baby milk formulas

Baby Milk Formulas

Most milk formulas are formulated to resemble breast milk. So, let's talk in short about breastfeeding first, and its importance to the baby

of Breastfeeding

أهمية الرضاعة الطبيعية

It is optimal for both Babies & mothers

It also provides a great way for mothers to bond with their babies.

For mothers, it helps the uterus to contract and bleeding to cease more quickly after delivery. It can also reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer

For babies, it can protect against infections and reduce the rates of later health problems including diabetes, obesity, and asthma

Nutrients found in breast milk

Breast milk is ultimately the best source of nutrition for a new baby It changes in composition over the course of lactation and varies within and between feeds and between mothers.

Click to know the different forms of breast milk

1- Proteins

Contains two types of proteins: whey and casein. Approximately 60% is whey, while 40% is casein. This balance of the proteins allows for quick and easy digestion

Lactoferrin inhibits the growth of iron-dependent bacteria in the GIT , such as coliforms and yeast

Secretory IgA also works to protect the infant from viruses and bacteria. It also helps protect against E.coli

1- Proteins

Lysozyme is an enzyme that protects the infant against E. Coli and Salmonella. It also promotes the growth of healthy intestinal flora and has anti-inflammatory functions.

Bifidus factor supports the growth of lactobacillus. Lactobacillus is a beneficial bacteria that protect the baby against harmful bacteria by creating an acidic environment where it cannot survive.

2- Fats

Breast milk contains fats (lipids), mainly triglycerides, and these triglycerides are made from Fatty acids The most famous FAs are:

• Palmitic acid
• PUFAs: linoleic acid (LA), alpha linolenic acid, arachidonic acid (ARA)
• LCPUFAs: oleic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) , eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

2- Fats

The fatty acid profile of human milk varies in relation to maternal diet. If a mother consumes more long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (eg omega-3 fatty acids in her diet), her breastmilk will contain higher proportions of those fats. The other component of Breast milk fat is the Breast Milk Fat Globules globules (MFGM). Most infant formulas include it to mimic breast milk

3- Carbohydrates

Get to know more about sugars added to milk formulas in the next 2 slides

• Lactose is the primary carbohydrate found in human milk.
• It helps to decrease a large number of unhealthy bacteria in the stomach, which improves the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
• It is the natural occuring sugar in breast milk, that most Milk formulas try to include in order to resemble breast milk

Facts about using sugars in Milk Formulas

• All formula contains sugar because it is essential for a baby's growth and development, but it differs according to the type of sugar added
• The sugar content in baby formulas can vary depending on the brand and type of formula. Some formulas may contain added sugars like sucrose, while others primarily rely on naturally occurring sugars like lactose.

Click here to know the implications of added sugars on baby's health

Which is better?

• It is better to choose a milk formula with no added sugars or with the least sugar content. These formulas often use lactose as the primary carbohydrate source.
• It is less sweet than some other carbohydrates used in infant formula, as it resembles the taste of breast milk.
• This mild sweetness can be appealing to babies without overwhelming their taste buds.

Back to Carbohydrates

• The other significant carbohydrates in breastmilk are called oligosaccharides(HMO).
• HMOs in the human breast milk are a complex mixture of more than 200 non-digestible and nonnutritional carbohydrates.
• They are the third most abundant solid component after lactose and lipids in breast milk
• They are prebiotics which selectively encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria (probiotics)

4- Vitamins

5- Growth factors

Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as Water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid are also essential. The amount and types of vitamins in breast milk is directly related to the mother’s vitamin intake

Breastmilk contains various growth factors which have significant effects on the developing baby’s gut, blood vessels, nervous system and endocrine system

A VERY IMPORTANT NOTE

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization also recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years of age or longer.

That been discussed, let's now talk about Milk Formulas

Formula is an alternative to breast milk, when there is a reason preventing the baby from taking breast milk. It’s made from a special dried-milk powder.

Baby Milk Formulas

The general types found in the market include:

Do you know others ?

