Say what? Are adults drinking baby formula even a thing?
Yes, some adults drink baby formula and will tell you why and what are the effects!
The question of whether or not an adult should drink infant formula or baby milk has been hotly debated, but we will explore both sides of this issue so you can make your own decision.
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Is Safe to Drink Baby Formula for Adults?
Generally yes, baby formulas have been specifically formulated to be super safe, so if its fine for children to drink it you can rest assured it is safe for adults.
There are a few exceptions to this, of course. If you have any food allergies or sensitivities then you will need to check the ingredients list on the baby formula before drinking it.
And if your baby has a milk allergy, you should not drink the same baby formula as them.
Why Drink Baby Formula?
So now that we’ve established that adults can drink baby formula without any major issues, let’s explore some of the benefits of doing so.
Extra Nutrition
One big benefit is that baby formula is packed with nutrients that are essential for good health. These include protein, vitamins and minerals, all of which help to keep your body functioning at its best.
So it’s like taking vitamin pills but in drink form and something you can just add to your coffee.
To Build Muscle Instead of Protein Powder
Protein is also essential for building muscle, so if you’re looking to tone up and add some extra mass, drinking baby formula can help.
Baby milk often contains over 5mg of protein per serving. However, when you look at this compared to protein powder, which can contain up to 50g per serving, it isn’t as high. But it’s a good source of protein nonetheless.
When it comes to baby formula vs protein powder the baby formula contains all the important nutrients other than just protein such as vitamins, carbohydrates, and fat minerals.
They may save your taking both supplements and protein powders and be less time-consuming for you.
Human Milk Oligosaccharide
Some Baby Formula brands contain human milk oligosaccharides which have many proven health benefits. This includes boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation and boosting the infant’s microflora.
Oligosaccharide, normally found in breast milk, helps protect them again many infections, they have been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects.
Breastfeeding babies are given all these benefits naturally from their mother’s breastmilk.
Sweet Tasting
If you’re like me, you probably find the taste of plain water pretty unpalatable. But the baby formula is actually quite sweet and palatable, which makes it a great alternative to sugary drinks.
Not all brands taste the same so you might want to try a few different brands to find your favourite. However, if your baby formula turns pink, it may be infected so don’t drink it.
Convenience
Another big benefit of drinking baby formula is its convenience factor. You can buy it pre-packaged or in powder form, and it is easy to prepare.
Simply add water and give it a good shake or stir and you’re good to go!
To Save Wasting Infant Formula
If you have an extra formula and your children aren’t going to drink it, you might as well put it in coffee.
You might have bought some formula and found out that that type of formula didn’t agree with your baby, so have an opened tin that needs using up.
Can Adults Drink Similac?
Similac is a brand of baby formula. It is available in powder and liquid form and contains all the essential nutrients that your body needs. So yes, you can definitely drink Similac as an adult.
However, as with any other baby formula, it is important to check the ingredients list before drinking it if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.
Why Not Drink Baby Formula?
So there you have it some of the pros of drinking baby formula as an adult. But what about the cons?
Could Cause Weight Gain
One potential downside is that if you drink too much baby formula, you might gain weight. This is because the baby formula is packed with calories, often more than you need in a day.
If you’re trying to watch your waistline, you might want to steer clear of baby formula.
Health Benefits Overstated
Some people argue that the health benefits of drinking formula have been overstated and that they are no better than regular old milk.
However, there is some evidence to suggest that baby milk can have some positive effects on your health.
Most baby formulas do not contain the human oligosaccharides which give the most benefits and they contain a lot fewer proteins than average protein powders.
They do not contain all the essential nutrients that a human body needs to survive.
Expensive
Another downside of drinking powdered milk is that it can be quite expensive. Especially if you buy it in pre-packaged form, it can be quite costly.
However, if you buy the powdered version, it is a bit more affordable.
Embarrassing?
Some grown-ups might feel a bit embarrassed about drinking baby formula, especially if they are not parents. There is no shame in enjoying the benefits of this great product!
Many adults feel it gives them the nutrition they need and it is up to you to make informed decisions about your own lifestyle.
Risk of Too Much Iron
Some baby formulas contain quite high levels of iron, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.
If you’re going to drink baby formula, make sure you read the label carefully to check how much iron it contains.
If you have hemochromatosis or another iron overload disorder, you should avoid drinking baby milk altogether.
What happens when adults drink baby formula?
Some adults drink baby milk because they feel that it gives them the nutrition they need. Others drink it for convenience or to save wasting infant formula.
Baby milk can also be expensive, though the price varies depending on the brand and where you buy it from.
There are some potential downsides to drinking baby milk as an adult, including weight gain and the risk of consuming too much iron.
However, these risks can be mitigated by reading the label carefully and only drinking baby milk if you need it.
So overall, adults can drink baby formula safely and without any major risks. Just make sure to consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Can adults survive on baby formula?
An 8oz bottle of formula will only provide about 100 calories whereas the average recommended for adults is 2000-2500, so that’s a lot of formula to consume to hit those calorie numbers!
So now that we’ve established that adults can drink baby formula without any major issues, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of doing so.
Can you put baby formula in coffee?
Yes, you can put a baby formula in coffee. It will taste different from your regular milk but if you’ve run out and can’t stand black coffee, why not give it a try?
Is there a milk formula for adults?
For very specific needs, there is a milk formula for adults who can only ingest food via tubes. This milk is a thickened liquid that is nutrient-rich and easy to digest.
It can be prescribed by a doctor.
Adult formulas are not for general consumption. People with Crohn’s disease or other gastrointestinal issues should consult a physician before drinking any milk formula.
New products are starting to feature baby formula for seniors
Elderly people need very specific dietary requirements and some companies are starting to produce an adult formula that caters to the elderly.
This formula is designed with added nutrients and a more easily digestible blend, perfect for those who might have trouble swallowing regular food. and have specific nutritional needs.
These are very different from babies’ milk.
Take Away
One of the main benefits of drinking baby formula is that it provides you with a good dose of protein, which is essential for maintaining muscle mass and repairing tissue.
Baby formulas also contain other nutrients such as vitamins, carbohydrates, and fat minerals.
So, can adults drink baby formula? The answer is yes, but be aware of the pros and cons first. If you’re looking for a good source of protein, or want to cut out sugary drinks from your diet, then baby milk might be a good option for you.
Just make sure you read the labels carefully to avoid any health risks.
