Infant milk formula without palm oil. Hypoallergenic milk-free and palm oil-free infant formulas: a list and range of products based on high-quality milk fats

2018 infant formula ranking to educate mothers about the infant formula market. Manufacturers try to bring the composition of infant formulas as close as possible to breast milk. There are product lines designed for healthy children, and with a therapeutic effect, for children predisposed to allergies to organic milk components. The latter are overpriced, because. during the manufacturing process, cow or goat milk is taken as the basis for the future product, which goes through several degrees of filtration in order to minimize the content of lactose and casein in the final product.

All infant formulas are divided into "steps": 1 - newborns, 2 - from 6-12 months, 3 from 1 year, 4 from 18 months. Also pay attention to the content of whey protein. According to WHO regulations, the legislation of the Russian Federation and the Customs Union, products with a whey protein content of at least 50% for children from 0 to 6 months and at least 35% for children over 6 months are considered adapted mixtures imported or produced on the territory of the Russian Federation. This rating is compiled taking into account the opinions of experts and consumer reviews about the best infant formulas. So, TOP 10 infant formulas:

Baby 4(Nutricia)

The brand Malyutka, from Nutricia, opens the rating of baby food mixtures. This mixture is suitable for use by children from 18 months. The composition eliminates the presence of sugar, starch, gluten, harmful additives, flavors, leaving the child only the essentials: skimmed milk, prebiotics, a complex of vegetable oils, a bunch of vitamins and minerals, and taurine. The ratio of casein to whey proteins is 4:1 - this fully satisfies the norms, and even more. The complex of vitamins and minerals involves 13 pieces of each in the composition. The price for a 600 gram pack is 300 rubles.

Kabrita 3 GOLD

Takes 9th place in the ranking of baby formula from 12 months Kabrita GOLD. Balanced infant formula contains 37% whey protein and 63% casein. The manufacturer has created an optimal formula that softens stools, improves digestion and absorption of calcium, and also helps to optimize metabolism, calling this complex DigestX. Kabrita Gold is 100% whey protein concentrate from goat's milk mixed with skim milk, eliminating the addition of maltodextrin, sugars, flavors and other harmful additives. The formula is also rich in prebiotics FOS, extracted from chicory extract, GOS, which are part of goat's milk, as well as beneficial bifidobacteria BB-12 - all this helps to maintain the intestines in a “healthy form”. The cost of an 800 gram can is 1600 rubles. Recommended for healthy children.

MD mil Goat 2

The 8th place in the ranking of infant formula from 6 months is occupied by MD mil Goat 2. The Spanish brand MD boasts its goat milk products, produced in accordance with the recommendations given by the D-A-CH association of societies: the German Nutrition Society (DGE), the Austrian Society (ÖGE), and Swiss Nutrition Societies (SSG/SSN). However, the composition, unfortunately, contains palm oil and lactose, so the product is only suitable for healthy children. Palm oil is not recommended to be used constantly, because. in the intestine, palmitic acid binds to calcium, blocking the entry of the structural material necessary for the child for bones through the intestinal walls, on the other hand, with NOT systematic use, palm oil has a beneficial effect on children under 2 years of age, tk. contributes to the increase in cholesterol required during this period. According to the standards declared by the manufacturers, the ratio of whey proteins and casein proteins is 1:1. The composition is dominated by a decent amount of GOS prebiotics, and PUFAs omega 6, omega 3 in a ratio of 7: 1 is the optimal indicator. The price for a 400 gram jar is about 900 rubles.

Nestogen (Nestle) 1

It occupies the 7th place in the ranking of baby formula for newborns from Nestle - Nestogen 1. The product is suitable for use by children from the very first days of birth. Does not contain anything extra, including palm oil, only skimmed and demineralized milk, sunflower and rapeseed oils, maltodextrin, as well as probiotics and prebiotics. Lactobacillus Reuteri acts as a probiotic - supporting oral hygiene and reducing the duration of diarrhea. Complementary foods for lacto and bifidobacteria in the intestines are FOS and GOS prebiotics, thanks to which living microorganisms "eat more", multiply, and fight pathogenic bacteria. Maltodextrin is an energy source that breaks down in the body into glucose. Corn maltodextrin is used in Nestogen, and, as you know, corn does not contain gluten, a common causative agent of allergic reactions. This mixture is not hypoallergenic due to the way the milk is processed, which leaves a large amount of lactose. The price for a 700 gram pack is 475 rubles.

