From the Guidelines
For neonates who cannot receive breast milk, the best artificial milk is an iron-fortified infant formula, as it provides essential nutrients for growth and development, and helps prevent iron deficiency, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1. When choosing an artificial milk for a newborn, it is crucial to consider the nutritional needs of the infant. Iron-fortified infant formulas are the best option, as they contain a blend of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that closely mimic breast milk composition. Some key points to consider when selecting an infant formula include:
- Iron fortification to prevent iron deficiency
- Protein content that is easily digestible by the infant
- Presence of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and calcium
- Absence of harmful substances, such as added sugars and artificial sweeteners According to recent guidelines, newborns should be fed about every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times every 24 hours, with the amount eaten per feeding increasing by about 1 oz per month, and plateauing at around 7-8 oz per feed 1. It is also important to note that breast milk remains the gold standard for infant nutrition, due to its perfect nutritional balance and immune factors, but iron-fortified infant formulas provide adequate nutrition for normal growth and development when breastfeeding is not possible. Additionally, some studies suggest that diet diversity during infancy may be associated with reduced allergy outcomes, but more research is needed to define the role of diet diversity and diet patterns in preventing allergies 1. In terms of specific formula recommendations, standard cow's milk-based formulas are appropriate for most infants, but specialized options exist for specific needs, such as hypoallergenic formulas for milk protein allergies, premature formulas for preterm infants, and soy-based formulas for galactosemia. Preparation of infant formula is also critical, with instructions to follow package instructions for powder-to-water ratio, use clean equipment, and prepare fresh bottles for each feeding, warming the formula to body temperature and feeding in appropriate amounts.
From the Research
Artificial Milk for Newborns
There are no studies that directly compare the best artificial milk for newborns. However, the provided studies discuss the importance of human milk and human milk fortifiers for preterm infants.
Human Milk and Fortifiers
- Human milk is the preferred diet for preterm infants as it protects against necrotizing enterocolitis and other NICU challenges 2.
- Human milk fortifiers can provide additional nutritional supplements necessary for adequate growth while receiving the protective benefits of a human milk diet 2, 3.
- Fortification of expressed breast milk using commercially available human milk fortifiers increases short-term weight and length in preterm very low-birth-weight neonates 4.
Comparison of Fortifiers
- A study compared two different human milk fortifiers, Enfamil Human Milk fortifier and Eoprotin, and found that fortified human milk was well tolerated and provided similar growth rates to preterm formula 5.
- Another study evaluated two commercially available human breast milk fortifiers, Similac Natural Care and Enfamil Powder, and found that both products provided the additional nutritional support necessary for optimal overall postnatal growth in healthy preterm infants 6.
Considerations for Artificial Milk
- Preterm infants are susceptible to necrotizing enterocolitis due to the immaturity of their gastrointestinal and immune systems, and an exclusive human milk diet can compensate for these immature systems 2.
- Bovine protein should be avoided in preterm infants, and a diet consisting of human milk-based human milk fortifier is one way to provide the additional nutritional supplements necessary for adequate growth while receiving the protective benefits of a human milk diet 2.