A new study from the University of Kansas, published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, has revealed troubling levels of added sugars in most infant formulas available in the U.S. Despite recommendations from the American Heart Association, which warns against added sugars due to their links to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, the study found that many formulas contain significantly more added sugars than the naturally occurring lactose that is considered healthiest for infants.
Lead author Audrey Rips-Goodwin, an undergraduate at KU, emphasized the dangers of added sugars for infants, noting that they are contraindicated for children under two years old. The study showed that out of 73 formulas tested, only five contained a significant proportion of naturally occurring lactose, the carbohydrate most closely resembling human breast milk. In contrast, many formulas, including “gentle” and “lactose-free” varieties, relied heavily on added sugars, such as corn syrup solids and fructose, accounting for up to 85% of the sugar content.
The findings are particularly concerning as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently has no nutritional requirements or labeling mandates for sugar content in infant formulas. This regulatory gap means parents have no way of knowing how much added sugar is in the formulas they purchase, which may contribute to a preference for sweet tastes in infants and increase the risk of obesity and other chronic health issues as they grow.
The researchers also highlighted that the lack of nutritional transparency and the absence of federal support for breastfeeding are key factors in the growing reliance on formula feeding. Senior author Tera Fazzino pointed out that while breast milk is the optimal choice for infant health, many parents face significant barriers, including insufficient parental leave and lack of public breastfeeding facilities, making formula feeding a necessary alternative.
With the absence of healthy, sugar-free formula options and limited resources for breastfeeding, the study calls for urgent changes in both the regulation of infant formulas and the societal support for breastfeeding.
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