European Baby Formula Ingredients

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European Baby Formula Ingredients Explained

European Baby Formula is in a category of its own - with high quality clean ingredients that are almost always organic! But navigating European formula ingredients is admittedly challenging. Labels aren't in English, and the listed ingredients are often written in their scientific name.

Organic Life Start has created a master database of all European baby formula ingredients and their labels. We've translated and summarized over 50 ingredients into 8 functional groups: Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats & Oils, Vitamins, Minerals & Electrolytes, Prebiotics & Probiotics, Emulsifiers & Stabilizers, Nucleotides.

Use this tool to learn about baby formula ingredients. Compare different European formulas based on ingredients that are included, or filter ingredients to exclude certain ingredients that you do not want for your baby.

Proteins

All European formulas include some natural form of protein, usually cow milk or goat milk based. This is one of the largest differences to US formulas, many of which rely on soy proteins. Protein in European formula provides the foundational building blocks for infant growth, muscle development, and immune function. As a baby journeys through European formula stages, whey and casein ratios change to age-appropriate levels. Studies have shown that shifting protein source intake in the first 2 years of age can have long lasting impacts on reducing future likelihood of childhood obesity. Cow and goat milk proteins are naturally balanced in whey and casein, similar to breast milk.

Carbohydrates

Clean ingredient baby formula in Europe is made with Lactose as the primary carbohydrate. In comparison, USA formulas tend to rely on sugar or corn syrup as their source of carbohydrates (these can lead to increased obesity levels). Carbohydrates provide infants with energy needed for growth. Some later stage European formulas may also add starch, maltodextrin, or soluble dextrin to make a baby feel fuller for longer. These additional carbohydrates maintain energy release.

Fats & Oils

Every European baby formula ingredients list will include several essential fats and oils, which a baby uses for cognitive development and tissue formation. Different European manufacturers will use slightly different blends of DHA and ARA, but in general Omega-based fatty acids (DHA) are required by European law in infant formula (ARA remains optional). Still, most European formulas will include some source of ARA in their formulas as well. Some manufacturers use palm oil as an essential fatty acid, while others (like Kendamil) specifically exclude palm oil in their formulas.

Vitamins

European food safety standards comprehensively define the need for essential vitamins to be added to organic baby formula ingredients. Almost all European baby formulas include vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K.

• Vitamin A: added for eyesight and immune system
• Vitamin B (B-Complex Vitamins): added for cell growth, metabolism, and neurological development
• Vitamin C: added for immune development
• Vitamin D3: added for calcium absorption
• Vitamin E: added for healthy cell formation
• Vitamin K: added for healthy blood clotting

Some brands have created their own version of bio-available vitamins, such as Metafolin in HiPP products - which is a bio available version of folic acid.

Minerals & Electrolytes

Essential minerals commonly included in European formulas are calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, chloride, and iodine. Adequate mineral intake makes for healthy growth, improved immune function, and rapid cognitive development. Electrolytes such as sodium and Potassium help baby neurotransmitters develop.

Prebiotics & Probiotics

Organic baby formula ingredients in Europe feature prebiotics and probiotics, most commonly GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) and FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides). Some European formulas also add natural lactic acid from milk, which acts as a probiotic. Both pre and probiotics help develop healthy gut bacteria in infants. Studies of formulas that have supplemented levels of prebiotics and probiotics have been shown to reduce the incidence rate of infant diarrhea as well as respiratory infections.

Emulsifiers & Stabilizers

Emulsifiers and stabilizers are ingredients of baby formula that sound undesirable, but European formulas achieve them with natural ingredients. Baby formula needs natural thickeners in order to maintain the necessary thickness that babies expect to drink. Natural stabilizers are also used to extend shelf life of a dry powder milk formula. Ingredients like sunflower lecithin, citric acid, and orthophosphoric acid help prevent separation, enhance texture, regulate acidity, and ensure smooth digestion.

Nucleotides

Some premium European formulas also add nucleotides to their baby formula ingredients list. These serve as the building blocks of RNA and DNA, and help with rapid cell growth in infants. Studies on nucleotides have suggested that adding them into baby formula may improve immune responses, reduce digestive issues, and improve nutrient absorption for formula-fed infants.