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A recent study from the University of Kansas has unveiled alarming levels of added sugar in U.S. infant formula, contradicting medical recommendations and raising concerns about long-term health impacts on babies.
According to the American Heart Association, added sugars provide empty calories without nutritional benefits and are linked to increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic health conditions. Yet, the study, published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, found that most infant formulas on the U.S. market contain primarily added sugars instead of naturally occurring lactose, which is the closest match to human breast milk.
Findings Highlight Lack of Regulation
The study was led by Audrey Rips-Goodwin, an undergraduate researcher at KU’s Health Behavior and Technology Lab. She emphasized that added sugars are not recommended for infants under two years old.
“Added sugars are contraindicated for infants and children under the age of 2—they’re not supposed to have them,” Rips-Goodwin stated.
The research analyzed 73 infant formulas available in 2022 and found that only five contained between 70% and 90% naturally occurring lactose. Most standard formulas had over 60% of their sugar content coming from added sugars, while “gentle” and lactose-free formulas contained about 85% added sugars on average.
Senior author Dr. Tera Fazzino, associate professor of psychology and associate director of KU’s Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research & Treatment, pointed out that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not mandate nutritional labeling for sugar content in infant formulas.
“The FDA stipulates that infant formulas must contain a specific proportion of calories from fats and proteins, but it does not regulate sources of carbohydrates,” Fazzino explained. “Because of this, formula companies can use any type of carbohydrate, including added sugars such as corn syrup solids, fructose, and glucose.”
Health Concerns and Systemic Barriers
Experts warn that high levels of added sugar in infant formula may encourage a preference for sweet flavors, potentially leading to overeating and an increased risk of obesity and other metabolic disorders later in life.
“Our infant formula market totally contradicts what experts in infant health recommend,” Rips-Goodwin said.
While breastfeeding is widely promoted as the best option for infant health, it is not always a viable choice for all parents. Some mothers struggle with low milk supply, medical conditions, or difficulties in breastfeeding. Moreover, societal barriers, such as the lack of parental leave and inadequate breastfeeding resources, make it difficult for parents to exclusively breastfeed.
“We have a massive systemic issue where parental leave is nonexistent at the federal level and not required,” Fazzino added. “This lack of support makes breastfeeding an infant extremely difficult, despite being recommended as the best option for infant health.”
With limited formula options free of added sugars, parents face significant challenges in ensuring optimal nutrition for their babies.
Disclaimer: This article is based on scientific research and expert opinions. Parents are encouraged to consult pediatricians for personalized advice on infant nutrition.
