Essential Minerals in Infant Milk Formula

It is essential that infants recieves a complete range of nutitional needs at every stages of their growth, from infant to toddler to childhood.
As such, choices of infant milk formula is very important for child’s health growth. Most infant milk powder makers will different formula for different stages of your child’s growth.

Typically, different formula is provided for 0 to 6 months infant, 7 to 18 months, 1 to 3 years, and 3 years onwards.
Essentially, infant milk formula should have the following minerals:
• Essential amino acid that should be similar to that of the breastfed infant.
• DHA and ARA to help support brain and eye development
• Over 25 essential minerals and vitamins such as calcium, iron, proteins, vitamins C, E etc.

Several immuno-modulating nutrients are commonly found in infant milk powder; such as: Prebiotics (FOS), Selenium, Probiotics, Nucleotides, DHA, AA, SA, iron-fortified , Water, Nonfat Milk, Lactose, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil, etc.

The following is a brief introduction to some important minerals found in infant milk powder.

Typically, prebiotics are carbohydrates (such as oligosaccharides). Researchs have demonstrated positive effects on calcium and other mineral absorption, immune system effectiveness, bowel pH, and intestinal regularity. Correlations have also been made with other positive health factors, but more research is required.

Traditional dietary sources of prebiotics include soybeans, inulin sources (such as Jerusalem artichoke, jicama, and chicory root), raw oats, unrefined wheat, unrefined barley and yacon. Some of the oligosaccharides that naturally occur in breast milk are believed to play an important role in the development of a healthy immune system in infants,

Selenium is used widely in vitamin preparations and other dietary supplements, in small doses (typically 50 to 200 micrograms per day for adult humans). Although selenium is an essential trace element, it is toxic if taken in excess. Although it is toxic in large doses, selenium is an essential micronutrient for animals
Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeasts. Probiotics, which means "for life", have been used for centuries as natural components in health-promoting foods. The most common form for probiotics are dairy products and probiotic fortified foods.

Docosahexaenoic acid (commonly known as DHA is an omega-3 essential fatty acid. DHA deficiency is associated with cognitive decline. DHA has been an ingredient in several brands of premium infant formula.