If you do not want to or cannot breastfeed your baby, you have to reach for the bottle. Today's formula more and more resembles human breast milk. Provides the developing baby with essential nutrients.

Modified milkis a product based on cow's milk, which undergoes a special modification (hence its name), thanks to which its composition resembles human food. Cow's milk is not suitable for infants - it has too much protein and sodium, which could put a strain on the baby's kidneys, and too little iron - which would lead to anemia. There are also few unsaturated fatty acids (EFAs) necessary for the development of the nervous system, as well as lactose and vitamins. Therefore, during the modification process, the amount of cow's milk is reduced and the proportions and quality of proteins are changed - by adding whey proteins. The level of sodium, potassium and chlorine is lowered, the quantity and quality of fats are changed - vegetable fats containing NKKT are added. Vitamins are also added to cow's milk, especially A, D (which is usually missing even in breast milk), E and C. In order for the modified milk to resemble as much as possible human milk, carbohydrates (mainly lactose, i.e. milk sugar) are added to it, which they are a source of energy, as well as enzymes that aid digestion and prebiotics that protect against disease. Milk is also enriched with minerals. The product does not contain even the smallest amount of gluten, as well as dyes, preservatives, metals or microorganisms.

Modified milk - what's in the composition

Scientific research confirms that proper nutrition from the first days of life has a huge impact on the physical and mental development of a child. Soon after birth, all the most important functions of the body are established. For this process to run properly, your little one needs a lot of nutrients. In the following months, the child's nutritional requirements continue to increase and his need for more nutritious food increases. That is why the composition of the modified milk - both the first and the next - contains substances that can be found in the mother's milk and which are essential for he alth and proper development. One of them is easily digestible protein, which is the basic building block for the newborn's body, and fatssource of energy. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are very valuable, as they have a positive effect on the development of the central nervous system, cognitive and language skills, the memory process and visual acuity in a child. Vitamins, especially vitamin A, are necessary for the development of eyesight, as well as other vital functions. The formula also contains vitamin D, which ensures proper bone development, and which is not enough even in natural breast milk. It is also important to prevent anemia, iron - important for the proper production of red blood cells, supporting the mental and physical development of a child - and iodine necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. Artificial milk also contains trace elements such as magnesium, copper, zinc, calcium, and selenium, which is a natural antioxidant - protects against the harmful effects of free oxygen radicals.

Important

Initial modified milk

It is intended for newborns and infants up to 4 months of age.

Next milk

These are products for children from 5 to 12 months of age. Children up to two years old should drink junior milk. In the assortment of milk mixes you will also find special milks: condensed milk (with rice gruel or potato starch) for children who are poured on it, milk replacer for allergy sufferers. There are also milk for premature babies and children with reduced appetite.

Omega-3 milk

Modified milk enriched with unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, derived from refined fish oil, have been present on the market for several years. These acids are very valuable for he alth: they reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, improve visual acuity, and are necessary for the proper functioning of the infant's brain.

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Adequate food influences the child's development

It is worth knowing that what we give to a baby to eat affects its he alth and condition in the future. Adequate food develops the intelligence of a little man, but also protects his body - it reduces the risk of heart attacks, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis when the child becomes an adult. For example, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.

Formula with prebiotics

Prebiotics, which, following the example of mother's milk, have recently been introduced into the composition of modified milk, are very valuable for he alth. These substances act indigestive system, where they promote the development of beneficial bacteria that inhibit the growth of bad bacteria, i.e. pathogenic ones. It turned out that in the second week of life, breastfed babies had 2-3 times more beneficial bacteria than artificially fed babies. Therefore, they were more resistant to infections and fell ill less frequently. In order to give babies drinking formula milk the same chance, special compositions of prebiotics have been added to milk formulas. Immunity is also strengthened by the nucleotides present in the formula of modified milk - the basic building blocks of DNA.

Important

Prebiotics - what is it?

One of the greatest discoveries in recent years. These are specific components of carbohydrates - oligosaccharides. They occur naturally in mother's milk, playing a remarkable role there: they participate in the maturation process of the baby's brain, bind toxins, and above all, they are "food" for bifidobacteria - beneficial bacteria found in the baby's digestive tract that regulate the digestive process and strengthen immunity. There are no prebiotics in cow's milk, but they have been present in modified milk for several years - oligosaccharides obtained mainly from chicory are added to the mixtures. Benefits for babies: reduce and soothe diarrhea, prevent constipation, facilitate the absorption of calcium, and thus prevent osteoporosis, prevent infections, have immunosuppressive properties (support the reaction to anti-measles vaccination), and prevent the development of intestinal cancer.

Formula for allergy sufferers

Some modified milks, although made of cow's milk, have reduced allergenic properties. This is possible thanks to a special modification process in which the protein has been partially hydrolyzed, i.e. broken down into smaller molecules. This hypoallergenic (HA) milk is given to children who are at risk of developing allergies (either parent or sibling has it). As it does not contain gluten, such milk is also suitable for children who are allergic to this substance. For children with a diagnosed allergy, there are milk replacers (protein hydrolysates) in which protein molecules have been divided into fragments so small that they are almost completely devoid of allergenic properties.

Modified milk

See what to look for when choosing infant formula for your baby.

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