title: History and current status of infant formulas.
abstract: Formulas that approximate the composition of human milk are widely used as the sole source of nutrients for infants during the first months of life. Such formulas contain milk, soy, or meal proteins, or protein hydrolysates together with those forms of fat carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals shown to be bioavailable to the infant. Legislation concerning nutrient composition and quality assurance of products labeled as infant formulas has been enacted by Congress. Governmental and industrial standards also help to assure microbiological safety and stability. Problems of nutrient composition and adverse reactions have occurred during the evolution and development of infant formulas. Problems concerning nutrient deficiency are now almost unknown, but adverse reactions of individuals to specific formula ingredients continue. Accurate information on composition and related nutritional properties of infant formulas is essential for their effective use and for the avoidance of undesirable complications.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002417:Cattle; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004063:Digestion; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000592:standards*; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000178:diet therapy; D007787:Lactose Intolerance / Q000276:immunology; D007881:Legislation, Food; D008661:Metabolism, Inborn Errors / Q000178:diet therapy; D008892:Milk; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011492:Protein Hydrolysates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000009:adverse effects; D013025:Glycine max; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins; D011492:Protein Hydrolysates; D012965:Sodium Chloride