil.

Instead, betapalmitate is used - modified molecules that do not bind with calcium and allow it to be absorbed in sufficient quantities by the child's body.

• hipp

A well-known Austrian manufacturer of baby food produces a mixture of Hipp Comfort without palm oil. Here it is replaced by the easier-to-digest beta palmitate.

In addition, this mixture includes probiotics to maintain the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract of newborns, prebiotics for the formation of immunity and Omega3 and Omega6 acids, useful for the formation of the brain.

This mixture is suitable for daily nutrition of healthy children and babies with gastrointestinal problems (bloating, constipation, belching).

Every parent wants to provide their child with the best from infancy. Therefore, moms and dads often strive to find out which infant formula is free of palm oil and other harmful additives. In this article, we will talk about why you should be wary of the oil palm product at all and where to look for quality nutrition for newborns and one-year-old babies.

From this article you will learn:

Harm of palm oil for children

Palm oil belongs to a number of vegetable oils. To obtain it, the fleshy part of the fruits of the African oil palm (Eleis Guinea) is used. For the first time, such pomace appeared 5 thousand years ago in Ancient Egypt, and since 2015, the production of the product has outpaced the production of sunflower oil by 2.5 times. The same Nestle company, known in the world of baby food, annually buys 420 thousand tons of this product. The largest producing countries are Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Contrary to existing myths, palm oil is obtained in the classic version without the use of trans fats and chemicals. Fresh fruit clusters from a palm tree are first sterilized, threshed, boiled, and then sent under a mechanical press. Then the raw material is filtered and washed, after which it goes through the stages of deodorization and refining.

To determine the risks of this product, let's first examine the composition and properties of palm oil:

1. The main feature of the chemical composition of this substance is the high content of saturated fatty acids. This component has useful functions in the human body, in particular, participation in metabolism, assistance in the formation of hormones, accelerating the absorption of vitamins, etc. However, an excess of saturated fat leads to overweight, an increase in the number of cardiovascular diseases and an increased risk of diabetes. Saturated fatty acids contained in palm oil clog blood vessels, increase the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood and increase the level of toxins in the body.
2. A particular physical characteristic of the palm fruit product is its high melting point. For this reason, it is not completely broken down in the digestive system and is not absorbed. Thus, even the good substances in palm oil - vitamins A and E, unsaturated fats, strong natural antioxidants - do not have the opportunity to enter the body and benefit. The unprocessed part remains in the body, namely, it hangs in the intestines. The fact is that the compounds of palmitic acid and calcium do not dissolve in water, are not absorbed by the walls of the intestinal tract and are difficult to excrete with feces. As a result, the child simply begins to have problems with the stool.
3. Along with such digestive difficulties as constipation, gas, colic, regurgitation and bloating, palmitic acid brings another problem. It weakens the absorption of calcium by 20%, which can lead to thinning of the bone tissue and slowing down the growth of the skeleton.

Now that you know why you should not buy palm oil formulas, let's take a look at the opinion of an expert in children's medicine, let's take a look, so to speak, from an outside perspective.

Dr. Komarovsky about palm oil

A well-known pediatrician and TV presenter throughout the country is trusted by hundreds of thousands of mothers, and for good reason. The specialist knows how to decompose any complex topic on the shelves and clearly answers all questions. Dr. Komarovsky has his own point of view on any issue, and the benefits and harms of palm oil are no exception.

• Komarovsky recalls that although baby food with palm oil is absorbed worse than mother's milk, its absorption rates are not so bad. In particular, milk fat from cow's milk is absorbed by 90%, and palm oil - by 95%. So an infant formula with such an ingredient should not cause difficulties in a small body.
• The doctor notes that the main thing in such baby food and mixtures, including, is the manufacturing technology of the palm product that was added there. If not a “pure” component is taken, but only palmitic acid and olein, then no harm to the child is observed. In no case should you buy food with technical palm oil, but it is best to choose a modified version: the modified composition avoids digestive problems in a child. That is, we come to the conclusion that a milk formula without palm oil, as well as a mixture with it in the composition, has an equally beneficial effect if the manufacturer mixes all the ingredients correctly and adds vitamins and minerals.
• Palm oil, according to Komarovsky, helps diversify baby food, make the mixture complete, because it contains vitamins that are useful for the baby. It is better to let the child consume specially formulated food, even with palm oil, than cow's or goat's milk, often given by parents instead of mother's. Animal milk should not be given to children under one year old, because there is a lot of calcium and phosphorus, which creates a load on the kidneys. Remember that processed protein, even in combination with palmitic acid, is more natural for a fragile body and does not cause allergies if technology is followed.
• If you are giving your baby formula with regular palm oil, try to prevent or correct calcium deficiency. To do this, you need to increase the amount of this element in the daily diet. At the same time, reminds Komarovsky, it is important to monitor the child's stool and regularly visit a pediatrician.

