If you’re like most parents, you want the best for your child. You want them to have the best nutrition possible, and that’s why choosing the right formula is so important.
But where to start? As if life wasn’t hard enough with all those new baby decisions you now need to decide whether you GMO or non-GMO formula for formula feeding your baby.
What do All the Formula Labels Mean?
When one label tells you what to feed your baby and another label claims to be the finest formula for your baby, it may be confusing and downright unpleasant. Fortunately, there are some distinctions to assist you to make your selection, as well as some top alternatives for both types of formula.
No style of baby formula is strictly “wrong” or “terrible,” but depending on your family’s particular preferences and your kid’s needs, you may be better off choosing one over the other. To begin, it’s critical to understand the distinction between non-GMO and conventional formulas. Contrary to popular belief, a non-GMO formula is not necessarily organic.
What are GMOs?
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are plants or animals that have been altered in a lab to have new traits. Most GMOs are created to be resistant to herbicides or pests, which allows farmers to use more chemicals when growing crops.
Corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, and vegetable oils are common ingredients in conventional formulas that come from GMO crops. While some parents may be hesitant to give their children a product with GMOs, there is no evidence that they are harmful.
Crops are often altered and genetically engineered to increase their nutritional value, this might include adding important vitamins and minerals to food. For example, Monsanto’s “golden rice” is genetically engineered to have more vitamin A than regular white rice.
What is GMO in baby formula?
Some people believe that GMOs have benefits, such as making crops more resistant to pests and diseases.
GMO formulas are made with ingredients that have been genetically modified. This means that the plants used to make the formula have been altered in a laboratory to create a certain characteristic or trait. For example, GMO corn can be resistant to herbicides, meaning that farmers can use more of these chemicals to kill weeds without damaging their crops.
There is GMOs in baby formula. Some formulas contain corn syrup that has been made from genetically modified corn. This means that the corn has been altered to be resistant to herbicides or pests.
What are Non GMO Baby Formulas?
Non-GMO infant formula is made without any ingredients that have been genetically modified. This means that the plants used to make the formula have not been altered in a laboratory to create a certain characteristic or trait.
Organic Infant Formula
Just because the baby formula is non-GMO it does not make it an organic formula. While some organic formulas are non-GMO, not all non-GMO formulas are certified organic. It is, however, produced without the use of any genetically engineered substances. If having an organic baby formula is a priority for you, then you need to ensure it has the label organic on the can.
Organic infant formulas are made with ingredients that are certified organic. This means that the plants used to make the formula have been grown without using any genetically engineered substances. If you are struggling because your infant formula isn’t agreeing with your baby, you can try switching to a GMO-free organic one which may be gentler on their tummy.
To be labelled as Organic, baby formulas must contain certified organic ingredients and not include any products from genetically engineered crops. Certified organic foods must meet certain requirements, including being grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers and have no form of genetic engineering.
FDA Infant Formula Act (IFA)
To guarantee that the product satisfies the standards for normal child growth and development, all firms who make and sell infant formula in the United States must follow the tight guidelines of the Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) IFA.
The IFA addresses quality control requirements and procedures, nutrient specifications (found in section 412(i) of the FFDCA and 21 CFR 107.100; these nutrient specifications include minimum amounts for 30 nutrients and maximum amounts for 9 of those nutrients), and rigorous testing procedures.
So you can rest assured that all regular baby formula will provide the complete nutrition needed whether, from organic ingredients or synthetic ingredients, these are all strictly controlled. Whilst they can never provide the same nutrients as breast milk, they all have to have the basic nutritional requirements a baby needs.
What is normal baby formula?
Non-GMO infant formulas are made without any ingredients that have been genetically modified. This means that the plants used to make the non-gmo baby formula have not been altered in a laboratory to create a certain characteristic or trait. The traits can be to reduce the need for pesticides or to add nutrients to the formulas.
So, what’s the difference?
The main difference between GMO or regular formula and Non-GMO formulas is whether they contain ingredients that have been genetically modified. GMO formulas contain ingredients that have been genetically modified, while Non-GMO formulas do not.
If you’re concerned about the effects of GMOs, then it’s important to choose a formula made without any genetically modified ingredients. However, if you don’t mind using a product that has been genetically modified, then a GMO formula may be right for your child.
What is Included in a GMO Product?
A GMO product can include things like artificial growth hormones, genetically modified organisms and genetically engineered ingredients. I mean, do yu want to feed your child an artificial growth hormone?
The important thing is to read the labels carefully and know what you’re feeding your child.
There are suggestions that GMO-containing formulas are just more difficult for your baby’s belly to digest, which may be a significant turnoff. Non-GMO formulations, on the other hand, are slightly more expensive than the standard formula.
Non-GMO formulas are made without any ingredients that have been genetically modified. This means that the plants used to make the formula have not been altered in a laboratory to create a certain characteristic or trait.
While the ordinary formula isn’t necessarily harmful to your baby’s health, the non-GMO formula may be gentler on the baby’s tummy.
Discover the differences and benefits of these formula options
What’s the difference between GMO vs Non-GMO formula? The main difference between GMO and regular formula and Non-GMO formulas is whether they contain ingredients that have been genetically modified. GMOs are created in a laboratory, while non-GMOs are not. If you’re concerned about the effects of GMOs, then it’s important to choose a formula made without any genetically modified ingredients. However, if you don’t mind using a product that has been genetically modified, then a GMO formula may be right for your child. Non-GMO formulations are slightly more expensive than the standard formulas.