Nutrilon (Nutricia) Pepti Gastro

Nutricia was recognized as the best in the test purchase rating of infant formula. Pepti Gastro is designed specifically for children with gastrointestinal problems and intolerance to certain food components. Pepti gastro milk base is a whey protein concentrate that has undergone additional hydrolysis, with the help of which it is possible to decompose the whey into separate fractions - peptides, and then, using ultrafiltration, leave only the most necessary of them, almost completely eliminating lactose, fats and casein, bringing the spectrum as close as possible to breast milk. Such a gentle method of preparation with an emphasis on hypoallergenicity makes the Pepti Gastro complex the leader in the quality rating of infant formulas. The manufacturer also adds nucleotides to their product in order to bring the mixture as close as possible to breast milk. Nucleotides play an important role in the synthesis of antibodies - the weapons of immunity, serve as the basis for building DNA and RNA, are responsible for the synthesis of proteins, etc. The cost of a 450 gram can of a hypoallergenic product is 950 rubles.

NAN (Nestle) 1 Optipro

Nestle takes the 5th place in the best infant formula from birth for healthy children, that is, those who do not have intolerances to some components, incl. lactose. Nestlé NAN excludes the addition of palm oil, flavors, GMOs, dyes and other harmful additives to its product. A children's composition is being prepared from demineralized whey with a high content of albumins and globulins, and the opposite content of casein, a complex protein that often provokes allergies. In addition to important amino acids, NAS is saturated with 13 vitamins and 14 minerals, as well as cultures of bifidobacteria. A feature of NAS is the addition of oil of unicellular fungi Mortierella Alpina - producers of arachidonic acid, exactly the same as that found in breast milk. Arachidonic acid is an oily liquid that contains omega 6 fatty acids necessary for brain maturation. The price for an 800 gram container ranges from 700-750 rubles.

Similac (Abbott) Premium 1

4th place in the ranking is the best baby formula without palm oil. According to some studies, palm oil has a negative effect on the absorption of fats and calcium in the intestines, because. palmitic acid, a derivative of palm oil, binds to calcium and forms insoluble compounds that prevent the absorption of some other components. Similak Premium 1 contains lutein pigment, which is not synthesized by the human body itself, which helps to increase visual acuity and filter out the "harmful" spectrum of rays for the human eye. Similac also contains "live" bifidobacteria, complete with food for them - a prebiotic. This product is suitable for feeding children from the first days of life who are not allergic to lactose (since it is available in Similak). The cost is 900 gr. banks - about 1000 rubles.

BIBIKOL Nanny Classic

Opens the TOP 3 rating baby formula from 0 to 6 months manufacturer Bibikol. In the preparation of its products, the company uses natural goat milk produced on farms in New Zealand. So, this mixture is made from goat's milk, and this is a big plus for several reasons: first, it does not contain the alpha-S1 fraction of the casein protein, which causes “rejection” in some people; second, goat's milk tastes less sweet, which means it has less lactose - milk sugar that causes allergies; third, goat's milk contains oligosaccharides - a prebiotic, omega 3 and omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids that contribute to the "correct" development of the brain in newborns and infants. You can write endlessly about the properties of goat's milk, summing up, we can say that goat's milk is better tolerated by children than cow's, and is not inferior to the latter in terms of benefits for the body. For an 800 gram jar of Bibikol, Nanny Classic will have to pay about 1,800 rubles.

Friso Frisopep

Friso is the best infant formula for 0 to 6 months in our ranking. Firstly, this composition is completely hypoallergenic, and, secondly, it has a pronounced therapeutic effect. Despite the fact that the main components of infant formulas are derivatives of cow's milk, Frisco made sure that the mixture contains lactose in the most minimal amount. This was made possible thanks to the technology of separating protein from lactose and fat using whey protein hydrolysis, which produces a protein concentrate from 50% of the mass fraction of all other substances. Frisco also contains about 5 nucleic esters that help synthesize immunoglobulin M and A - antibodies, the prebiotic galactooligosaccharide - food for beneficial bifidobacteria living in the intestines, as well as a huge amount of essential and non-essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. The price for a 400 gram jar is about 900 rubles.

