Which Formula Milk Closely Resembles Breast Milk?

Important Info

• Breast milk is uniquely superior for babies, it provides many benefits. It is important that mums have a healthy diet to support breastfeeding.
• A decision not to breastfeed, or partial bottle feed, may reduce breast milk supply making it difficult to reverse.
• We also understand not all mothers are able to breastfeed for many reasons related to individual determinants, social attitudes and/or work and employment conditions.
• This article is to empower mothers who are not able, or choose not to (exclusively) breastfeed, with science based nutrition information in a way that does not discourage mothers from breastfeeding.
• Please be aware that combined breast and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of breast milk, and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult.
• Improper use of an infant formula or inappropriate foods or feeding methods may present a health hazard. Please acknowledge you have read and understood this message
• Choosing the right formula milk for your baby is a big decision for parents in Malaysia.
• THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROMOTE THE USE OF INFANT FORMULA MILK. BREASTMILK IS ALWAYS THE BEST AND MOST RECOMMENDED CHOICE FOR YOUR BABY.

Choosing the right formula milk for your baby is a big decision for parents in Malaysia. Many brands offer infant formula milks which closely resemble breast milk.

Each brand has its own unique blend of nutrients.

Parents should talk to their doctor to find the best fit for their baby’s needs.

It’s important to compare labels and understand what each formula offers before making a choice.

Nutritional Composition and Benefits

1. Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO)

Human Milk Oligosaccharides are special nutrients found in breast milk.

They help support a baby’s immune system. HMOs also promote healthy gut health.

They can protect babies from harmful germs. HMOs are unique to breast milk and cannot be found in regular cow’s milk.

Both 2′-FL(2′-fucosyllactose) and Sn-2 palmitate are HMO which included to Premium Infant Formula to provide comprehensive benefits.

2′-FL is the most abundant HMO in breast milk and is highly studied for its health benefits.

Benefits of 2′-FL:

1. Immune System Support:
2. Better Gut Health (Microbiota Development)
3. Cognitive Development:
4. Anti-inflammatory Effects

2′- FL is now included in premium infant formula like Frisolac , Enfalac, Similac , S-26.

Benefits of Sn-2 Palmitate:

1. Improved Fat Absorption:
2. Soft Stools:
3. Bone Development:
4. Comfortable Digestion

Sn-2 palmitate is now included in premium infant formula like S-26 Comilac.

2.Milk Fat Globule Membrane  (MFGM)

Milk Fat Globule Membrane is a natural component found in breast milk, surrounding the fat globules.

MFGM contains proteins, phospholipids, and glycoproteins, which are beneficial for a baby’s development.

Scientific Evidence Supporting MFGM

1. Cognitive Benefits: Research shows that MFGM-enriched formulas improve problem-solving skills and cognitive development in infants.
2. Reduced Infections: Infants fed MFGM-enriched formulas experienced fewer ear infections and reduced diarrhea rates compared to those fed regular formula.
3. Closer to Breast Milk: Studies indicate that adding MFGM to formula brings its nutritional profile closer to breast milk, narrowing the gap between formula-fed and breastfed infants.

In summary, MFGM can be added to help support brain development, immune function, and overall growth.

MFGM is now included in premium infant formulas like: Enfalac Baby Step 1 and Enfalac Gentlease.

3. Alpha-lactalbumin

Alpha-lactalbumin is a major protein in human breast milk, comprising about 20-25% of its total protein content.

Why Enrich Whey Protein with Alpha-Lactalbumin?

Cow’s milk whey protein naturally has lower levels of alpha-lactalbumin and higher levels of beta-lactoglobulin, which is not found in human milk and may be harder for infants to digest.

Enriching whey protein with alpha-lactalbumin helps:

• • Increase the proportion of alpha-lactalbumin, making the protein composition closer to breast milk.
  • Reduce protein load on the infant’s immature kidneys while still meeting nutritional needs.
  • Provide a source of tryptophan, an amino acid important for the production of serotonin and melatonin, which help regulate mood and sleep.

Benefits of Alpha-Lactalbumin Enriched Whey Protein in Infant Formula

1. Digestive Comfort:

   • Easier for infants to digest compared to whole cow’s milk proteins.
   • Reduces the risk of constipation, colic, and digestive discomfort.

2. Supports Growth and Development:

   • Supplies essential amino acids required for rapid infant growth.
   • Enhances brain and cognitive development, particularly due to its high tryptophan content.

3. Immune System Support:

   • Contains bioactive peptides that can support the immune response and reduce inflammation.

4. Improved Sleep Patterns:

   • High tryptophan levels may promote better sleep by aiding in melatonin production.

Enriching whey protein with alpha-lactalbumin is now included in premium infant formula like S-26 Gold Step 1 and S-26 Comilac.

4.Nucleotides

Where Can Nucleotides Be Found?

Nucleotides are naturally found in breast milk, with varying amounts to meet an infant’s growth needs. Many infant formulas are also enriched with nucleotides to mimic the benefits of breast milk.

Why Are Nucleotides Important?

Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. They are crucial for energy production, cell growth, repair, and overall development, especially in rapidly growing infants.

What Are the Benefits of Nucleotides?

1. Boosts Immune Function

   • Helps build a strong immune system by supporting antibody production and immune cell activity.

2. Improves Gut Health

   • Aids in gut lining repair and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria, improving digestion.

3. Supports Brain Development

   • Helps the brain grow and function by aiding in DNA, RNA, and neurotransmitter production.

4. Enhances Iron Absorption

   • Makes it easier for the body to absorb iron, which is essential for preventing anemia and supporting brain health.

5. Aids Metabolism

   • Provides energy for cells, supporting growth and overall energy needs.

6. Reduces Infections

   • Protects against illnesses like diarrhea and respiratory infections by supporting gut and immune health.

Adding nucleotides to formula milk ensures non-breastfed infants receive similar health and developmental benefits as those who are breastfed.

Nucleotides are now included in premium infant formula like Similac, S26 Gold

5.DHA and ARA

DHA and ARA are important fatty acids found in premium formulas. DHA supports brain and visual development in infants. It helps form neural connections and improves cognitive function.

ARA works with DHA to promote healthy growth. Together, they aid in:

• Eye development
• Mental processing
• Motor skills

7. Prebiotics and Probiotics

Many premium formulas contain prebiotics and probiotics. These components support a healthy gut microbiome. Prebiotics act as food for beneficial bacteria (Probiotics) in the intestines.

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria. They can help:

• Improve digestion
• Reduce colic symptoms
• Prevent constipation

Some formulas may include only prebiotics, while others offer both. The types and amounts can vary between brands. Parents should consult with pediatricians to choose the best option for their baby’s needs.

Brands of Premium Formulas Closely Resembles Breast Milk

Here are some Premium Formula for baby 0 -12 months old available in Malaysia.

Please note that the formulas are not ranked in any particular order.

1. Enfalac Baby Step 1 
   – MFGM
   – 2′-FL
2. S-26 Gold Step 1
   – alpha- lactalbumin
   – 2′-FL
   – Nucleotides
3. S-26 Comilac
   – Sn-2 palmitate
   – alpha- lactalbumin
   – Nucleotides
4. Similac Step 1 
   – 2′-FL,
   – Nucleotides
5. Frisolac Step 1
   – 2′- FL