High-quality products are great for everyone, especially infants, children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. The first period of life is so important for the youngest, because it is then that their critical body systems and organs are formed. This article discusses the difference between organic and non-organic baby formulas, and answers the question on whether parents should prefer for organic baby formula and products.
The Difference Between Organic Baby Formula and Non-Organic One
Organic baby formula almost does not differ from non-organic one in its composition. Such a product contains all the necessary ingredients for an infant, the content of which is determined by appropriate legal standards. The difference between regular and organic European baby formula lies in the source of the ingredients used to make the mixture. The term organic means that much stricter ecological standards have been applied to the ingredients used in the production of the formula. The animals whose milk was used to create the formula for infants come from organic farms and are fed with bio products, free of pesticides and nitrates.
Organic products cannot contain genetically modified (GMO) ingredients (organisms). They are also produced without irradiation, artificial fertilizers, or plant protection products. They do not contain additives (E group). Ecological production should to a large extent be associated with farming close to nature, not using synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. In the case of animals, they should have access to free range; cows should walk on pasture and eat natural feed without antibiotics, growth or appetite promoters.
For example, such manufacturers as HiPP formula and Lebenswert care for their youngest consumers by following such strict organic standards as only using untreated seeds, keeping livestock according to breed and species, prohibiting the use of mineral nitrogen fertilizers, and prohibiting hormones in animals.
Holle is another manufacturer that assures its baby formulas contain organic and/or biodynamically grown ingredients. It implies natural cultivation without violence and exploitation of animals and the environment, where animals are kept in their natural environment and are not fed with growth stimulants.
Jovie is a brand that offers organic baby formulas made from goat milk with ingredients produced through a holistic process and from animal welfare conscious farms. The company avoids additives and any chemicals in its products.
Benefits of Organic Baby Formula
Organic products, including baby formulas:
- Do not contain harmful substances. Research shows that, for example, pesticides consumed over the years, even in small amounts, are more dangerous than consumed briefly in higher doses and can cause, among others, developmental disruptions, poorer immunity, abnormal metabolism, cancer, birth defects. Organic baby formulas are free of such substances.
- Do not contain additives (E), including preservatives, dyes, or sweeteners.
- Organic products, including baby formulas, are believed to have more nutrients than non-organic products. Importantly, they have the appropriate certificates proving their highest quality.
- Organic formulas often prevent allergies. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed that organic products do not cause as many allergies in babies as ordinary ones.
According to research, organic cow and goat milk is richer in calcium and antioxidants (e.g. vitamins E and C) than otherwise produced.
Just like traditional products, organic ones are subject to general food regulations. But these regulations are not as restrictive as those relating to food for infants and young children. Actually, baby formulas are much more restrictive on contaminants (e.g. mercury, dioxins, nitrates) compared to regular or organic food. Baby formulas are also controlled by sanitary services and must be properly labeled, guaranteeing their quality and safety.
