Baby's Only Organic® Dairy with DHA & ARA Toddler Formula

Ingredients

Organic Brown Rice Syrup*, Organic Nonfat Milk, Organic High Oleic Sunflower and/or Organic High Oleic Safflower Oil, Organic Soybean Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Egg Lecithin (Source of DHA & ARA), Organic Vanilla, Calcium Phosphate, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Ascorbate (Vit. C), Organic Soy Lecithin, Calcium Citrate, Choline Bitartrate, Taurine, Ferrous Sulfate, Inositol, Vitamin C Palmitate, d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit. E), Natural Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Sulfate, Niacinamide, Vitamin A Palmitate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamin Hydrochloride (Vit. B1), Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin (Vit. B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vit. B6), Folic Acid, Phylloquinone (Vit. K1), Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenate, Biotin, Vitamin D3, Cyanocobalamin (Vit. B12).

*Nature’s One implemented a new filtration process for organic brown rice syrup that eliminates arsenic to undetectable levels at testing limits of less than 4 parts per billion. This initiative is part of our Pure10 Pledge™ that is backed by extensive testing, an uncompromising attitude toward ingredient standards, and a commitment to producing the safest and most nutritious formulas for the well-being of children.

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Carbohydrates

Baby's Only Organic^® Toddler Formula uses filtered organic brown rice syrup as its carbohydrate source in addition to naturally occurring organic lactose. Nature’s One is the first company to implement new technology that filters arsenic, to undetectable levels, from its organic brown rice syrup. Rice is gluten-free and is known to be a relatively non-allergenic food and is well tolerated by infants. In fact, rice is the least allergenic of all grains. Lactose has not been added to the formula; however, the cow's milk used in Baby's Only Organic^® does naturally contain lactose. Whole Foods 365^TM, Earth's Best^®, and Wal-Mart's formulas contain added lactose for carbohydrate, which may cause some concern if a baby is sensitive to lactose. Too much lactose can overwhelm the baby's ability to digest the milk-sugar and cause gassiness, bloating and a very unhappy baby. If the parents are milk sensitive, consult with the baby's healthcare professional and a non-dairy formula may be recommended such as Baby's Only Organic^® Soy formula.

Carbohydrates are one of the crucial dietary sources of energy that supports the brain, enables muscular contractions, and provides the fuel necessary for a baby's rapid growth through 24-months of age. So it is important for a child to get plenty of carbohydrates from good sources. Baby's Only Organic^® source of carbohydrate comes from organic brown rice syrup that requires minimal processing and offers the benefits of slower digestion and absorption of complex sugars that provide a steady supply of energy to a baby.

Organic lactose and evaporated cane juice are simple sugars. Simple carbohydrates are quickly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, increasing insulin levels. A more complex carbohydrate, such as organic brown rice syrup used in Baby's Only Organic^® formulas, requires more time for digestion resulting in slower and steadier absorption of the carbohydrates into the blood stream and a more constant production of insulin.

Organic brown rice syrup is slightly sweeter than lactose but significantly less sweet than sucrose (table sugar) or cane sugar. The medical community has expressed concern over using cane sugar in infant formulas because it is five times sweeter than lactose and could pose health or medical issues related to obesity or dental caries. The carbohydrates in Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy Formula consist of 37% naturally occurring lactose from the organic non-fat cow's milk and 63% organic brown rice syrup.

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Vegetable Oils

Some formulas, such as Whole Foods 365^TM, Earth's Best^®, the Walmart^® Parents Choice^® brand, and Enfamil^® use palm olein oil as part of the fat blend in their formulas. Palm olein oil is made from palm oil. Unfortunately clinical studies have proven the use of palm olein oil as a predominant fat source in infant formulas causes some babies to poorly absorb calcium resulting in lower bone mineralization.^{1, 2} When palm olein oil is provided in the formula, calcium soaps (calcium in fat) are formed in the gut. These calcium soaps prevent the absorption of fat and calcium in the gut and can also result in harder stool formation or constipation.³

Almost 90% of all palm oil is produced in Indonesia and Malaysia at oil-palm plantations. This has resulted in widespread deforestation, destruction of rain forests, and putting the survival of some animals at risk. The razing by burning of tropical rain forests to make way for oil-palm plantations also results in the release of large amounts of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere.⁴

Baby's Only Organic^® Toddler Formulas contain no palm olein oil and no palm oil. Instead, Baby's Only Organic^® formulas contain a blend of organic oils: Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil and/or Organic High Oleic Safflower Oil, Organic Soybean Oil and Organic Coconut Oil. Baby's Only Organic^® vegetable oils are expeller-pressed, which is a squeezing process to extract the oil from the organic plants. No harsh chemicals are used to produce the vegetable oils.

1. Koo, W.W.K., et al, "Reduced bone mineralization in infants fed palm olein-containing formula: A randomized, double-blinded, prospective trial." Pediatrics 2003; 111:1007-1023.
2. Kennedy, K. et al, "Double-blinded, randomized trial of a synthetic triacylglycerol in formula-fed term infants: Effects on stool biochemistry, stool characteristics, and bone mineralization." Am J Clin Nutr 1999; 70:920-927.
3. Nelson, S.E. et al, "Absorption of fat and calcium by infants fed a milk-based formula containing palm olein." J Am Coll Nutr 17: 327-332.
4. Brown, Ellie and Jacobson, Michael F. Cruel Oil. Washington, D.C.: Center for Science in the Public Interest, May, 2005.

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% Whey & Casein

• Little Miss Muffet's Curds & Whey

  Casein and whey are the two major proteins found in cow's milk. Approximately 18% of cow's milk protein is whey and 82% is casein.¹ The children's nursery rhyme about Little Miss Muffet who sat on a tuffet eating her curds and whey helps to explain these two types of protein. Curds are the casein portion of cow's milk protein and whey is the more liquid portion. So Little Miss Muffet was most likely eating cottage cheese! When milk is mixed with an acid such as vinegar, you get small curds and liquid whey resulting in cottage cheese. When we consume milk, the same thing happens during the digestion process in our stomach; that is, the casein forms small curds that take a bit longer to digest than the watery whey portion of the milk.

• Casein & Whey Debate

  There have been various debates about whether a dairy-based infant formula should be casein-predominant or whey-predominant. The reason for these debates is that human milk is commonly reported to have an average whey to casein ratio of 60:40 versus the 18:82 ratio of cow's milk. According to a very well respected human milk researcher, "there is no 'fixed' ratio of whey to casein in human milk; it varies throughout lactation" and "the frequently cited ratio of 60:40 is an approximation."² To make matters even more interesting, the notion that adding more whey to a formula's recipe will result in a product more like breast milk is flawed. Proteins are made up of molecules called amino acids. The types of amino acids found in human milk whey are different than those found in cow's milk.³

  An infant formula made from cow's milk will have a whey to casein ratio of 18:82 similar to that found in cow's milk and is called a casein-predominant formula. Some manufacturers add cow's milk whey to infant formula to bring the whey to casein ratio closer to breast milk in the belief that a 60:40 ratio is better for an infant and there are a few formula manufacturers who use only cow's milk whey claiming "gentler" proteins and/or easier digestion. These formulas with added whey or only whey as the protein source are called whey-predominant formulas. A few countries, such as China, have even gone the regulatory route of requiring that infant formulas be whey-based in the belief that adding more whey to the formula to at least the 60:40 ratio makes the milk more similar to breast milk. China's regulators have even gone so far as to make statements that casein-predominant formulas cause intestinal bleeding, malnutrition, diarrhea, and kidney stress.

• Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA Formulas are Easily Digested

  Standard dairy-based formulas such as Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA formula derive their protein from non-fat cow's milk without added whey. So these formulas are considered casein-predominant formulas. Healthy term infants have no problem digesting the casein found in standard dairy-based, casein predominant formulas such as Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy Formula with DHA & ARA .^4,5,6,7
  
  Pediatric nutrition experts have stated:

  • "For a term healthy infant, there is no nutritional advantage of whey-predominant over casein-predominant formulas"⁴
  • "Even today, rather meager evidence exists that a milk-based formula with added whey proteins results in a product that is superior to a milk-based formula without the additional whey proteins"⁵
  • "Experience accumulated over the past 50 years has shown that casein-dominant formulas support normal growth in full-term infants"⁶

  In fact, casein has served as the standard reference protein to measure the biological value of other proteins in a test called PER (Protein Efficacy Ratio).⁸

• Science Does Not Support Anti-Casein Claims

  Regarding statements that have been made about casein causing intestinal bleeding, diarrhea, and malnutrition, there is no scientific literature reporting these symptoms in healthy term infants. These symptoms can arise in infants and young children with cow's milk protein intolerance or cow's milk protein allergy. In these situations, any food or beverage containing cow's milk proteins, including whey-predominant formulas, must be excluded from the child's diet. Cow's milk protein allergy is the most common cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.

  Statements have also been made regarding casein as a cause of kidney stress in infants. Kidney stress is the result of a very high renal solute load. Renal solute load refers to the sum of certain nutrients and by-products of digestion that are filtered by the kidney. These include amino acids, urea and electrolytes. The U.S. Infant Formula Act regulated by the Food and Drug Administration specifies the level of protein and minerals that must be in an infant formula. These levels assure that the renal solute load of all infant formulas are at a safe level when the formulas are prepared at standard dilution to 20 Calories per ounce. Renal solute load can be an issue for infants and children requiring formulas with higher caloric concentrations but these children are usually under medical supervision for various illnesses or conditions.

  In summary, casein-predominant formulas such as Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA Formula have been used for decades and have supported good growth and development in healthy term infants.

• Footnotes

  1. Samour PQ and King K. Pediatric Nutrition, 4th edition. Sudbury, Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Learning, 2012, page 72.
  2. Lonnerdal B. "Nutritional and physiologic significance of human milk proteins." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2003;77:1537S-1543S.
  3. Duggan C, Watkins JB, Walker WA. Nutrition in Pediatrics, 4th edition. Hamilton, Ontario, Canada: BC Decker, 2008, page 384.
  4. Wilson T and Temple NJ (editors). Beverages in Nutrition and Human Health. Totowa, New Jersey: Humana Press, 2004, page 238.
  5. Fomon SJ. "Infant feeding in the 20th Century: Formula and Beikost." Journal of Nutrition. 2001; 131: 409S-420S.
  6. Duggan C, Watkins JB, Walker WA. Nutrition in Pediatrics, 4th edition. Hamilton, Ontario, Canada: BC Decker, 2008, page 757.
  7. Martinez JA and Ballew MP. "Infant Formulas." Pediatrics in Review. 2011; 32: 179-189.
  8. Nielsen SS (editor). Food Analysis. New York, New York: Springer Science and Media, 2010, page 274.
  

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Essential Fatty Acids

Whole Foods 365^TM, Earth's Best^®, the Wal-Mart^® Parent's Choice^® Brand, and Similac^® Organic are lower in the essential fatty acid, Linoleic Acid; the Alpha-Linolenic fatty acid composition is lower or not stated on the formula labels. These precursor fats are important for the body to convert to DHA & ARA and are critical to brain and eye retina development.

As shown above, Baby's Only Organic^® Formula contain higher levels of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. However, Nature's One^® recognizes that some babies may not be as efficient at converting linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid and therefore Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA may be a better option than use of a product with synthetic DHA & ARA. The synthetic DHA & ARA used to supplement Whole Foods 365^TM, Earth's Best^®, Wal-Mart's Parent's Choice^®, and Similac^® Organic infant formulas are treated with hexane solvents, acid and bleach during the manufacturing process.

It is best to compare pediatric formulas using a 100-calorie serving, which is approximately 5-ounces of formula. So over the course of a day of feedings totaling 28oz, a baby consuming Baby's Only Organic^® would receive 1,400mg MORE linoleic acid and 380mg MORE alpha-linolenic fatty acid when compared to Earth's Best^® infant formulas. Remember, just because a formula is organic does not necessarily insure it is nutritionally advanced. Baby's Only Organic^® takes advantage of modern nutritional science.

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Taurine, Selenium & Iron

Baby's Only Organic^® formulas do contain taurine, selenium and iron, similar to conventional formulas.

Taurine, an amino acid normally present in breast milk, has been shown to play a role in retinal development, among others. Cow and soy milks do not contain adequate amounts of the amino acid.

Selenium is a mineral important for proper formation of red blood cells, development of skeletal muscle and proper growth. Selenium, too, is normally present in breast milk, but lacking in cow and soy milks. Baby's Only Organic^® contains added taurine and selenium.

Iron is added at the level recommended by the Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. Inappropriate dietary iron could result in anemia, weakness, muscle fatigue, abnormal gastrointestinal motility, and a reduction of cognitive ability. This reduction in cognition has been shown to be irreversible, even once a normal iron level is retained.

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DHA & ARA Fatty Acids

Not all sources of DHA and ARA are biologically equivalent nor tolerated, absorbed and assimilated by an infant's body equally. The human body metabolizes or uses phospholipids differently from triglycerides. Because triglycerides such as those in single cell organism oils (branded as life'sDHA™) are not soluble in water, they must be broken down and held in suspension – a process called emulsification – and require bile acids for digestion before they can be absorbed in the intestinal tract and then used by the body.

Because of their chemical structure, phospholipids have both hydrophilic (water soluble) and lipophilic (fat soluble) properties and are not reliant on bile acids for digestion. They form smaller droplets in the intestinal tract and are more easily absorbed in the intestinal tract and offer greater bioavailability. ^{1 13}

The use of egg phospholipids in infant formula has been widely studied. ^{2 - 13} A few highlights of these studies have shown the following:

• In a study with premature infants, DHA from egg phospholipid was better absorbed than DHA from single cell organism triglyceride oil. ⁷
• DHA from egg phospholipid increased red blood cell levels in infants and improved visual acuity. ¹¹
• Infants fed a formula with egg phospholipid had a lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (death of intestinal tissue). ⁶

Nature's One selected an egg phospholipid source of DHA and ARA for Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA Formula for its superior and documented benefits compared to life'sDHA™, which is being used today in all other formulas sold in the United States.