Thus, from the point of view of the famous doctor, palm oil is just one of the factors that can, in theory, affect the health of the baby. But under other normal conditions, when a child eats with appetite, has a varied and high-quality menu and actively spends accumulated energy, there will be no harm from a palm product. Moreover, in some situations, the addition of this ingredient not only does not reduce the cost, but increases the cost of the entire production. So, according to Komarovsky, you can buy milk formulas with palm oil, but it is important that they are properly adapted according to the age of the crumbs and preferably hypoallergenic.

Baby formula without palm oil

Vegetable oil is added to the mixture in order to restore the fat content as close as possible to breast milk. If we refuse palm oil in production, technologists still need to look for a source of fatty acids and vitamins for the child. Before we know exactly which companies are producing olein- and palmitic-free baby food, let's find out what alternative types of palm oil-free infant formula exist today:

• Milk mixture. In addition to valuable amino acids and micro and macro elements, lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, probiotics and prebiotics are included in the composition. These mixtures are developed for children of different ages, but they always have a positive effect on the microflora of the stomach and intestines, improving the digestive process.
• Nutrition with modified palm oil. This product does not react with calcium, so the composition of vegetable fat immediately approaches human breast milk. In the modified formula, palmitic acid occupies a central position in triglycerides and does not interfere with absorption. At the moment, there are mixtures with modified fats not only of palm, but also of other vegetable oils. But they are very expensive.
• Goat milk mixture without palm oil. It is well absorbed even in children prone to allergies and difficult digestion. It has the necessary set of vitamins and minerals, a complex of high-quality vegetable fats, lutein and kartinin. Such casein mixtures are often hypoallergenic and as close as possible in composition to mother's milk.
• Serum blend. Closer to breast milk than the previous one (although also made with goat milk, but with the addition of whey), therefore it is considered highly adapted. Reduces problems with stool, improves the condition of the intestines, but does not contribute to the sufficient production of bifidobacteria.

Palm oil-free formula for newborns: a list

Classic blends without palm olein are from the following well-known brands:

• "Similak";
• "NANNY";
• "Unstable";

They also stopped adding oil palm oil to mixtures from NAS: 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The palm oil-free blends you saw above unfortunately contain other vegetable extracts. So, traces of safflower, soybean and coconut oil were found in Similac products. In the latter, by the way, there are much more saturated fatty acids than in palm. Vegetable fats are in any case different from mother's milk, especially if they are not modified.

Also, Similac, like NANNIE, is not considered a highly adapted blend. This means that in them the ratio of casein and whey proteins is equal, while in human milk the latter prevails over the former. Therefore, such mixtures are not suitable for newborns. So we study the rating further and look for more acceptable and high-quality options.

Infant formula 0 to 6 months: which is better without palm oil?

• The complex of modified vegetable fats, which will be well absorbed, is in the Materna infant formula. Cheaper analogues only with beta palmitate are Nutrilon Comfort 1, Heinz Infanta 1, Kabrita Gold 1, Hipp Comfort, Celia Anticolic, Humana Anticolic.
• Among the whey mixtures, you can choose the Danish products "Mameks" from International Nutrition Co, "Nestozhen", which, however, has coconut pomace, and "NAN" (coconut + rapeseed). They also recommend Kabrita Gold.
• The most famous representatives of casein mixtures are Nanny Classic and Similak Premium baby food products.
• Fermented milk formulas are represented on the baby food market by Nutrilak, Nutrilak Premium and Nutrilon products without palm oil.

Hypoallergenic mixtures for newborns without palm oil: a list

In the presence of artificial feeding, the occurrence of dermatitis and skin irritation in general is not uncommon, especially if there is a hereditary factor. Then it is better to switch to hypoallergenic mixtures, where partially hydrolyzed whey protein is added. It is ideal for feeding babies up to six months. There are different types of such baby food:

• Dairy-free on soy protein - for children with an absolute intolerance to cow's milk.
• Low lactose and lactose free. Useful for diarrhea and intestinal infections.
• Adapted protein - are prescribed for poor weight gain in a child, severe allergies, as well as premature babies.
• Gluten-free - with intolerance to cereals.
• Without phenylalanine - for babies with phenylketonuria.