AR milk

Hypoaller -genic

Cow milk

Comfort

First infant formula

Goat milk

Soya Milk

Lactose free

Follow on formula

Hero Baby

Swiss Hero Quality Guarantee

Nutrasense

Infant Formula milk

Specialty milk

Follow on formula

Nutradefense

Hero Baby Infant Formula Milk- Stage 1

Back

A nutritionally balanced infant formula that contain: 1- Linoleic & alpha linolenic acid= Essential fatty acids for visual and brain development 2- Lactose as the main source of carbohydrate as in breast milk 3- Iron= to jelp prevent anemia 4- Adapted protein with essential amino acids

From birth to 6 months

Adapted Protein?

Hero Baby Follow-on formula

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A nutritionally balanced follow-on formula that contains: 1- Linoleic & alpha linolenic acid= Essential fatty acids for visual and brain development 2- Calcium & phosphorous for growth of bone & teeth (higher concentrations compared to Hero Baby 1) 3- Iron= to help prevent anemia 4- Adapted protein with essential amino acids

From 6 months

Hero Baby Nutrasense family

the closest to the composition & benefits of breast milk and complying with the latest European regulations, developed thanks to over 80 years of research

From 1 year- 3 years

From 6 months- 1 year

From birth - 6 months

Now let's check the inside of the formula

Next

Hero Baby Nutrasense Family

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Benefits on your child’s cognitive development and learning capabilities, immunity and optimal growth. 1- Cognitive & visual development= MFGM, DHA/ AA and iron 2- Immunity= HMOs, MFGM, Neucleotides, selenium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E 3- Healthy bones & teeth= Vitamin D enhances absorption of calcium 4- Gut comfort= Galacto-oligosaccharides

MFGM

2 -Fucosyl Lactose

Nucleotides

DHA/ AA

Hero Baby Nutradefense Plus family= "Immunity Milk"

From 1 year- 3 years

From 6 months- 1 year

From birth - 6 months

Now let's check the inside of the formula

Next

Hero Baby Nutradefense plus Family

1- Immune system Development= Nucleotides, Galacto-oligosaccharides, Vitamin C 2- Tummy comfort= Galacto-oligosaccharides 3- Cognitive & visual development= higher Omega 3 (DHA) & iron 4- Healthy growth= iron fortified, rich in Vitamin D & calcium for bone & teeth development

Iron, Vitamin D, Calcium

GOS

Nucleotides

DHA/ AA

Next

So, what's the diference between infant formula , nutrasense& nutradefense?

Next

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• Premium Formulas with added constituents

• The difference between 1,2 & 3 is determined according to the guidelines that state the nutritional facts required by every stage
• Higher in price

• These are the basic formulas
• Affordable price= suitable for mothers concerned with price (the lowest price of formulas in the market)

• Mostly OTC recommended

• Known as "Immunity milk"
• Very well prescribed by doctors

• The highest formula in middle east & african countries
• Contains exclusively MFGM, HMOs, higher DHA = the ONLY formula closest to breast milk composition

• Mainly prescribed by doctors

Hero Baby Special formulas

the closest to the composition & benefits of breast milk and complying with the latest European regulations, developed thanks to over 80 years of research

For infants at high risk of allergy From birth - 12 months

For colic & constipation From birth - 12 months

For treatment of CMA From birth to

Hero Baby Digest

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1- Gentle (easy to digest) formula, supplemented with Milk Fat, β-plamitate & galacto-oligosaccharides, providing optimum tummy comfort & relief repeated symptoms of colic & constipation. 2- Modified lactose concentration (lower concentration) to control bloating. 3- Now with 100% more Omega 3 DHA; closer to breast milk, to help support your baby’s cognitive development. 4- Nutritionally complete, supplemented nucleotides, vitamins & minerals that help supporting immunity & healthy growth.