Nutrilon (Nutricia) 1 Premium

Nutrilon from Nutricia is considered the best infant formula for newborns. This mixture is not suitable for children with lactose allergy, because. the composition contains demineralized whey - finely dispersed dried cottage cheese, from which salts are removed, but a large amount of proteins and lactose are left. In addition to whey, the complex composition includes oils (rapeseed, sunflower, coconut, palm, etc.), as well as fish oil, vitamins, taurine, nucleotides, prebiotics, etc. The manufacturer uses a patented prebiotic complex called IMMUNOFORTIS. This is a two-component "nutritional menu" for beneficial bacteria in the intestines, consisting of fructooligosaccharides, which are not broken down and not absorbed by the human gastrointestinal tract, and oligosaccharides contained in mother's breast milk, which are also complementary foods for bifidobacteria in the intestines, which only they "eat" and assimilate. On the container with the contents, Nutrilon is framed “improves immunity and intelligence”, we figured out the first one, prebiotics and a complex of vitamins with nucleotides contribute to this, but polyunsaturated fatty acids ARA and DHA are responsible for the development of the brain, in simple terminology, these are Omega acids 3 and Omega 6. The price for 800 grams is 650 rubles. It is the clear advantage of quality over the price in Nutrilon Premium that allows the product to become the best infant formula in the ranking.

Palm oil is not approved for use in young children. This is due to the fact that the palmitic acid contained in the composition disrupts the absorption of fatty acids and calcium in the intestine. That is, the calcium contained in the infant formula, which is so necessary for the child, enters the body, but is not absorbed. Some manufacturers have moved away from using palm oil in baby food.

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Types of baby formula without palm oil

There are several types of infant formula that do not contain palm oil. Classification:

Made from cow or goat milk. Milk mixtures from cow's milk include: Similak, Nutrilon, Heinz, Nan, Nestozhen. Based on goat milk, Nenny and Kabrita baby food is produced.
Low- or lactose-free, which are used for children with lactose intolerance. For example, Nutrilak Premium lactose-free and Similak.
Hypoallergenic - used for babies with allergic manifestations. These include Nutrilon hypoallergenic, Similac
Antireflux. Children suffering from reflux disease are recommended to eat Similak Izomilk.
Fermented milk and infant formulas with prebiotics improve the microflora of the children's intestines. Almost all milk mixtures contain useful lactic acid bacteria that improve digestion.
Mixtures with the addition of vanilla and chocolate are used for healthy children. For children older than one year, you can use Similac PediaSure milk formula, which includes natural flavors.

Nenny

Nenny's infant formula is made from natural goat's milk, so its price is quite high. The composition contains:

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are necessary for the developing body for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Nucleic acids are the structural unit of all body cells.
Probiotics are live bacteria that live in the large intestine and form the formation of normal microflora, which is necessary for optimal bowel function.
Prebiotics are carbohydrates that feed on intestinal micro-organisms. Prebiotics are essential for the functioning of microorganisms in the large intestine.

The manufacturer indicates that 100 g of Nenni infant formula contains: 440 mg of calcium, 5.5 g of iron, 80 mg of ascorbic acid. Calcium is necessary for the formation of a strong bone skeleton in a child. Iron plays a role in carrying oxygen to internal organs and tissues. Vitamin C is involved in the formation of children's immunity. In addition to the absence of palmitic acid in the composition, according to research, no toxins and harmful substances were found in infant formula, so Nanny is safe for feeding children from 0 to 6 months.

Similac

Similac infant formula is made from natural cow's milk. List of substances included in the composition:

Prebiotics and probiotics, which contribute to the formation of a healthy intestinal microflora.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 are fatty acids that are involved in the development of the nervous system.
Lutein is a substance that affects the proper formation of the retina.
Nucleotides activate the child's immune system.

Similak contains a complex of vitamins A, D, E, K, C, B. All of them are contained in an amount that is necessary for the development of a healthy baby. Similac also contains arachidonic, linoleic, linolenic acids, carbohydrates, lactose and protein. These substances are necessary for the growth and development of the child. For the preparation of artificial milk, you can use only boiled water with a temperature of not more than 50 degrees. Otherwise, all useful substances and microorganisms will die. The finished mixture can only be used for 60 minutes, after the expiration of the period it must be poured out and the bottle rinsed well.

Nutrilon

There are two types of Nutrilon baby formulas without palm oil: Nutrilon Premium and hypoallergenic Nutrilon. Hypoallergenic Nutrilon is intended for feeding children with a high risk of developing allergies. Premium is used to feed healthy babies. The mixture is made from natural cow's milk and vegetable oils. Manufacturers of Nutrilon have learned how to synthesize harmless beta-palmitin from palm oil, which is approved for use in young children. The mixture also contains:

Probiotics and prebiotics that contribute to the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Useful fatty acids involved in the formation of nerve fibers.
Essential amino acids that form a healthy immune system, the activity of internal organs and the development of the child.
Vitamins and minerals necessary for the growth of the baby.
Soy phospholipids are part of cell membranes, ensuring the interaction of body cells with each other.