1. Parmentier K, Mahmoud KAS, Linder M, Fanni J. "Polar lipids: n-3 PUFA carriers for membranes and brain: nutritional interest and emerging processes," OCL (Oleagineux Corps Gras Lipides). 2007; 14:224-229.
2. Agostoni C, Trojan S, Bellu R, et al. "Neurodevelopmental quotient of healthy term infants at 4 months and feeding practice: the role of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids," Pediatric Research. 1995; 38:262-266.
3. Agostoni C, Trojan S, Bellu R, et al. "Developmental quotient at 24 months and fatty acid composition of diet in early infancy: a follow-up study," Archives of Diseases in Childhood. 1997; 76:421-424.
4. Amate L, Gil A, Ramirez M. "Feeding infant piglets formula with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids as triacylglycerols or phospholipids influences the distribution of these fatty acids in plasma lipoprotein fractions," Journal of Nutrition. 2001; 131:1250-1255.
5. Bouwstra H, Dijck-Brouwer DAJ, Wildeman JAL, et al. "Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have a positive effect on the quality of general movements of healthy term infants," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2003; 78:313-318.
6. Carlson SE, Montalto MB, Ponder DL, et al. "Lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in infants fed a preterm formula with egg phospholipids," Pediatric Research. 1998; 44:491-498.
7. Carnielli VP, Luijendijk IHT, Van Goudoever JB, et al. "Feeding premature newborn infants palmitic acid in amount and stereoisomeric position similar to that of human milk: effects on fat and mineral balance," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1995; 61:1037-1042.
8. Forsyth JS, Willatts P, Agostoni C, et al. "Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in infant formula and blood pressure in later childhood: follow-up of a randomized controlled trial," British Medical Journal. 2003; 326:953-955.
9. Lopez-Pedrosa JM, Ramirez M, Torres MI, Gil A. "Dietary phospholipids rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid improve the repair of small intestine in malnourished piglets," Journal of Nutrition. 1999; 129:1149-1155.
10. Morgan C, Davies L, Corcoran F, et al. "Fatty acid balance studies in term infants fed formula milk containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids," Acta Paediatrica. 1998; 87:136-142.
11. Watson, RR, editor. Fatty Acids in Health Promotion and Disease Causation. Urbana, Illinois: AOCS Press, 2009: 804.
12. Wijendran V, Huang MC, Diau GY, et al. "Efficacy of dietary arachidonic acid provided as triglyceride of phospholipid as substrate for brain arachidonic acid accretion in baboon neonates," Pediatric Research. 2002; 51:263-264.
13. Willatts P, Dijck-Brouwer DAJ, Wildeman JAL, et al. "Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have a positive effect on the quality of general movements of healthy term infants," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2003; 78:313-318.

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Martek life'sDHA™

In 2001, US infant formula manufacturers began adding a novel source of DHA and ARA that is manufactured by Martek Biosciences Corporation and branded as life’s DHA™. The DHA and ARA are derived from algae and fungus and treated with hexane solvent, acid and bleach. The following is the manufacturing process described by Martek: “The oil is then separated from the dried biomass by hexane extraction and centrifugation and/or filtration, followed by winterization. The hexane phase undergoes additional centrifugation/filtration to remove solids then the winterized oil is heated and treated with acid. Subsequently, the oil is treated with caustic, centrifuged, bleached and deodorized.”¹

In addition to the harsh toxic chemicals such as hexane that are used to extract and process the life’sDHA™ oils, several organic advocacy groups believe the processing involves genetically modified organisms (GMOs) based on their review of Martek’s patents.^{2, 3} GMO refers to an organism whose genetic characteristics have been altered by the insertion of a modified gene or a gene from another organism using the techniques of genetic engineering. Despite using harsh toxic chemicals and GMOs, life’sDHA™ continues to be used in organic infant formula and baby food.

Nature’s One^® has never added life’sDHA™ to any of its formulas. Because of the harsh toxic chemicals that are used to extract and process the life’sDHA™ oils and the use of GMOs, Nature’s One believes these ingredients have no place in any organic products, especially one designed for infants and young children. The non-profit organization, The Cornucopia Institute, has reviewed in detail the controversy surrounding algal and fungal sources of DHA and ARA along with reports of some adverse effects on infants when fed formulas containing life’sDHA™. The entire Cornucopia Institute’s report can be found at Cornucopia.org.

Baby’s Only Essentials^® DHA and ARA Supplement and also Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA Formula sources of DHA and ARA are derived from egg yolk phospholipids, a safe and natural source of these fatty acids. Nature’s One has chosen to use egg phospholipids over life’sDHA™ algal oils because it is not a hexane processed triglyceride and does not involve genetic modification.

1.Sam Zeller, Ph.D.; Martek Biosciences Corporation, Food & Drug Administration Agency Response Letter, GRAS Notice No. GRN 000137
2. Sourced 2011 from: “GMO Ingredients in Organic Baby Food?” By Alexis Baden-Mayer. Organic Consumers Association. http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_24414.cfm
3. Sourced 2011 from: “Tell Organic Baby Food Brands to Stop Using GMOs!” By Alexis Baden-Mayer and Ronnie Cummins. Organic Bytes: Food and Consumer Newsweekly. Organic Consumers Association. http://organicconsumers.org/bytes/OrganicBytes309.pdf

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Allergen Information

Contains milk, soy, and coconut ingredients

No detectable egg allergen.

Gluten Free. Made without GMO ingredients. No rBST dairy.

Contains no wheat or wheat gluten, no palm olein oil, no Martek DHA & ARA, no corn ingredients such as corn syrup, no sucrose, and no peanut.

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Nucleotides

Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy Formula contains naturally occurring nucleotides found in organic dairy protein. Nature's One^® believes this is adequate to meet the growth and development needs of children. These organic nucleotides are not declared on Baby's Only Organic's label because it is not an ingredient addition - instead they occur naturally as mentioned.

Nutritional science and the medical community have not determined if there are any added benefits for added nucleotides - especially since all are synthetically derived. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition weighs-in on this subject as well commenting that "...additional studies are needed to understand the mechanism of action, confirm clinical endpoints, and monitor the long-term effects of adding nucleotides to infant formula." ¹

Most importantly, nucleotides added to conventional and organic infant formulas are derived by synthetic, non-organic methods. There are presently no organic or natural sources for nucleotides. We are therefore concerned about the harmful effects of the chemicals used to process nucleotides and the synthetic source of nucleotides; especially since the benefits of their addition have not been clearly demonstrated.

