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Common Baby Formula Ingredients

In this article we define and explain common baby formula ingredients.

DHA: A Brain Builder

Short for docosahexaenoic acid, DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid, and an important baby formula ingredient that supports healthy brain development and more. It's an important building block of both the brain and the eyes. It is found in all of our formulas!

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are a type of fiber that help feed the good bacteria (probiotics) in a baby's digestive system. Many Enfamil formulas have prebiotics to help support digestive health.

HuMO6™*

HuMO6 is our exclusive immune blend found in Enfamil® NeuroPro™ formulas that helps support digestive health and the immune system. 

Enfamil® NeuroPro™ Infant has has expert-recommended brain-building DHA, naturally occurring MFGM components and a proprietary HuMO6 immune blend including PDX, GOS, and 2′-FL HMO.

Enfamil® NeuroPro™ Gentlease® has has easy-to-digest gentle partially hydrolyzed proteins with naturally occurring MFGM components as well as 80% less lactose than standard routine formulas. Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease has brain-building DHA as recommended by experts§ and immune system-supporting 2’-FL HMO.

HMO

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are carbohydrates found in breast milk that help support the immune system. Enfamil formulas have a variety of HMOs similar to those found in breast milk to help support immune function and gut health.

Inositol

Inositol is a type of carbohydrate that is naturally found in breast milk. The human body needs inositol for cell development and growth, and it is found in many types of foods including meats, fruits, and grains.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for vision, growth, and immune function. It also helps organs such as the heart and lungs work properly. Vitamin A is common in the foods we eat, including carrots!

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is both a nutrient that we can consume, and also a hormone that our bodies make naturally. It’s very common in supplements, as vitamin D is famous for its role in helping the body absorb calcium to build strong and healthy bones. Many scientists believe vitamin D has additional benefits such as supporting immune function.

Enfamil formulas have vitamin A to support healthy eyes and immune function.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Enfamil formulas have vitamin E to support healthy growth and development.

Iron

Iron is a mineral and especially important for red blood cell production. When iron is exposed to oxygen, it becomes red–and that’s what gives our blood its color!

Corn Syrup Solids

Corn syrup solids are a source of carbohydrates that provide energy for growing babies. Some Enfamil formulas have corn syrup solids as a source of carbohydrates.

Soy

Soy is a source of protein that is used in some plant-based baby formulas such as Enfamil® ProSobee®. Soy is a very common ingredient in all kinds of foods, including tofu, edamame, and meat alternatives.

Palm Olein Oil

Palm olein oil comes from the nutritious palm fruit, which is native to Africa and common in dishes from around the world. Palm olein oil is a filtered version of palm oil that, combined with other ingredients, helps mimic the fat composition found naturally in breast milk.

Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is a protein naturally found in human breast milk that helps support iron absorption and immune function in babies. It is also found in the milk of other mammals, including cows.

*In Enfamil NeuroPro Infant the HuMO6 blend has 2’-FL HMO, PDX, GOS, Vit C & E, Selenium; In Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease the HuMO6 blend has 2’-FL HMO, PDX, GOS, Vit C & E, Selenium, partially hydrolyzed proteins and reduced lactose.
From whey protein concentrate.
2’-Fucosyllactose Human Milk Oligosaccharide. Not from human milk.
§World Health Organization recommended amount of DHA is 0.2%-0.36% of total fatty acids. Enfamil has 0.32% of total fatty acids as DHA, similar to the average amount found in world-wide mature breast milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Always speak to your doctor about which ingredients your individual baby should avoid. It is important to avoid using homemade formulas or using cow's milk as a substitute for infant formula, as they are not necessarily properly processed for human infant consumption and do not have the necessary nutrients for optimal infant growth and development.
  • The ingredients for baby formula can come from a variety of sources, depending on the specific formulation–Enfamil uses special blends of ingredients in order to mimic human breast milk as closely as possible. Some common sources of ingredients include cow's milk (which is specially processed for babies), soybeans, and various vegetable oils. At Enfamil, we work with trusted suppliers to ensure that our ingredients meet our high standards for quality and safety.
  • The main ingredients in baby formula typically include a blend of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to provide the necessary nutrition for infant growth and development. Additionally, baby formulas have vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support overall health.
  • Enfamil offers a range of infant formula products, each with a unique blend of ingredients to support the needs of growing infants. However, all of our infant formulas are formulated with a blend of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, DHA, and vitamin D. Additionally, some of our products have ingredients such as prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health. Check out our formula comparison guide for more information!

  • Breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for infants, as it provides a perfect balance of nutrients and antibodies to support healthy growth and development. However, for mothers who are unable to breastfeed or who choose not to, infant formula can be a safe and effective alternative. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best feeding options for your infant.
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All information on Enfamil, including but not limited to information about health, medical conditions, and nutrition, is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for a healthcare professional's medical identification, advice, or management for specific medical conditions. You should seek medical care and consult your doctor or pediatrician for any specific health or nutrition issues. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment, care, or help because of information you have read on Enfamil.