The hypoallergenic mixture can be therapeutic and prophylactic for its intended purpose, and in the form of a dry, ready-made or in the form of a liquid concentrate. Today, the best mixtures in this category are recognized:

• "Nan hypoallergenic";
• "Similak hypoallergenic";
• "Nestogen hypoallergenic";
• "Nutrilak hypoallergenic";
• "Bellakt hypoallergenic";
• "Friso hypoallergenic";
• "Baby hypoallergenic."

Non-GMO Palm Oil Infant Formula

Products with genetically modified organisms should not be given to children in order to avoid intoxication and allergic reactions. In addition, after the use of GMOs, antibiotic treatment is more difficult. According to the technical regulations, the level of GMOs in any product should not exceed 0.9%. In 2015, an examination was carried out, which showed that GMOs are 100% absent in the following mixtures:

• "Agusha-1";
• "Nestle NAN 1 Premium";
• "Similac Premium 1";
• "Nutrilak Soy 1";
• "Baby-1".

Please note that Nestle was noticed using GMOs in various product lines a few years ago, but NAN premium blend is acceptable without any complaints.

Baby cereal without palm oil

In dairy-free cereals, there is no need to replace milk fat, so you will not find palm oil there. In dry milk porridges with dry cream and the same whole milk, there are also no vegetable fats, and, consequently, palmitic acid and olein. You can safely buy high-quality and natural milk cereals from brands:

• "Bibikashi"
• "Mamako";
• "Heinz";
• "Bellakt";
• "Diaper";
• "Clever";
• "Frutonyanya";
• "Baby".

Modified palm oil is found in Nutrilon milk porridges, but the usual harmful variation of the product can be found in the manufacturers of Nestle, Malyutka and Humana.

By the way, following the advice of Dr. Komarovsky, when choosing a manufacturer of baby formulas and cereals, pay attention to companies with an assortment for different ages. This way you can be sure to gradually change the diet without sudden fluctuations in taste and aroma that may reject the child. In general, it is not recommended to change mixtures often. Try to buy the baby food that you are guaranteed to be able to find on the shelves of a nearby store in your country on any given day.

Relevant for many young parents is the question, why use palm oil in infant formula? This is a plant based substance. Many manufacturers use it in products. What effect it has on the human body - positive or negative - scientists are arguing now. It is important to understand whether its use in baby food is justified.

The adapted formula should replace breast milk. The child needs micro and macro elements, vitamins and nutrients. Cow's milk and the fats present in it are contraindicated for children. Palm oil is used as an alternative.

Not all mothers can breastfeed newborns. This is facilitated by psychological, physiological, sociological reasons. Animal milk should not be given to newborns. The founder of the company, Nestozhen, was the first to find a way out of this situation - he invented a substitute for mother's milk. The first milk formula saved many children. The composition of baby food is constantly being improved. Remain constant in the composition of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Before buying a mixture, read the composition

Before buying food for children, parents get acquainted with the composition. You can find out what is included in baby food by reading on the product packaging. It is there that manufacturers indicate palm oil. It is also used in the manufacture of instant cereals, confectionery and infant formula. Many parents have doubts about the usefulness of its use.

Milk formula is used as the main food until the child is very young and then as a supplement instead of breast milk if the mother does not have it. Even on artificial feeding, the baby needs useful substances. In the manufacture of infant formula, products are used that can replace breast milk. The basis is cow's milk without fat. Instead, various oils are added to the composition. Mixtures are distinguished by the presence of:

• sunflower;
• corn;
• coconut;
• palm;
• soybean oil.

Each of them differs in fatty acids, so using only one type does not work. Palm oil based infant formula contains palmitic acid. It is also present in mother's breast milk. Only the fourth part. So it can be used. And manufacturers introduce it into the diet.

Palm oil in infant formula: let's talk about the dangers and benefits

Why is palm oil added to baby food?

Before talking about the dangers of oil, it should be said why it is added to baby food. Experts identify several positive characteristics:

1. Prevents cancer;
2. Tidies up the skin;
3. It contains 20% more vitamin A than it is in carrots.
4. The substance is absorbed better than milk fat.

