What Are the Macronutrients in Infant Formula?

Infant formulas are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure that infants are receiving the proper nutrition in every bottle. These regulations work to drive the manufacture of infant formula that has the macronutrients needed for growth and development. The laws also restrict the use of certain ingredients, while also setting the rules for nutritional labels. It is on those nutritional labels that parents can find the amounts of the essential nutrients provided by the formula, including the all-important macronutrients.

  1. Defining Macronutrients

    • Macronutrients are defined by McKinley Health Center in the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana as the essential parts of foods needed for proper growth, development and body function. There are three nutrient groups that fit the definition: protein, fats and carbohydrates. The infant's body needs large amounts of each nutrient every day. Infant formula provides the necessary amounts in each serving.

    Proteins

    • Proteins are needed to help the body continuously repair itself in the event of illness, injury and daily function. They are also sources of fuel for the body and are used to maintain the immune system, manufacture hormones and enzymes needed for daily function as well as ensuring that the muscles in the body stay lean and healthy. The major protein in milk-based infant formula comes in the form of the compounds casein and whey. Formula makers mimic breast milk with a proportion of 40 percent casein to 60 percent whey in the solution.

    Fats

    • Yes, fats are a macronutrient group that is essential to infant formula production. According to the Sandford Medical Center in Fargo, ND, the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for growth and development. So are the lipid fats DHA and ARA. These fats work with a combination of saturated, unsaturated and polyunsatured fats to help the infant brain grow and develop. The center also describes the fats as fuel, while also helping the tiny bodies absorb vitamins and providing protection for the internal organs and cells. Formulas are not required to contain lipid fats. However, manufacturers disclose the fats on the formula labels.

    Carbohydrates

    • The real power for the body, carbohydrates are found in milk-based formulas as lactose and in lactose-free or soy formulas as a starch or glucose polymer. The Sandford Medical Center describes the job of carbohydrates in formula as the movers of food through the digestive system -- fiber is one carbohydrate in infant formula that performs such a task. They also help maintain and protect the central nervous system that is still developing in babies. Carbohydrates are also essential growth macronutrients.

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