Due to the presence of hydrolyzed protein (such protein is better absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract), the finished mixture has a bitter taste.

Kabrita

Kabrita is made from goat's milk. It contains the following substances:

Oligosaccharides, which are the energy source of the child's body.
Essential fatty acids that contribute to the development of the nervous system.
Essential amino acids: taurine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, etc. They are sources of protein, that is, a structural component of a growing organism.
Probiotics and prebiotics promote proper digestion and strengthen the immune system.

100 ml of the mixture contains the required amount of vitamins and minerals.

Kabrita is recommended for feeding young children suffering from cow's milk protein intolerance. This pathology is very common in children. The beta-palmitin contained in the composition does not reduce the absorption of calcium and fatty acids.

Taisiya Lipina

Reading time: 7 minutes

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Of particular importance is the mixture in the life of a child in the first six months of life, when it is the main source of nutrition for him.

Of the dozens of items of this product that the distribution network offers, the composition of the "premium" class is the closest in composition to women's milk.

Among the highly adapted mixtures that do not contain palm oil include: NANNY, NAN, Similac, Humana, Heinz, Nutrilon, Kabrita. Let's take a closer look at three of them, which deserved the largest number of positive reviews.

Among their distinguishing features are the following:

They do not contain palm oil, which makes it difficult for the body to absorb calcium.
They do not contain dyes and GMOs.
They are saturated with microorganisms (prebiotics and probiotics), which form and maintain normal intestinal microflora.
They include all the vitamins and minerals necessary for the development of the child.

This is a highly adapted nutrition that is produced by the New Zealand company Bibikol. It is intended for babies in the first six months of life, even before the introduction. "Nenny" contributes to the harmonious development of the child's body, strengthens its defenses.

The mixture is made from organic goat milk of a special breed, which resembles human milk in its composition. "Nenny" tastes good, has a characteristic "milky" smell and does not include sugar.

Compound:

Syrup.
Goat milk (42%).
Lactose.
Fish fat.
Prebiotics: oligofructose, inulin.
Sunflower, coconut, rapeseed oil.
Taurine.
Minerals: potassium, iodine, selenium, iron, calcium, copper, zinc, manganese.
Vitamins: E, K1, A, C, D3, group B (B12, B1, B6, B5, B2, B4, H).
Arachidonic acid.
Lecithin.

Peculiarities:

Does not cause spitting up.
Relieves constipation.
Eliminates the appearance of bloating and colic.
Prevents the appearance of allergies.
Suitable for children allergic to cow's milk formulas.
It is prepared by dilution in warm water, without requiring boiling.

The Nenny formula is recognized as one of the best, both by specialists in the field of baby food and by consumers . She received many positive reviews. Particularly pleased with the mixture are parents whose children suffered from constipation and allergies.

The production of Nenny requires large financial investments from the company, so this mixture has a high price. It fluctuates in Moscow stores from 1200 to 1400 rubles for a 400 g can. .

A high quality formula that provides optimal physical and mental development of the newborn. The food is produced by the famous Swiss company Nestle, which has been manufacturing products for children for more than half a century.

Compound:

Nucleotides.
Whey protein (70%).
Lactose.
Bifidobacteria.
Minerals: potassium, chlorides, zinc, selenium, iodine, manganese, copper, iron, phosphorus, calcium.
Probiotics.
Vitamins: groups B (B2, B4, B12, B1, B3, B6, B9, B5, H), C, A, E, D, K.

Peculiarities:

Contains live BL bacteria that form and maintain the microflora of the digestive system.
Enriched with iron, which prevents the development of anemia.
Does not contain molasses (maltodextrin).
Has a special, two-section packaging.

Specialists and parents of babies believe that the mixture "Nan 1 Premium" is quite safe for the health of the baby and has good . At the same time, the disadvantages of this mixture were also noted. First of all, not a very pleasant taste.

"NAS 1 Premium" belongs to the middle price category. The cost of the mixture in the distribution network ranges from 345-570 rubles for a package weighing 400 g .

Cow's milk formula designed for babies up to 6 months. It has all the advantages of high-class baby food. The mixture is balanced in composition, contains a set of elements that help the brain and vision to form properly. In addition, it contains both probiotics, which are useful for digestion, and prebiotics, which have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the lower intestine. The manufacturers of this product are Denmark and Spain.