Constipation in infants

GOS

Beta- palmitate

Hero Baby HA (Hypo-Allergenic)

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1- 100% partially hydrolyzed whey protein formula: for infants at high risk for developing allergy when having first degree relative with history of any allergic disease. 2- Cognitive and visual development: Enriched DHA / AA. 3- Immunity: Due to nucleotides supplementation. 4- Tummy comfort: Enriched with galacto-oligosaccharides (natural fibers). 5- Healthy growth: supplemented with essential vitamins & minerals.

More about Cow's Milk Allergy (CMA)

Patially hydrolyzed protein

Hero Baby FEH (Extensively Hydrolyzed protein Formula)

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1- Specially designed with extensively hydrolyzed protein for infants with cow’s milk protein allergy (already diagnosed by the pediatrician) 2- First line treatment for infants with cow’s milk protein allergy, clinically proven to relieve symptoms & helps to accelerate tolerance. 3- More palatable than other dietetic choices, thanks to MCT 4- Now with 100% more Omega 3 DHA; for baby’s cognitive development. 5- Supplemented with nucleotides, vitamins & minerals that help supporting immunity & healthy growth.

MCTs Medium Chain Triglycerides

Lactose free formula

What's next!!

Hero Baby AR (Anti-Regurgitation)

Note: Infantile regurgitation is a common, physiological, transient manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) that does not require treatment but only parental reassurance and dietary management

1-Thickened formula= With the help of thickening agents like starch & locust bean gum, that increase the viscosity of milk, to help keeping the formula in your baby’s tummy, thus controlling regurgitation episodes so your baby can feel more comfortable after feeding 2-Now with 100% more Omega 3 DHA; for baby’s cognitive development. 3- Supplemented with nucleotides, galacto-oligosaccharides, vitamins & minerals that help supporting immunity & healthy growth.

From birth - 12 months

Hero Baby LF (Lactose Free)

Lactose intolerance cause symptoms like: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, and/or bloating after the ingestion of lactose-containing food substances. Symptoms vary from individual to individual, depending on the amount of lactose consumed, the degree of lactase deficiency, and the form of food substance in which the lactose is ingested.

1-Lactose-free formula specially designed for babies with lactose intolerance & associated diarhea 2-Contributes in rapid control of diarrhea, helps to support weight gain, in addition to offering nutrition in easily digestible form, thanks to MCTs 3- Supplemented with nucleotides, galacto-oligosaccharides, vitamins & minerals that help supporting immunity & healthy growth. 4-Now with 100% more Omega 3 DHA; to help support your baby’s cognitive development.

From birth - 12 months

FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between Hero Baby 1 & Nutradefense 1 & Nutrasense 1? Ans: All are given for infants from 0-6 months. The difference is in the constituents & the price. For a mother asking for a low price formula, offer Hero Baby 1. for mothers seeking for a formula very much similar to her breast milk, offer Nutrasense 1. For a mother looking for something in between and will boost the baby's immunity, offer Nutradefense 1.

FAQs

Q2: How to prepare Hero baby Milk? Ans: The preparation method is mentioned on the package. Many customers complain that LF hardly dissolves. Usually mothers boil water and add it directly to the powder. Pay attention while preparing LF, as the water must be cooled down first before addition to the milk powder, for better powder dissolving, otherwise it will take time to dissolve

FAQs

Q3: What about the smell and taste of the milk?Ans: The taste is palatable and is similar to that of breast milk, so, it won't affect baby's milk preference. No complaints have been issued against the smell, except for the smell of Nutradefense, it is a little bit stronger due to the presence of higher DHA content. Still it is acceptable to babies

Wait for more to come

MCTs

• Are saturated FAs, naturally occurring in some vegetable oils (coconut and palm kernel oils) and breast milk fat.
• The addition of MCT to infant formula could facilitate better absorption of lipids. they are easily absorbed compared to LCFAs
• They also display antiviral and antibacterial activities and have a functional impact on the modulation of the gut microbiota during early infancy, which is related to the maturation of the immune system and general health

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.804880/full

Adapted Protein= Demineralized whey

• As we mentioned previously, breast milk contains 2 types of protein, whey and casein, but the whey proportion is higher to allow for easy digestion.