1. Reference: Committee on Nutrition, Pediatric Nutrition Handbook, 6th edition, American Academy of Pediatrics, pg 810.

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Kosher

Baby's Only Organic^® Toddler Formula is certified Kosher by Orthodox Union. The kosher symbol, (circle U) O-U, is located on the front portion of the label. A current Kosher Certificate is available upon request.

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Organic Ingredients

Numerous research studies have documented the nutritional superiority of organic foods.¹ including a recent study from the United Kingdom that reported on the benefits of consuming organic foods.² Of particular interest is the finding that organic milk can contain up to 60% more antioxidants than found in conventionally produced milk. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E are molecules that help to prevent damage to the body's cells. We can anticipate many more studies and scientific reports being published soon that further document the benefits of organic eating. It is reasonable to believe that future studies will support theories that the human body must work harder to rid itself of chemicals and hormones used in conventional farming and food manufacturing.

Parents should be aware that there is growing confusion between the terms "natural" and "organic." Don't be fooled by the term "natural" when reading food labels. A "natural" or "all natural" product is not an organic product that meets rigorous standards and certification..³ The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) presently defines "natural" rules for only the meat and poultry industry..⁴ No other foods are covered and, in fact, other food manufacturers can create their own definition of "natural" for the foods they produce.

Consumers may also be under the false impression that "natural" foods are "greener" than their organic counterparts. For example, "natural" milk may come from dairy herds where hormones are not used. However, these cows are usually fed in factory farm feedlots rather than roam on chemical-free pastures as required for organic dairy farms. With more large corporations looking to the "heath food" industry as an avenue to increase profits, parents need to become better informed shoppers.

1. Benbrook, C, et al. New Evidence Confirms the Nutritional Superiority of Plant-Based Organic Foods. Boulder, CO: The Organic Center, 2008.
2. Butler, G, et al. "Fatty acid and fat-soluble antioxidant concentrations in milk from high- and low-input conventional and organic systems: seasonal variation," Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 2008; 88(8): 1431-1441.
3. http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/ofp/ofp.shtml Sourced July 13, 2009.
4. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FactSheets/Meat_&_Poultry_Labeling_Terms/index.asp Sourced July 13, 2009 .

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Fats

• Lipids (Fats)

  There is so much in the media about good fats, bad fats, essential fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol and differences in fats. It is hard for a person to know how to distinguish between fats and what is the most healthful to consume, especially for infants and young children. Here is a brief review of the types of fats to assist in understanding fats and their role in nutrition for infants and young children.

  Fats are also called lipids and some are referred to as fatty acids, cholesterol, triglycerides or phospholipids depending on their chemical structure.

  The basic chemical structure of a fat is a carbon chain to which oxygen is attached at one end of the chain and hydrogen is attached along the chain. Fats are classified as saturated or unsaturated depending upon whether the carbon chain is filled or saturated with hydrogen bonds or not filled (unsaturated) with hydrogen bonds. Solid forms of fat such as lard and butter are high in saturated fats. Liquid forms of fat such as vegetable oils, fluid at room temperature, are high in unsaturated fats.

  Unsaturated fats can be further classified as monounsaturated meaning there is only one area on the carbon chain not filled with hydrogen or polyunsaturated meaning more than one area on the carbon chain is not filled with hydrogen. Polyunsaturated fatty acids can also be short, medium, or long chain depending upon the length of the carbon chain. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (also called LCPUFAs), such as DHA and ARA, have been receiving increased attention in maternal and child nutrition.

  An unsaturated fatty acid can be further classified by where the first hydrogen bond is located on the carbon chain such as an omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acid. The beginning of the carbon chain on which oxygen is attached is called the alpha end. The end of the carbon chain is called the omega end. For an omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid, the third carbon from the omega end of the carbon chain is not filled or bonded to hydrogen. For an omega-6 fatty acid, this occurs at the sixth carbon position.

  Unsaturated fatty acids can also be classified by how the body uses or makes them. Unsaturated fatty acids can be essential or non-essential. Essential fatty acids cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from the diet. There are two essential fatty acids, linolenic fatty acid (an omega-3) and linoleic (an omega-6), both being required in an infant formula. The body has the capability of making non-essential fatty acids. The two non-essential fatty acids of more recent interest in infant and child nutrition are DHA made from linolenic fatty acid and ARA made from linoleic acid.

• Triglycerides

  A triglyceride, also known as a triacylglycerol, is a type of fat and consists of one glycerol molecule to which 3 fatty acids are attached. Triglycerides are found in animal fats and plant oils and are not soluble in water. Triglycerides are digested and absorbed in the small intestine. Because they are not soluble in water, bile salts are required for their digestion.

  The DHA and ARA that comes from single cell organism oils derived from algae and fungus are fatty acids on the triglyceride molecule. These are the ingredient sources of DHA and ARA used to supplement all infant formulas, except for Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA Formula. Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA Formula and Baby's Only Essentials^® DHA & ARA Fatty Acid Supplement contain DHA and ARA derived from phospholipids instead of triglycerides.

• Phospholipids

  Phospholipids have a structure like triglycerides but contain a phosphate group in place of the third fatty acid. Phospholipids are found in foods; good sources include egg yolks and soybeans. Because of the phosphate group, a phospholipid is capable of dissolving in water molecules and is therefore soluble in water. Unlike triglycerides, bile acids are not required for their digestion and absorption in the small intestine. Phospholipids are important structural components of human cell membranes. Phospholipids are to human cells what cellulose and lignin are to plants. They help to form the structure of the cell. All human cells contain a double layer of phospholipids. Also, when molecules such as proteins move across the cell membrane, phospholipids help their entrance. Therefore, phospholipids affect cell membrane flexibility, transfer of nutrients across the cell membrane, and how cells communicate with each other.

  The egg phospholipids contain DHA and ARA as the fatty acids on the phospholipid molecule. Nature's One^® uses egg phospholipids in it Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA Formula and Baby's Only Essentials^® DHA & ARA Fatty Acid Supplement.

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Cholesterol

Cholesterol is an important part of a healthy body because it is used to form cell membranes, some hormones and is needed for other body functions. The main concern with intake of cholesterol is that a high level of cholesterol in the blood — hypercholesterolemia — is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attacks.

However, breast milk contains good amounts of cholesterol. ¹ There is some scientific thinking that cholesterol in breast milk may be nature's way of helping an infant's body learn to deal with cholesterol intake later in life and may have a protective cardiovascular effect. Research is being done in the area of cholesterol intake during infancy and early childhood and potential health benefits later in life. This research is also investigating whether cholesterol should be added to standard infant formulas.

Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA Formula contains 2 milligrams of cholesterol per 100 Calories (a 5 ounce serving). The cholesterol comes from the egg yolk phospholipid used as the source of DHA and ARA. The total cholesterol content of the diet will depend on what other foods infants consume as part of their daily diet once complementary foods are added to the daily meal plan. For comparison purposes, one large chicken egg contains approximately 215 milligrams of cholesterol.