Compound:

Casein.
Lactose.
Soybean, sunflower and coconut oil.
Prebiotics.
Probiotics.
lutein.
Vitamins: beta-carotene, A, C, E, K1, D3, group B (B1, B9, B2, B12, B6, B3, B5, H, B4).
Nucleotides.
Carnitine.
Taurine.
Inositol.
Minerals: calcium, chlorides, manganese, potassium, iodine, selenium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper.

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Peculiarities:

The complex "IQ Intelli-Pro", included in the diet, improves brain activity.
The mixture contains a tummy protection system that eliminates colic and regurgitation.
Does not cause allergies.
Relieves constipation.

"Similac Premium 1" fully justifies its name. Most users noted that after taking it, babies did not experience digestive problems. . In addition, her satiety was especially noted. The children ate well during the day and slept peacefully at night.

For its class, "Similak Premium 1" has a very reasonable cost. In the capital's stores, 400 g of the mixture costs customers 394-489 rubles .

Infant formulas for newborns are as close as possible to mother's milk in composition, all components meet the needs of a young organism. But what does palm oil do in products for the smallest? According to experts, this substance, which contains a lot of cholesterol, provokes weight gain in crumbs.

Is a chubby baby healthy? Alas, fullness leads to numerous problems: here are diseases of the cardiovascular system, the threat of diabetes. Oil palm extract interferes with the good absorption of calcium, which leads to increased bone fragility. Do you want a healthy baby? Choose baby formula without palm oil!

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Secrets of the mysterious oil

But is everything so ominous? Why do manufacturers add this substance to the food intended for newborns, knowing about its shortcomings? Is palm oil really that dangerous?

Why is it needed?

Palm oil is made in hot tropical countries from the fruits of the oil palm. The finished product has a red color and is valued for the following qualities:

1. The extract is saturated with a large amount of carotenoids (natural pigments present in the tissues of animals and organisms). The benefits of carotenoids are enormous: they are powerful immunomodulators and antioxidants. Substances act as the body's defense against the formation of cancer cells and prevent the development of inflammatory processes.
2. Oil palm extract is a real Klondike of vitamins. It contains a large amount of vitamin B (tocopherol) - a free radical fighter and vitamin A (retinol).
3. Unlike the usual sunflower, olive and corn oil, palm oil has a high level of saturation (96%). It's very nutritious!

This product is successfully used in the manufacture of various food products, in the cosmetic and perfumery sector - after all, the cost of palm oil is many times lower, it is beneficial for manufacturers.

But why use such a substance in infant formulas? Breast milk is rich in fat. In order to bring the composition of baby milk food as close as possible to breast milk, oil extracts of natural products are included in the mixture.

Palm oil compares favorably among analogues (corn, olive, sunflower, soybean, coconut, rapeseed). This product is the only natural ingredient that can provide palmitic acid to infant formulas.

For maximum compatibility with breast milk, infant formula should contain 20-25% palmitic acid.

Beware - danger!

But pediatricians are sounding the alarm - palm oil is dangerous to health! It contains a large amount of saturated acids that cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract in the child's body (colic, constipation, discomfort when digesting food). Once in the intestines, oil palm extract thickens the feces and prevents the normal absorption of beneficial calcium.

What threatens the regular use of nutrition with palm oil:

after 4-5 months, the mineral density of the baby's bone tissue will decrease significantly (by 10-12%);
with age, a child raised on a diet with palm oil will increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis (according to the observations of doctors, this disease is rapidly getting younger);
by the school period, such a baby will have problems in the musculoskeletal system (the risk of severe comminuted fractures, injury to cartilage and muscles will increase);
in children, the risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases and a serious disruption of the digestive system increases several times.

Whether or not to give your baby food with palm oil is up to you. For those mothers who do not want to experiment with the health of their precious baby, the developers have created an expanded line of baby formulas without the content of a dangerous product.

Safe Blends - Healthy Eating

Palm oil-free, non-GMO infant formula is completely safe. Saturating the small body with all the important vitamins and fats, it does not provoke the development of gastrointestinal problems in infants. Such mixtures belong to the Premium Class segment and have the following advantages:

1. The bifidobacteria included in the diet (probiotics and prebiotics) form a healthy intestinal microflora in the newborn, supporting the proper development of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. The IQ complex, represented by lutein and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, contributes to the full development of the brain, nervous system and organs of vision.
3. The required viscosity in the baby's ventricle is provided by the starch or gum included in the product.
4. Nutrition without the addition of oil palm extract contributes to the formation of strong immunity in a child.

Important! Studies have shown that products for newborns without the use of oil palm extract increase the absorption of fat and calcium by the child's body by 25-30% (according to the Research Institute of Nutrition).