• Unlike breast milk, Cow's milk available in milk formulas contains less whey protein than human milk, so it is important to re-balance the casein:whey protein ratio in infant milk formula recipes.

• A demineralization process removes mineral salts from whey.

This will allow for:

• Formula will resemble breast milk (since breast milk has a mineral content three times less than cow's milk)
• Gives required proteins without having the renal load of minerals on tender kidneys.

• Will provide essential amino acids required for growth and development

Nutrasense 2

Even with the introduction of some simple food to your baby starting from the sixth month, milk remains the foundation of his daily nutrition. So, incase breastfeeding is not possible for any reason, no need to worry. Specially designed to meet your baby’s nutritional requirements from 6-12 months

https://herostore.com.eg/product/nutrasense-2-400gm/

MFGM

MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane)

Is a naturally occurring membrane that surrounds the fat droplets in breast milk. It helps support your baby’s cognitive development. Research has shown that MFGM plays an important role in brain structure and function.

DHA/ AA

LCPUFAs

DHA and ARA are what’s called “long chain” omega fatty acids. DHA, is a major lipid in the brain recognized as essential for normal brain function. It is important for optimal visual and cognitive development. ARA supports an infant's health through its effects on the immune system and the inflammatory response Note: AA=ARA= Arachidonic acid

3 types of Breast Milk: 1- Colostrum: The first fluid made by breastfeeding mothers 2- Transitional milk: Around day 3 after birth, a mother’s breastmilk ‘comes in’ and this represents a period of increased milk production 3- Mature Milk: after a couple of weeks, milk supply is more established

Nucleotides

AMP, CMP, GMP, IMP, UMP

Nucleotides are one of the immunomodulating factors found in human milk. They serve as building blocks of DNA and RNA for cells in the body, including important immune system cells They enhance immune responses as well as the growth, differentiation and repair of the gut. Nucleotides are present in human breast milk in higher quantities compared to cow& goat milk. Therefore, nucleotides have been added to nutritional formulas for infants since 1980s.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531721000737

Protein Hydrolysis

• Healthy infants’ intestines are capable of, and should work to digest protein.  However, cow and soy milk proteins are bigger and more allergenic than breast milk proteins.  

• Protein hydrolysis means that proteins are broken down into smaller components or peptides, that are closer to the size of breast milk proteins so they take less work for a baby to digest.

• Hydrolyzed formulas for infants can be of two types: partially hydrolyzed (like in Her Bbay HA) or extensively hydrolyzed (like in Hydro Baby FEH) cow’s-milk-protein based.

• Hero Baby HA contains partially hydrolyzed 100% whey protein (remember casein protein is hard to digest), to make it easily digestable & reduce tummy troubles

Galacto-oligosaccharides

• Hero baby contain Prebiotics GOS which work to increase microbiota and act as soluble fibers to help with constipation
• GOS is found in hero baby nutrasense & defense to provide comfort to baby tummies, and even with higher concentrations in Hero baby digest to provide more digestive comfort to babies suffer from colics and constipation.

Nutrasense 1

Our most premium infant formula for your baby from birth to 6 months, Providing composition & outcomes closer than ever to the natural goodness of breast milk.

https://www.heromea.com/baby/en/products/formula-milks/hero-baby-1-nutrasense

Adapted Protein= Demineralized whey

• As we mentioned previously, breast milk contains 2 types of protein, whey and casein, but the whey proportion is higher to allow for easy digestion.

• Unlike breast milk, Cow's milk available in milk formulas contains less whey protein than human milk, so it is important to re-balance the casein:whey protein ratio in infant milk formula recipes.

• A demineralization process removes mineral salts from whey.

This will allow for:

• Formula will resemble breast milk (since breast milk has a mineral content three times less than cow's milk)
• Gives required proteins without having the renal load of minerals on tender kidneys.