Adding to infant formula makes it fatter, brings it closer to mother's milk.

Palm oil is considered beneficial because it contains various substances. Among them:

• Vitamins A and E;
• Coenzyme Q10;
• Saturated fatty acids.

Therefore, the food industry cannot do without this oil. Despite this, most parents try to buy baby food without adding it. Of course, there is some danger.

Based on observations of children and conducted research, experts have proved that:

• The use of palm oil interferes with the absorption of calcium, which is necessary for children to form the skeleton.
• Children have constipation, colic, regurgitation.
• The oil clogs blood vessels, increases cholesterol, so it should not be used for children with cardiovascular diseases.

However, this refers to a low quality product. And in infant formulas there is an extract of palmitic acid, so there is no danger to the child.

Babies need to get nutrients

At the same time, newborns and infants up to a year old should receive nutrients from mother's milk or its substitute. This is the only source of nutrition until the child begins to eat regular food. Calcium is also necessary for children from the first days of life. It is believed that the use of palm oil leads to the fact that it is not absorbed by the child's body. Studies were conducted on babies who were under six months old. Their body absorbed calcium 20% less than those children who were given baby food without the use of oil. Therefore, it was concluded that when palmitic acid and calcium are combined, the latter is not absorbed. The composition obtained from the two substances becomes insoluble.

If palm oil is present in the infant formula, fats are not absorbed in addition to calcium. Babies get constipated. Most often this happens in newborn babies, as their body is just beginning to establish proper work outside the mother's body.

Based on this, parents should decide for themselves whether they will buy a formula with or without palm oil.

What is the best mixture to choose?

It is believed that baby food, which does not contain palm oil, refers to the premium composition. It contains probiotics and prebiotics. In the absence of oil, the child's intestines work like clockwork. In addition, a healthy microflora is formed. IQ complex is added to such infant formula. He is responsible for the development of the brain and vision. There is also a substance such as lutein, which is also found in mother's milk. In addition, starch is also added so that the mixture becomes the necessary viscosity in the child's stomach.

There are opponents and supporters of the use of palm oil in infant formula. It is up to parents to decide which mixture to choose. It is important not only to listen to the opinion of experts, but also to take into account such factors:

Evidence that palm oil is indeed harmful to the health of the baby would lead to the fact that its use in baby food was banned.

There are brands that have been making baby formula for decades. They use palm oil. However, parents choose them for their children and leave positive feedback.

For everyone who decides to buy baby milk formulas without palm oil, the list of manufacturers will help you make the right choice and choose the best complementary foods for your baby.

Palm Oil Free Blends: List of Brands

For those parents who are worried that palm oil will negatively affect the health of their baby, you can check out the list of brands that produce baby food without using this substance. At the same time, you can be sure that well-known expensive brands add it to mixtures.

Milk formulas for newborns without palm oil are distinguished by a high price and may contain dubious components. These include beta palmitate, soybean oil. Based on the data presented, you can choose infant formulas presented on the modern market.

• Similac is produced in Denmark. There is no palm oil in this blend. It was replaced by coconut, sunflower and soy.
• Nutrilon and Kabrita are made in the Netherlands. It contains beta palmitate.
• Nenny from New Zealand also contains coconut, sunflower, and canal oils.
• Heinz from the UK - has beta palmitate.

Explore the list of blends with and without palm oil

There is a list of infant breast milk substitutes that contain palm oil.

• Swiss Nestozhen.
• Belarusian Bellakt.
• German hipp.
• Russian Agusha, Malyutka and Malyutka.
• Dutch Nan.

All these brands are known for a long time. If their products contained substances that had a negative impact on the health of children, they would be banned from being released, and parents would not give them their preference.

Experts advise not to listen only to the opinions of other people. It is important to understand that artificial children need mother's milk, but they cannot get it. Therefore, it is important to buy products that will be as close as possible to breast milk. And vegetable fat from oil palm makes the mixture as similar as possible to mother's milk in composition and consistency.

After all, breast milk and infant formula can equally not be absorbed by the baby's body. Often, only on mother's milk, the baby has constipation, allergies and gas formation. Therefore, in the absence of milk from the mother, it is necessary to select the mixture taking into account the characteristics of the child's body, even if the mixture in which palm oil is present is more suitable for him. It will bring more benefits than cow's milk. Unprocessed milk protein can harm the body of a newborn.

What do pediatricians think about palm oil?