The fact that soda wreaks havoc on your health is no secret. It’s loaded with sugar, and it has played a role in the growing obesity epidemic for decades. You may know to keep soda away from your child, but did you know that infant formula may be just as detrimental? According to a global investigation published in the British Dental Journal, some formulas contain twice the amount of sugar as a glass of soda.
![formula]()
Researchers examined 212 commercially available infant formula milk products targeted at infants under the age of three, to determine the sugar content in each. They also took a close look at labeling methods to determine clarity. They found that more than half of the products contained over 5g of super per 100ml, and in many cases, the sugar content exceeded 7.5g per 11ml.
The researchers also found that obtaining clear nutrition information was a difficult task, because many of the formula labels used small font sizes, and the nutrition facts varied between countries. The researchers concluded, “Findings suggest that globally, infant formula products are higher in carbohydrates, sugar and lactose than breastmilk. Labelling is unclear and inconsistent across brands and between countries. Based on the findings of this study, mandatory regulation of sugar content in formula products is needed with clear FOP nutrition information to help consumers choose the healthy option for their infants.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data indicating 99% of children between ages 1 and 2 are eating 7 teaspoons of added sugar a day, even greater than the highest level thought to be safe for adults. Research links feeding infant formula to a change in gut bacteria with a proliferation of those more commonly found in older children and adults, increasing the infant’s risk of obesity.
The best option for a newborn baby is breastmilk. However, for mothers who cannot or decide not to breastfeed, the next best option is to make homemade baby formula using organic grass fed raw milk. To learn more, click here.