• Will provide essential amino acids required for growth and development

Nutradefense 3

• Specially designed to meet your child’s nutritional requirements from 1-3 years
• 2 cups of Hero Baby 3 Nutrasense (morning & night) to cover his daily nutritional needs beside meals.
• You can prepare meals with, for enhanced nutritional value instead of cow’s milk which is deficient in many nutrients important for your child at this growth stage.

https://herostore.com.eg/product/hero-baby-3-nutradefense-plus/

How milk formulas try to prevent constipation?

Why infants suffer from constipation?

• Constipation is one of the main GI problems that bother babies and their parents.
• Most milk fed babies suffer from constipation because Formula, is thicker. It has larger proteins that can be harder to digest.
• The formation of insoluble calcium soaps is also responsible for hard stools
• The introduction of solid food,as the baby grows

• The incorporation of hydrolyzed protein in formula relative to both soy and intact cow milk-based formulas

• Prebiotics HMOs and soluble fibers such as GOS can help

• Higher magnesium formulas were associated wth higher stool frequency

CMA (Cow's milk allergy)

• More rarely, it can affect babies who are exclusively breastfed because of cows' milk from the mother's diet passing to the baby through breast milk.
• Symptoms include: skin reactions, digestive problems
• The solution is to remove cow's milk from the diet, and introduce formulas with hydrolyzed proteins that will make it easier for the baby to digest and won't be recognized by the immune system

• CMA occurs when the baby's immune system develops a reaction towards the proteins in cow's milk, when it is first introduced into your baby's diet either in formula or when your baby starts eating solids

https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/childrens-health/what-should-i-do-if-i-think-my-baby-is-allergic-or-intolerant-to-cows-milk/

• CMA occurs when the baby's immune system develops a reaction towards the proteins in cow's milk, when it is first introduced into your baby's diet either in formula or when your baby starts eating solids.
• More rarely, it can affect babies who are exclusively breastfed because of cows' milk from the mother's diet passing to the baby through breast milk.
• Symptoms include: skin reactions, digestive problems
• The solution is to remove cow's milk from the diet, and introduce formulas with hydrolyzed proteins that will make it easier for the baby to digest and won't be recognized by the immune system

β-palmitate

Is a part of human milk fat, positively influences fatty acid metabolism, increases calcium absorption, improves bone matrix quality and the stool consistency, and has a positive effect on the development of the intestinal microbiome. How does it affect stool consistency? The creation of calcium soaps can lead to harder stools and constipation. Fat blends with beta palmitate improve calcium absorption because they do not create calcium soaps. This will lead to softer stools.

Adapted Protein= Demineralized whey

• As we mentioned previously, breast milk contains 2 types of protein, whey and casein, but the whey proportion is higher to allow for easy digestion.

• Unlike breast milk, Cow's milk available in milk formulas contains less whey protein than human milk, so it is important to re-balance the casein:whey protein ratio in infant milk formula recipes.

• A demineralization process removes mineral salts from whey.

This will allow for:

• Formula will resemble breast milk (since breast milk has a mineral content three times less than cow's milk)
• Gives required proteins without having the renal load of minerals on tender kidneys.

• Will provide essential amino acids required for growth and development

2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL)

Is the the Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO) and is a prebiotic (affects the gut microbiota by providing an energy source for the beneficial intestinal bacteria) NOTE: HMOs are only available in breast milk, Cow milk and Infant formulas lack it, that's why they add it to the milk formula to mimic breast milk

https://www.nestlenutrition-institute.org/publications/benefits-two-human-milk-oligosaccharides-2fucosyllactose-and-lacto-n-neotetraose-infant-nutrition

Nutrasense 3

• After the first year, your baby’s food may not cover all his daily nutritional requirements
• Specially designed to meet your child’s nutritional requirements from 1-3 years
• 2 cups of Hero Baby 3 Nutrasense (morning & night) to cover his daily nutritional needs beside meals.
• Use it to prepare meals as well for higher nutritional value, instead of cow’s milk which lacks many nutrients needed for your child at this important growth stage.

https://herostore.com.eg/product/nutrasense-3-400gm/