1. Demmers TA, Jones PJH, Wang Y, et al, "Effects of early cholesterol intake on cholesterol biosynthesis and plasma lipids among infants until 18 months of age," Pediatrics, 2005; 115: 1594-1601.

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Egg Lecithin

Lecithin was first discovered in egg yolk in 1846 by the French scientist Maurice Gobley. He named it "lekithos" which is Greek for "egg yolk". ¹ Lecithin is a phospholipid and a major component of human cell membranes. It is not an essential nutrient because the body can make lecithin as well as absorb it from the foods we eat. In food manufacturing, lecithin is used as an emulsifier, an ingredient that helps to blend other ingredients in a mixture and prevents them, especially fats and oils, from separating out of a mixture. An example of an emulsifier is egg yolk used in mayonnaise where the egg yolk stabilizes the other ingredients to prevent separation.

Since the 1930's, soy oil has become the major and less expensive source of lecithin used in food manufacturing. However, lecithin from egg yolk and lecithin from soy oil are different in chemical structure. Although both are phospholipids, egg yolk lecithin contains DHA and ARA whereas soy oil lecithin does not. Use of egg lecithin in Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA Formula offers the advantage of a safe, natural, and organic complaint source of DHA and ARA plus the added bonus of being an emulsifier to ensure good fat dispersion throughout the powdered formula.

1. Sourced July 31, 2011 from: http://www.lecithinguide.info/structure-of-lecithin.html

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Egg Allergy

Allergies to certain foods are caused by the body's reaction to the protein component of a food. The DHA and ARA in Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA Formula are sourced from egg yolk phospholipids, the fat component of the egg yolk. As an extra precaution, this product is tested egg allergen free by a third party laboratory. Most often an egg allergy is caused by the egg white, the major protein portion of an egg, rather than the yolk. Due to the fact that only the fat or phospholipids (not protein) portion of the egg yolk is used and also because of the high quality and purity of the egg lecithin used, this product is free of egg allergen. If a child has a history of food allergies, consultation with the child's healthcare provider is always recommended before use of any new food including Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA Formula.

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GRAS

The DHA and ARA used in Baby's Only Organic^® is generally regarded as safe (GRAS). This organic compliant source of DHA and ARA are derived from egg yolk, and are considered GRAS. The hens are fed a vegetarian, non-GMO diet that is chemical-free and antibiotic-free.

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Vitamin A

This is important for the development of bones and teeth and helps maintain the gums. It is essential for night vision, healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes. It is sometimes referred to as the anti-infective vitamin because it is required for the proper functioning of the immune system and helps prevent infection.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 300 IU (per 100 calories)

Good animal sources of Vitamin A include: milk and dairy products, organ meats such as liver.

Good plant sources of the pro Vitamin A carotenoids include: deep yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and dark green leafy vegetables.

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Vitamin D

Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is often called the sunshine vitamin because of the body’s ability to make it from the interaction of the sun on the skin. Vitamin D made from this process is referred to as Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol. Vitamin D3 is also available from animal sources. Vitamin D derived from plant sources is known as Vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol. Vitamin D helps the body properly utilize calcium and phosphorus for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Recent research has confirmed that Vitamin D3 is more effective than Vitamin D2 in humans in improving the bodies Vitamin D status.¹

Vitamin D is essential for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth in infants, children and adults. In infants and children, a deficiency of Vitamin D results in rickets, a softening of the bones, which can result in bent legs. In adults, osteomalacia (a softening of the bones) or osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of the bones) can occur.

An excessive amount of Vitamin D supplementation can result in an elevated blood calcium level and can lead to calcium deposits in soft tissues, including blood vessels and kidneys, resulting in serious damage. High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, diarrhea, drowsiness or headaches could also result from an overdose of Vitamin D. Before using a Vitamin D supplement, always check with your healthcare provider who can perform a blood level test and determine the appropriate amount of Vitamin D supplementation needed per day.

For infants and children consuming Baby’s Only Organic^® formulas or Organic PediaSmart^® Complete Nutrition Beverage, the amount of Vitamin D3, the preferred form of Vitamin D, in these formulas meets the recommended amounts needed daily when used as a sole source of nutrition. When used as a part of a healthy diet, the amount of Vitamin D in these formulas helps to ensure adequate Vitamin D status.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 75 IU (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: fortified milk, cheese, eggs, some fish such as sardines and salmon, and fish oils.

1. Tripkovic L, Lambert H, Hart K, et al. "Comparison of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 supplementation in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status: A systemic review and meta-analysis," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2012; 95: 1357-1364.

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Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a generic term used to describe a family of eight antioxidants – 4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols. However, only alpha-tocopherol is the form actively used in the body and is, therefore, the form of Vitamin E found in the largest quantity in blood and tissues. Natural Vitamin E Acetate, also known as natural alpha-tocopheryl acetate, is the commonly used form of Vitamin E in foods and vitamin supplements. Vitamin E protects Vitamin A and the essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body. It is needed for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles and helps to form red blood cells, muscle and other tissues.

A deficiency of Vitamin E has been observed in individuals with severe malnutrition or who have a malabsorption syndrome such as cystic fibrosis or cholestatic liver disease. A deficiency of Vitamin E can result in neurological symptoms such as impaired balance and coordination, muscle weakness, and damage to the retina of the eye. Excessive Vitamin E can impair blood clotting leading to hemorrhage and can have a negative effect on white blood cell functioning.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 2 IU (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: poultry, seafood, green leafy vegetables, egg yolk, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, whole grains.

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Vitamin K

There are three types:

• Vitamin K1 or phylloquinone which is found in plants
• Vitamin K2 or menaquinone which is synthesized by many bacteria
• Vitamin K3 or menadione which is a synthetic form

Vitamin K helps the blood to clot when the body is injured and is important in bone development and repair. In newborn infants, there is a life threatening and preventable bleeding disorder known as Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). This is the reason why it is standard practice to give all newborns an injection of phylloquinone after birth. Baby’s Only Organic® formulas contain the plant-based phylloquinone (Vitamin K1).

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 8.5 mcg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: green leafy vegetables, pork, liver, oats, wheat bran, whole grains.

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Biotin

Biotin is part of the B-complex of vitamins. It is thought to play a role in cell growth and is important in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates (sugars), and some amino acids (the building blocks of protein).

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 3 mcg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: eggs, meats, fish, nuts, seeds, dried beans and peas (legumes).

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Folic Acid

Folic acid, sometimes called folate or folacin or Vitamin B9, works with vitamins B6 and B12 in protein metabolism. It is needed to make genetic material (DNA and RNA). It promotes normal red blood cell formation and reduces the risk of neural tube (brain and spine) birth defects. This is one reason why a folic acid supplement is recommended during pregnancy.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 15 mcg (per 100 calories

Good Food Sources: poultry, liver, dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas (legumes), yeast breads, wheat germ, cereals, oranges, grapefruits.