Non-GMO formulas contain no ingredients that have been genetically modified whereas GMO formulas might. If you are concerned about the effects of GMOs, it is important to choose a formula made without any genetically modified ingredients. Non-GMO formulations are gentler on a baby’s tummy and slightly more expensive than the standard formula.
Is there any benefits to Using Organic Infant Formula?
As previously said, organic food offers several advantages. Organic foods are cultivated without the use of conventional pesticides and sewage sludge, and they also encourage responsible farming techniques that safeguard the environment for future generations. Furthermore, organic meals must be prepared without the use of genetically altered components.
Are GMO Foods Safe?
This is a very hot topic!
In 2015, 300 experts from across the world issued a statement underlining the lack of consensus on the safety and the need for more study to determine whether foods containing genetically altered components are safe or not.
The National Academy of Sciences issued a study in May 2016 indicating that genetically altered crops provide no additional health hazards when compared to normal diets. The study also discovered that the use of genetic engineering has boosted insect resistance, which is a “serious agricultural concern,” according to the paper.
Some of the advantages of using a non-GMO recipe include having a product manufactured with components you can trust a little more. It also helps limit the number of toxins or unnatural additives your infant consumes easier.
GMOs are also not explicitly and necessarily hazardous. For some parents, processed meals in any form are a no-no, but GMOs in your baby’s formula, like marginally processed foods, are unlikely to have any long-term detrimental consequences.
Are GMOs in Baby Food?
Yes, a lot of them.
Because GMOs are in so many different foods, it might be difficult to restrict their GMO consumption as they become older. However, while you can, some parents believe there is no reason not to try a non-GMO formula.
Baby food products made from just natural ingredients and not containing non-GMO ingredients are becoming harder to find as often the animal feed which goes into the animals which make dairy products or baby food, has been genetically modified. Dairy ingredients and meat from animals that have been fed GMO grains and hay is common source of GMOs in baby food.
Unless you are buying certified organic products, it can be difficult to avoid GMOs when shopping for baby food. While there are some benefits to feeding infants genetically modified foods, the long-term effects are still unknown, so many parents choose to
The best way to avoid GMOs in your baby’s diet is to make all their food yourself. If you’re not comfortable with this or don’t have the time, look for organic formulas that are guaranteed to be non-GMO. If your children have sensitive tummies, it might be a good idea to switch them to non-GMO foods when they start eating solids.
Regular Formulas From Europe
The use of GMOs in Europe is quite restricted.
In the European Union, all GMO crops and foods must be labelled as such. This means that food manufacturers have to disclose if a product contains any GMOs.
This labeling requirement also extends to infant formula. If you’re looking for a non-GMO formula for your baby, look for one that is made in Europe. We love the Hipp Baby Formulas which is an organic gentle formula, it contains all the essential fatty acids and includes some added supplements like DHA. It also dome not contain palm olein oil or palm oil.
Similac Organic and Similac Advance
Similac Organic is a full nutrition formula for your baby that is manufactured from natural organic ingredients. It’s the only USDA-certified organic formula with an exclusive combination of nutrients to promote strong bones, digestive health, brain development, eye development, and immune system development. It contains no antibiotics no palm olein oil and is non-GMO.
Similac offers a variety of non-GMO formulas, but they also provide normal formulas, such as the Similac Advance Infant Formula. It, like other Similac formulas, is prepared with Similac’s OptiGro blend of DHA, Vitamin E, and Lutein to provide your baby with the nutrition he or she requires.
Similac Pro-Sensitive Non-GMO Infant Formula
Similac offers a variety of non-GMO and conventional formulas, but the Similac Pro-Sensitive Non-GMO Infant Formula is another good alternative. It’s designed particularly for sensitive tummies, and the non-GMO components make it mild in any case, so your kid will most likely notice a significant difference after switching to this one.
It contains nutrients that support healthy eye and brain development, as well as a robust immune system. These are all vital things to consider right from the start, and breastmilk has nutrients for them, so that’s an added bonus. It also includes a mixing instruction to ensure that your baby does not receive watered-down or too thick formula.
Take Away
There are a lot of different opinions on GMOs, and the jury is still out on whether they’re safe or not. Some parents choose to avoid them altogether by feeding their babies non-GMO formulas, while others don’t see any reason to worry. If you’re not sure what’s best for your child, talk to your pediatrician or see professional medical advice.
If you want to avoid artificial ingredients in raising your children then opt for GMO-free. If you want high-quality ingredients then opt for organic. All of these options should come with cow’s milk formula or for those who have lactose intolerance and need a lactose free option, goat milk is a great choice that still provides the benefits of dairy. Soy formulas are often GMO, however, there are some non-GMO soy formulas available on the market. Almond milk and rice milk do not have the same benefits as cow’s milk or goat’s milk so they should not be used as a replacement.
Organic lactose-free baby formula is a good choice for parents looking to avoid GMOs in their child’s diet. The only downside to organic formulas is that they can be more expensive than regular formulas. If you’re looking for a non-GMO, organic option, the Hipp Baby Formula is a great choice.
While there are no discernible changes between non-GMO and conventional formulae, the non-GMO formula is clearly the superior choice here.
It may be a bit more expensive depending on the brand, but it might be the difference between inflated acid reflux and a soothed tummy after feedings.
