Many parents are choosing to give their newborn babies organic food, hoping they will be less susceptible to allergies. But not all organic formulas meet the requirements of the American Academy of Paediatrics and other paediatric groups. Some vegan-friendly brands have shown to provide protein levels that are important for baby’s healthy growth and development. Although all organic formulas provide vitamins and minerals, some can also provide trace amounts of added iron or zinc. It is important for the mother to determine what formula is best for her baby in terms of nutrition and safety before she even starts breastfeeding, so researching before making a purchase would probably be a wise idea. Here are reasons why parents should consider organic formulas.
- Organic formulas seldom contain by-products
By-products are what remains after a food is processed or cooked, and are usually found in meats, milk and other foods. For example, when table scraps are thrown away to be composted, some of the salt and nitrates that were added to the food might make their way into the final compost product. These chemicals can harm both children and adults who eat them, so it would be wise to avoid them if possible. Unfortunately, many brands of formula contain by-products because they are cheaper than sourcing only whole ingredients.
- Organic formulas have higher protein levels
International studies have shown that babies fed with organic milk grow taller, healthier and full-bodied than their conventional counterparts. For example, one study in Japan showed that organic milk had a 100% increase in protein levels compared to conventional milk. The amount of added iron and zinc in an organic formula is also likely to be lower than the amount of these minerals present naturally in the food. This is a good thing because it allows for better skin development and less chance of scurvy.
- Organic diets are more nutritious for a baby’s long-term growth
Ideally, formula should contain all of the nutrients found in breast milk (except for calories) without extra salt or sugar added. Although this may not be possible to achieve, many organic brands ensure that they meet the minimum requirements for the nutrition of breastfed babies.
- Organic formulas have less chance of containing pesticides or heavy metals
Most ingredients used in formula are derived from plants, which means that they are less likely to contain pesticides or heavy metals than meat and dairy products. This is because pesticide residues that are present in these foods are more likely to remain on the food after it has been harvested. Commercial formulas also undergo a series of complex processing steps and can contain plant protein extracts that come from surplus animals such as pigs and poultry, so there is no guarantee of not causing harm to children who consume them.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why parents should purchase organic formula for their babies like how it sets a good newborn sleep schedule. Going organic can be a great health choice and it can also save parents a significant amount of money, which is usually spent on formula or syringes.
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