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Niacin

Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid or Vitamin B3, is found in every cell of the body. It is necessary for energy production and to maintain the normal functioning of skin, nerves and the digestive tract. It can be manufactured by the body from the amino acid tryptophan. However, the amount needed by the body will usually exceed the amount that the body can produce and it is necessary to consume niacin from foods.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 1100 mcg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: poultry, fish (especially tuna and salmon), beef, peanuts and peanut butter, seeds, potatoes.

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Pantothenic Acid

Pantothenic acid is also known as Vitamin B5. It is involved in numerous chemical reactions in the body and is essential for the metabolism of fat and sugars. Pantothenic acid is also involved in the manufacture of chemicals that regulate nerve functions.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 450 mcg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: meat, fish, poultry, egg yolk, whole grain cereals, dried beans and peas (legumes).

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B Vitamins

Riboflavin: also known as Vitamin B2, is found in every cell of the body and is needed for energy production. It also helps to maintain vision and the metabolism and proper functioning of skin and nerve cells.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 100 mcg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: milk and dairy products, enriched breads, eggs, meats (especially organ meats like liver), green leafy vegetables, grains.

Thiamin: This is also known as Vitamin B1 and is important for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Thiamin also participates in the body’s ability to use protein and sugars for energy production.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 100 mcg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: whole grain and enriched grain products, pork, seafood, cereals.

Vitamin B6: This can also be referred to as pyridoxine or pyridoxal. This vitamin influences many body functions including the regulation of blood sugar levels, the manufacturing of hemoglobin in red blood cells which carries oxygen to all body cells, and the functioning of the nervous system. As protein intake increases, so does the body’s need for Vitamin B6. Also, an adequate Vitamin B6 intake decreases the requirement for niacin from food sources because it aids in the conversion of tryptophan to niacin.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 60 mcg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: chicken, fish, pork, liver, whole grains, cereals, spinach, sweet and white potatoes, bananas, prunes, watermelon.

Vitamin B12: This is also known as cobalamin because it contains the mineral cobalt. It is crucial in the reproduction of every cell in the body because it is needed to make DNA, the genetic material required for life. Vitamin B12 is essential for normal growth, healthy nerve tissue, and the formation of blood cells.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy & LactoRelief Formulas: 0.2 mcg (per 100 calories)
Baby’s Only Organic^® Soy Formula: 0.45 mcg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: All foods of animal origin (meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and other dairy products) and seafood.

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Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C has received a lot of attention because of its major role in the body as an antioxidant, a substance that prevents damage to cells from free radicals and pollutants, and as a protector against infections, particularly the common cold. Vitamin C plays a role in nerve transmission, tissue repair, the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids, and the enhancement of iron absorption. Vitamin C is used by the body to make collagen, the connective tissue in skin, ligaments and bones.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 20 mg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: citrus fruits, berries, melon, peppers, dark green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, plaintains, tomato and tomato products.

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Inositol

Inositol is not a true vitamin because the body can manufacture what it needs. However, it is often considered a water-soluble member of the vitamin B family. Inositol works with choline to help transport fat from the liver. It also helps maintain cell membranes and is involved in the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy & LactoRelief Formulas: 5 mg (per 100 calories)
Baby’s Only Organic^® Soy Formula: 15 mg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: liver, soybeans, eggs, whole grains, nuts, bananas, vegetables.

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Choline

Choline is not a true vitamin because the body can manufacture small amounts of it. However, it must be consumed from foods to meet overall body needs especially during times of rapid growth and development such as pregnancy, lactation, infancy, and early childhood. Choline is an essential nutrient necessary for the structure and function of all cells in the body.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy w/ DHA & ARA Formula: 24 mg (per 100 calories)

Baby’s Only Organic^®Dairy, Soy, LactoRelief Formulas: 12 mg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: beef liver, egg yolk, peanut butter and peanuts, soybeans and soy products.

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Calcium

Although the major function of calcium is the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth, it is also needed to keep the heart pumping, muscles moving, and nerves communicating. Calcium helps regulate the passage of nutrients in and out of cells, assists in normal blood clotting, and is important to normal kidney functioning.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy & Soy Formulas: 135 mg (per 100 calories)
Baby's Only Organic® LactoRelief Formula: 84 mg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: milk and dairy products, fish with edible bones (such as sardines and salmon), oysters, tofu, dark leafy green vegetables.

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Phosphorus

This teams with calcium to aid in bone and teeth formation, kidney function, and heart contraction. The balance of calcium and phosphorus is important in the body, especially in infancy, to ensure that the team works together well in keeping the body’s chemical balance.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy & Soy Formulas: 90 mg (per 100 calories)
Baby's Only Organic^® LactoRelief Formula: 56 mg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: milk and dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, nuts, dried beans and peas (legumes).

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Magnesium

This works with calcium and Vitamin C to maintain bone health. It is also necessary for energy production, the making of proteins used by the body to make cells and genetic material, the transmission of nerve impulses, the contraction and relaxation of the muscles, and maintaining the delicate electrical balance of all body cells.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy Formula: 9 mg (per 100 calories)
Baby's Only Organic^® LactoRelief Formula: 6 mg (per 100 calories)
Baby’s Only Organic® Soy Formula: 20 mg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: soybeans and soy products, nuts, whole grains, dried beans and peas (legumes), green vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, shellfish.

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Iron

As blood passes through the tiny air sacs in the lung, oxygen attaches itself to the iron in the blood. That’s how oxygen is carried to all parts of the body. Iron combines with protein and copper to make hemoglobin, a necessary component of red blood cells that carries oxygen to the cells. Iron also is a component of myoglobin, a protein that stores oxygen specifically in muscle tissue. Approximately 90% of iron in the body is conserved and reused every day.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 1.8 mg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: meat (especially organ meats like liver), dried fruits (raisins, apricots), nuts, green leafy vegetables.

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Zinc

This is needed for cell growth and repair, digestion and metabolism of nutrients, and is vital to the development of the reproductive organs. It also helps regulate the body’s immune response to infection and aids in wound healing.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy & LactoRelief Formulas: 0.7 mg (per 100 calories)
Baby's Only Organic^® Soy Formula: 1 mg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: beef, liver, oysters, wheat germ, beans, nuts.

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Selenium

In combination with Vitamin E, selenium works as an antioxidant to help maintain a healthy heart. Selenium provides elasticity to tissues and helps cells to defend themselves against damage from oxidation. Selenium also aids in the proper functioning of the pancreas.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 2.5 mcg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: seafood, poultry, egg yolks, whole grain breads and cereals, eggs, mushrooms.

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Copper

This is necessary for the absorption and utilization of iron in the body. Copper has an important role in the making of red blood cells and nerve fibers. It also works with Vitamin C to form elastin, a chief component of muscle fibers in the body. Copper is involved in hair and skin coloring, sensitivity to taste.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 70 mcg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: Organ meats like liver, lobster, nuts, dried beans and peas (legumes), barley, prunes.