Types of safe baby food

It is not difficult to understand the vast world of children's products for the little ones. To make the right choice of a healthy formula, get acquainted with the main varieties of infant formula. Milk formula without palm oil is divided into the following types:

Antireflux. Designed specifically for babies suffering from constant regurgitation and colic. Such products are prescribed only by pediatricians, depending on the health of the baby.
Lactose free (or low lactose). Children's doctors recommend feeding newborns with such mixtures in the presence of lactose intolerance (milk sugar).
Hypoallergenic. Indicated for infants prone to allergic manifestations. And children at risk (if parents or siblings suffer from allergies).
Sour milk. Nutrition of this type is intended for babies with a violation or decrease in the function of the gastrointestinal tract and digestive problems (dysbacteriosis, stomach dyspepsia, colic, reduced immunity).
Soya. Medicinal mixtures created for feeding newborns suffering from celiac disease, galactosemia and atopic dermatitis caused by intolerance to cow's or goat's milk.
With prebiotics. Such milk mixtures help to improve and normalize the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, improving intestinal peristalsis. This nutrition contributes to the formation of a complete intestinal microflora.

For completely healthy kids, the developers have created a number of mixtures without palm oil with the addition of vanilla, chocolate. Such food is not only healthy, but also very tasty and satisfying.

Review of the best infant formulas

Only three leading manufacturers have completely removed oil palm extract from the composition of nutrition for newborns: Nanny, Nestlé and Similak. And the companies Heinz, Kabrita and Nutrilon approached this problem in a different way. They changed the structure of the beneficial palmitic acid found in palm oil.

Infant formulas from these manufacturers contain beta palmitate. This is a unique substance that:

guarantees almost complete absorption of calcium;
contributes to the mineralization of the tissues of the skeletal system;
helps in the proper mental and physical development of the child.

The following list of quality infant formulas will help parents navigate the world of healthy infant nutrition without the content of a dangerous product. Here are products designed for completely healthy babies and for babies suffering from allergies, lactose intolerance, and gastrointestinal problems.

Mixes from the company Similak

The product's name	a brief description of	Age category
Similac Premium (Similac Premium) 1, 2, 3	The composition includes micro and macro elements, minerals, bifidobacteria (pro- and prebiotics). The mixture regulates and improves digestion, its composition is as close as possible to mother's milk.	From birth to 18 months
Similac 1, 2	With a complex of prebiotics, nutrition designed to feed healthy babies	From birth and for babies 6-12 months
Similac GA (Similac QA) 1.2	A dairy product designed for allergic babies. The components included in the composition carry out the prevention of food allergies, normalize the digestive system and improve immunity.	For newborns and toddlers 6-12 months
Similac PediaShu (Similac PediaSure) with chocolate and vanilla	The composition includes a balanced mineral-vitamin complex and bifidobacteria. The product is intended for feeding healthy children. Differs in attractive aroma and the increased palatability.	For children from the age of one
Similac Isomil (Similac Isomil)	The blend includes antioxidants, prebiotics and soy protein. This food prevents the appearance of colic, gas formation, regurgitation. Improves the work of the digestive tract, helps in the harmonious development of the baby.	For newborn babies with cow's milk allergy and lactose intolerance
Similac (Similac) Low lactose	Contains a balanced complex of prebiotics, improves digestion.	From birth (for babies with lactose sensitivity)
Similak 1 (Similac) Antireflux	The composition includes a developed complex of nutrients necessary for health. The mixture normalizes the digestive tract.	From birth (for children with colic and constant regurgitation)
Similac NeoSure (Similac NeoSure)	The product includes a complete, optimally designed complex of balanced nutrients. The mixture contributes to the good growth and development of the baby.	From birth (for low birth weight) and for premature babies (less than 1.8 kg)

NANNY and NESTLE products

Food name	a brief description of	Age category
NANNY 1 Classic (with prebiotics)	A highly adapted mixture that helps the harmonious development of an infant by strengthening its immune system. Nutrition helps to cope with constipation, colic and gas formation.	From birth to six months (suitable for children with allergies to cow's milk)
NAN 1 (NAN) Premium (manufactured by Nestle)	High-quality premium mixture, provides optimal mental and physical development of the crumbs. The composition includes live bifidobacteria, important minerals and a full range of essential vitamins. The product is also enriched with iron, which prevents the child from developing anemia.