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Iodine

This is probably best known for keeping the thyroid gland healthy. It is also involved in metabolizing fats and in regulating energy production.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy Formula: 20 mcg (per 100 calories)
Baby’s Only Organic^® LactoRelief & Soy Formulas: 10 mcg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: iodized salt, seafood.

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Manganese

This is used by the body as a preferred cofactor in several important enzyme systems and is essential for a healthy tendon and bone structure. It is necessary for the metabolism of thiamine and Vitamin E and helps to maintain the health of the immune and nervous systems.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy & LactoRelief Formulas: 21 mcg (per 100 calories)
Baby’s Only Organic^® Soy Formula: 55 mcg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: whole grains and cereals, nuts, leafy vegetables, molasses, soybeans, sunflower seeds, and tea.

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Potassium

This is an electrolyte and works with sodium to regulate the body’s waste balance, transmit nerve impulses, and regulate muscle contraction including the heart muscles. It is essential for metabolism and the release of insulin. In infants and young children who have diarrhea or vomiting, an oral electrolyte solution such as PediaVance^® containing a balance among sodium, potassium and chloride is usually recommended to help prevent the body from becoming dehydrated due to a deficiency in these electrolytes.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy & LactoRelief Formulas: 120 mg (per 100 calories)
Baby’s Only Organic^® Soy Formula: 140 mg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: bananas, citrus fruits, dried fruits, deep yellow vegetables, potatoes, milk, bran cereal.

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Sodium

The primary role of sodium in the body is to maintain fluid balance. Sodium is an electrolyte and works with potassium and chloride to conduct electrical currents in the body and keep tissue fluids in balance. A deficiency of sodium is rare but loss of sodium through diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating can cause dehydration, muscle cramps, weakness, and headaches. This is especially critical in infants and young children and the reason for use of an oral electrolyte solution such as PediaVance^® with a balance of sodium, potassium and chloride when a child has diarrhea and vomiting.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Formulas: 30 mg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: salt, milk, processed foods such as luncheon meats.

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Chloride

This is an electrolyte and helps to maintain fluid balance in the body and also is a component of the stomach juices (hydrochloric acid) needed for digestion of foods. A deficiency of chloride is rare but loss of chloride through diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating can cause an upset in the body’s fluid balance resulting in dehydration. In infants and young children who have diarrhea or vomiting, an oral electrolyte solution such as PediaVance^® containing a balance among sodium, potassium and chloride is usually recommended to help prevent the body from becoming dehydrated.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy & LactoRelief Formulas: 80 mg (per 100 calories)
Baby’s Only Organic^® Soy Formula: 60 mg (per 100 calories)

Good Food Sources: salt, milk, processed foods such as luncheon meats.

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Carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are one of the crucial dietary sources of energy that support the brain, enable muscular contractions, and provide the fuel necessary for a baby’s and toddler’s rapid growth, especially through 24-months of age. Each gram of carbohydrate provides 4 Calories. So it is important for a child to get adequate amounts of carbohydrates each day from good food sources.

Carbohydrates are sometimes simply called sugars or starches. They are classified scientifically as monosaccharides, disaccharides, or polysaccharides.

Monosaccharide is a one molecule sugar (referred to as a simple sugar or simple carbohydrate). Examples are glucose (sometimes called dextrose), fructose (sometimes called fruit sugar), and galactose. Glucose is the major fuel needed by the body for energy. This is why intravenous fluids (IVs) used in medical situations contain glucose (dextrose).

Disaccharide is made up of two monosaccharides (referred to as a simple sugar or simple carbohydrate). Lactose (sometimes called milk sugar) is made by the joining of one glucose molecule with one galactose molecule. Sucrose (also called table sugar) is made by joining one molecule of fructose with one molecule of glucose. The body breaks down disaccharides into monosaccharides and then converts these to glucose providing needed energy for the body. Baby’s Only Organic^® Lactose Free and Soy formulas do not contain lactose; none of our formulas contain sucrose.

Polysaccharide contains more than two sugar molecules. Examples of polysaccharides include organic brown rice syrup, as is found in Baby’s Only Organic^® formulas, corn syrup, molasses, and starches. Polysaccharides are often called complex sugars or complex carbohydrates.

Simple sugars are quickly digested and absorbed by the body into the bloodstream. As sugar levels rise in the blood, the pancreas secretes the hormone insulin. Insulin is needed to move the sugar from the blood into the cells where the sugar is then used for energy. When this process goes fast, a feeling of hunger will more likely occur sooner. When it occurs slower, the body appears to be satisfied from hunger longer. Simple sugars usually cause blood sugar levels to rise quicker than complex sugars and increase the production and release of insulin by the pancreas. If the sugar in the bloodstream is not used by the body for energy, then it is stored as fat.

The longer the carbohydrate length, the slower the body breaks it down and, thus, the slower the absorption of the sugar from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream. If there is a slower absorption of the sugar, there is a slower release of insulin. Also, a slower digestion lets the body utilize the sugar for energy and there’s less potential for the sugar to be converted into fat.

Breast Milk is unique in its properties and cannot be duplicated. There are many unique compositional features in breast milk that result in its easy digestion by infants, including factors that help the breakdown of nutrients and their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. There is no comparing the lactose digestion of a breast fed infant to that of a formula fed infant because manufactured formulas do not contain the many other compositional features of breast milk.

Added Lactose The lactose used in formulas is derived from cow’s milk without the benefit of the unique features of human breast milk. In formulas containing only lactose as the source of carbohydrate, some of the lactose comes into the formula naturally as a part of the cow’s milk and the remainder is added lactose. The added lactose brings the total carbohydrate level to the requirement needed in a formula. In other words, the amount of lactose that comes in naturally with the cow’s milk does not totally meet the needs of a baby and additional lactose must be added. The only lactose contained in Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy Formula is naturally occurring lactose derived from organic cow’s milk.

Organic Brown Rice Syrup The carbohydrate source added to Baby’s Only Organic^® formulas is organic brown rice syrup. Rice is gluten-free and is known to be a relatively non-allergenic food and is well tolerated by infants. In fact, rice is the least allergenic of all grains. Organic brown rice syrup also offers the benefit of slower digestion and absorption providing a steadier level of sugar being absorbed into the bloodstream, a more even production and release of insulin, and a more even supply of energy to the body’s cells. In addition, Nature’s One^® organic brown rice syrup is grown and processed without the use of chemicals.

Organic brown rice syrup is slightly sweeter than lactose but significantly less sweet than sucrose (table sugar) or cane sugar. The medical community has expressed concern over using cane sugar in infant formulas because it is five times sweeter than lactose and could pose health or medical issues related to obesity or dental caries. The carbohydrates in Baby’s Only Organic® Dairy Formula consist of 35% naturally occurring lactose from the organic non-fat cow’s milk and 65% organic brown rice syrup.