Palm oil is one of the cheapest vegetable oils, and therefore it is widely used in the food industry. In many cases, its use, such as in the confectionery industry, is justified, as it avoids the use of margarines containing harmful trans fatty acids. But we often hear more bad things about palm oil than good things. The unscrupulous manufacturers of dairy products are to blame for this, which reduce the cost of it by adding milk fat substitutes based on palm oil. Formulas for baby food also belong to dairy products, so many parents have concerns about their possible targeted reduction in cost by adding palm oil. Like it or not, we have to figure it out.

Baby formula without palm oil

For those parents who fundamentally do not want to see palm oil in their child's diet, baby formulas without palm oil have been created - , . Not so long ago in products 1,2,3,4 also stopped adding palm oil. These mixtures contain a combination of other vegetable oils. For example, Similak has soy, safflower and coconut oil. However, the refusal to use palm oil in them does not solve the main problem - the fat of these mixtures, like the fat of mixtures containing palm oil, is still very different from the fat of breast milk. In addition, "Similac" and "NANNIE" are characterized by an equal ratio of casein and whey proteins, which does not make them highly adapted, since whey proteins prevail over casein in human milk. So is there a way out of this situation today? It turns out there is, but first things first.

Pictures of blends without palm oil

Nanny Similac Premium
Nestojen NAS

Where does palm oil come from

Palm oil is obtained by pressing the pulp of the fruit of the oil palm tree, which is most widely distributed in Malaysia and Indonesia. In terms of oil content in the pulp, this plant is a champion among oilseeds, which explains its low price and widespread use.

Composition and properties of palm oil

Palm oil has a semi-solid texture with a pleasant sweetish taste and smell. Unrefined palm oil contains a large amount of carotenoids, which give it a distinctive bright orange color. To remove unwanted impurities, palm oil is subjected to purification (refining), during which its color, smell and taste disappear. It is this, as they say, impersonal oil, and is used in industry.
Palmitic (44-45%) and oleic acid (39-40%) are the main fatty acids in its composition, linoleic acid is only 10-11%. This makes palm oil fairly resistant to oxidation. The melting point of palm oil varies widely, mainly from 33ºC to 39ºC.
To obtain palm oil with desired properties, its fractionation is used, which results in the separation of the oil into fractions - liquid (palm olein) and solid (palm stearin). When palm olein is re-fractionated, "super" olein is obtained.

Fractionation of palm oil yields liquid palm olein and solid palm stearin.

A feature of the chemical composition of olein and "super" olein of palm oil is a decrease in the proportion of palmitic acid and an increase in the amount of unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and linolenic), which leads to a decrease in the melting point to 19ºС ("super" olein) - 24ºС (olein).
Most of any oil or fat is made up of triglyceride molecules, which are glycerol residues with three fatty acids attached. In appearance, they resemble the letter "Sh". In the triglyceride composition of palm olein, there is a decrease in the proportion of molecules in which palmitic acid occupies positions 1,3 and an increase in the proportion of triglycerides with palmitic acid in position 2.

Why is palm oil added to infant formula?

Many mothers, for various reasons, are unable to breastfeed their child and use infant formula to replace it, the composition of which is constantly being improved. In order for the formula to fully meet the needs of the child for fats, their composition should be the same or as close as possible to the fat of breast milk. Here we mean not only the chemical composition of fat (fatty acids), but also its spatial structure (triglycerides). Since each fat, including breast milk fat, is unique, this is difficult to achieve. The milk fat of cow's milk, which is the raw material for the manufacture of infant formula, differs in composition from breast milk fat, and therefore needs to be adjusted. It is carried out by introducing into the mixture of permitted vegetable fats or their fractions and specially prepared fish oil.

Important! In order for the fatty component of the mixture to contain the same fatty acids as breast milk fat, vegetable oils of various origins and fish oil are added to it.

Among the permitted vegetable oils is palm oil, which belongs to the so-called palmitic group of oils. This group consists of cocoa butter, cottonseed and palm oil. They contain the maximum amount of palmitic acid, which is especially abundant in human milk. However, only palm oil is distinguished by its maximum content. In addition, cottonseed oil is prohibited for use in baby food by current technical regulations due to the content of fatty acids that can adversely affect the growth and development of children. Thus, for palmitic acid balancing among all oils, palm oil remains the only most suitable and relatively safe option.

Important! Palm oil is the vegetable oil that contains the highest amount of palmitic acid in its composition and is approved by the Nutrition Institute as a source of palmitic acid in infant formulas.

Is Palm Oil Harmful?