Baby’s Only Organic^® LactoRelief & Soy Formulas are the only lactose-free formulas in the U.S. that do not contain corn syrup or sucrose (table sugar). Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy Formula contains naturally occurring lactose without the added lactose as found in leading brand formulas. The chart below explains the primary differences between the three formulas manufactured by Nature’s One^®.

*Do not use for children with galactosemia.

Lactose Intolerance Unlike other formula makers, Nature’s One^® prefers to add organic brown rice syrup to its Dairy-based formula rather than more lactose. There are many children and adults who either lack or do not produce adequate levels of the enzyme lactase which is necessary to digest lactose. For example, preterm infants are often fed a lactose-free formula because of their inability to manufacture adequate lactase. When there are inadequate levels of lactase in the gastrointestinal tract, this is referred to as lactose intolerance. Symptoms include bloating, flatulence, loose stools, and in some cases diarrhea. If an infant does not produce enough lactase, then lactose will be a problem. Also, following an illness that causes diarrhea, such as the flu, the intestinal tract’s ability to make lactase is compromised. This is often why healthcare professionals will recommend a lactose free formula for children who have had a bout of diarrhea.

There is also a medical condition called galactosemia whereby a person cannot digest galactose, which is part of lactose. As noted previously, lactose is made of galactose and glucose. For people with galactosemia, they MUST avoid any dairy product or other foods that contain lactose and galactose. Baby’s Only Organic^® Soy formula is appropriate for babies with galactosemia.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy & Soy Formulas: 10.8 g (per 100 calories)
Baby's Only Organic^® LactoRelief Formula: 10.7 g (per 100 calories)

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Protein

Proteins are essential to life and are necessary for the body’s manufacturing and maintenance of all cells and tissues, including organ and brain development, and the making of essential body constituents such as hormones and enzymes. If excess protein is consumed and not needed by the body, it is converted to fat and stored by the body as a potential future energy source. Each gram of protein provides 4 Calories.

Proteins are made up of amino acids; there are 20 amino acids. Baby’s Only Organic^® formulas (Dairy, Dairy-Lactose Free and Soy) provide all of the essential and non-essential amino acids needed to support growth and development.

The protein source in Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy Formula is organic non-fat dried cow’s milk and the source in Baby’s Only Organic^® LactoRelief Formula is organic milk protein concentrate. When human breast milk is unavailable for an infant, the recommendation is to use a dairy-based formula. A cow’s milk (dairy- based) formula is recommended because the proteins are whey (the liquid protein portion) and casein (the curd protein portion), which are proteins found in human milk. Baby's Only Organic^® Dairy Formula and LactoRelief Formula consist of 18% whey and 82% casein.

Taurine is not an amino acid but an amino acid derivative. Taurine functions as an antioxidant and is involved as a part of bile acids in early infancy. Taurine is abundant in human milk, but not in cow’s milk protein or soy protein. Taurine is added to Baby’s Only Organic^® formulas to the level in breast milk.

When children have an allergic reaction to cow’s milk protein and soy protein, hydrolyzed formulas are often recommended. The cow’s milk protein has been treated to break down the protein, which reduces the allergy potential of the protein. There are presently no organic hydrolyzed formulas on the market.

Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy Formula: 2.6 grams protein (per 100 Calories)
Baby's Only Organic^® LactoRelief Formula: 2.1 grams protein (per 100 Calories)
Baby's Only Organic^® Soy Formula: 2.8 grams protein (per 100 Calories)

Good Food Sources: Animal meats, fish, dairy products, soybeans, legumes, nuts

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Fatty Acids

The term “lipid” refers to compounds including oils, waxes, animal fats and triglycerides that do not dissolve in water. Lipids are most commonly referred to simply as fats.

Fats constitute the principal structural material of all living cells and are an important source of energy. Healthy skin and hair are maintained by fat. Fat also helps the body absorb and move the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K through the bloodstream. Dietary fat intake provides needed essential fatty acids to the body. These essential fatty acids are linoleic acid and linolenic acid. These are fatty acids that the body cannot make and which must be derived from foods.

Fats provide 9 Calories per gram, more than twice the amount of energy provided by a gram of carbohydrate or protein. An excess of dietary Calories provided by carbohydrates, proteins or fats will be stored in the body as adipose tissue. Adipose tissue serves as insulation for the body’s cells and organs but an excess of fat can lead to overweight and obesity.

Triglycerides are the chemical form of fats that exist in foods as well as in the body. Animal fats, such as butter and lard, tend to be solid or semisolid at room temperature and are more saturated than fats from plant sources. Fats from plant sources are usually liquid at room temperature and are called oils. Most plant oils are made up of unsaturated fatty acids with the exception of coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils. There are two types of unsaturated fats:

• Monounsaturated fats: Examples include olive and canola oils.

• Polyunsaturated fats: Examples include fish, safflower, sunflower, corn, and soybean oils.

Fats are important nutrient for infants and young children. They are needed to support growth, development and energy needs. A child who is not eating or drinking foods with adequate amounts of essential fatty acids can develop a fatty acid deficiency. This is one reason why healthcare professionals strongly advise against the use of skim or low fat milks during early childhood. Signs of an essential fatty acid deficiency include poor growth, scaly skin lesions, dry brittle nails, dandruff, and lack of hair luster.

More than 98% of the fat in human breast milk is in the form of triglycerides. The most abundant triglycerides in breast milk are the saturated fatty acids oleic acid and palmitic acid. It also contains high proportions of the essential fatty acids linoleic fatty acid and linolenic fatty acid. Human milk also contains the non-essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid).¹

The fat blend of Baby’s Only Organic^® formulas consist of organic high oleic sunflower and/or safflower oil, organic coconut oil, and organic soybean oil. This blend was developed because the percentages of the various types of fats are similar to breast milk. This combination of oils also provides appropriate levels of the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The fat blend of Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA Formula meets the requirements of the Infant Formula Act and is appropriately supplemented with a 1:2 ratio of DHA and ARA.² It contains 6mg of DHA and 12mg of ARA.

1. Prentice, Ann. “Constituents of human milk,” Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 17:4, December, 1996.
2. Newton, IS. “Long Chain Fatty Acids in Health and Nutrition,” Journal of Food Lipids. 1996; 3:233.

LA: Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy, LactoRelief & Soy Formulas: 1000 mg (per 100 calories)
ALA: Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy Formula & Lactose Free: 128 mg (per 100 calories)
ALA: Baby’s Only Organic^® SOY Formula: 110 mg (per 100 calories)
Good Food Sources: nuts, seeds, grains legumes, vegetables and their cold-pressed oils

DHA: Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA Formula: 6 mg (per 100 calories)
Good Food Source: fish such as salmon, sardine, tuna, and lake trout, egg

ARA: Baby’s Only Organic^® Dairy with DHA & ARA Formula: 12 mg (per 100 calories)
Good Food Sources: animal meats, dairy foods, eggs, peanuts and nori seaweed

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