Most often, under the name "palm oil" on the packaging, it is not palm oil itself that is hidden, but its fractions - palm olein and "super" olein. Their quantitative chemical composition, melting point and spatial structure of molecules (triglycerides) differ significantly from the original product. In addition to the high content of palmitic acid, palm oil is highly resistant to oxidation, during which far from the most useful, and even unhealthy, substances are formed. Due to this property, it compares favorably among all vegetable oils and, from this point of view, is safer than, for example, the same olive or sunflower oil.

Important! In infant formulas, not whole palm oil is most often used, but its fractions - palm olein and "super" olein.

Opponents of palm oil in baby food often use scientific studies that have shown the negative role of palmitic acid, which is located in the triglycerides of palm oil in positions 1 and 3. In the gastrointestinal tract, this fat molecule is exposed to the action of the enzyme lipase, which is able to split fatty acids from triglyceride only in positions 1 and 3. As a result, free palmitic acid, binding with calcium, forms an insoluble calcium soap, which is not absorbed by the body and is excreted, thereby interfering with the absorption of this element. At the same time, babies develop constipation, and the bones grow slowly and become more fragile.

However, in all vegetable oils, and not just in palm oil, palmitic acid occupies just such a “harmful” position, while in breast milk fat it is predominantly characterized by position 2. Palm oil contains a particularly large amount of palmitic acid, so the proportion of fat molecules with this fatty acid is especially high.

Important! Palmitic acid of all vegetable oils, and not just palm oil, is predominantly in a position different from its position in the fat of human milk and, therefore, is capable of binding calcium after cleavage from the fat molecule.

The addition of palm olein (even better “super” olein) rather than palm oil to the mixture can reduce the proportion of palm oil triglycerides in which palmitic acid occupies position 1,3, increasing the proportion of triglycerides in which palmitic acid is in position 2, and positions 1,3 are occupied by oleic acid. This increases the absorption of calcium and reduces the negative role of palmitic acid.

To date, the most correct solution to the existing problem is the use by some manufacturers of modified palm oil, in which palmitic acid occupies the central position - position 2 in triglycerides (β-palmitate) and allows calcium to be freely absorbed. In addition, the application of this technology not only to palm oil, but also to other vegetable oils, allows you to create fat as close as possible to breast milk fat in chemical composition and in the structure of its molecules. An example is Matern's infant formula, which contains a unique composition of several modified vegetable oils. Unfortunately, the mixture is not very common due to its high cost. But there are cheaper analogues using similar technology:

Nutrilon Comfort 1;
Heinz Infanta Blend 1;
Kabrita Gold 1;
Hipp comfort;
Celia anticolic;
Humana anticolic.

Important! The use of β-palmitate makes it possible to bring the fat of infant formula closer in terms of the content of palmitic acid to the fatty acid composition of human milk, while solving the problem of calcium absorption that occurs when using palm oil.

Dr. Komarovsky about palm oil

Dr. Komarovsky also does not share the parents' fear of palm oil. He recommends using any formula when the mother does not have breast milk. An artificial mixture, even if it contains palm oil, will in any case be much more beneficial for a newborn than natural cow's milk. Infant formulas, as well as natural women's milk, cannot be completely absorbed by the children's body, therefore, even breastfed children experience the same problems as artificial children.

Infant formula and GMOs

An equally topical issue for parents is the use of GMOs in infant formula. GMOs are genetically modified organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) whose DNA contains the genes of other organisms that can endow them with new useful properties (for example, drought resistance, resistance to diseases, etc.), which are processed into GMI - genetically modified Ingredients. The safety of eating GM foods has not yet been proven, but according to many experts, these products are especially dangerous for children: they increase the risk of allergies, food poisoning, cause resistance to antibiotics, etc. That is why the technical regulation of the customs union TR CU 021/2011 " On Food Safety” the use of GMOs in the production of baby food and products for pregnant and lactating women is not allowed.

Important! The Technical Regulations of the Customs Union TR TS 021/2011 "On Food Safety" do not allow the use of GMOs in the production of baby food and products for pregnant and lactating women.

But, as in many cases, there is one "but". The GMO content of 0.9% or less is acceptable as an accidental or technically irremovable impurity and is not a basis for classifying such products as those produced in violation of the requirements of the technical regulation.

According to the latest research (December 2015) of five product samples (Nestle NAN 1 Premium, Agusha-1, Nutrilak Soya 1, Malyutka-1, Similac Premium 1), conducted National Association for Genetic Safety (NAGB) infant formula manufacturers comply with this ban. This also applies to Nestle, the manufacturer of the NAN mixture, which was previously seen using GMI.

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