In this 2023 study from Boston Children's Hospital, researchers investigated levels of iron and DHA in powdered infant formula from retail stores. 96% of U.S. infant formula had iron levels above the maximum of 1.3 mg//100 kcal set in European countries. The nutrient decosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is not required in U.S. infant formula but is required in European formula. The U.S. level of DHA in formula was 12.6 mg/100 kcal which is far below the European minimum of 20 mg/100 kcal. More studies should be conducted to assess potential effects of altered U.S. levels.
ABSTRACT
Requirements for iron and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content of infant formula varies by country. Powdered full-term infant formula purchase data from all major physical stores in the US between 2017-2019 were obtained from CIRCANA, Inc. Iron and DHA composition and scoop sizes for each formula were obtained from manufacturers. The equivalent liquid ounces of prepared formula were calculated. Average iron and DHA content were compared between formula types and to both US and European formula composition requirements. These data represent 55.8 billion ounces of formula. The average iron content of all formula purchased was: 1.80 mg/100 kcal. This iron concentration is within the FDA regulations. However, it exceeds the maximum allowable iron concentration of infant formula (Stage 1) set by the European Commission of 1.3 mg/100 kcal. A total of 96% of formula purchased had an iron concentration of >1.3 mg/100 kcal. DHA is not a required ingredient in US formulas. The average DHA content of all formula purchased was: 12.6 mg/100 kcal. This DHA concentration is far below the minimum required DHA concentrations of infant formula (Stage 1) and follow-on formula (Stage 2) set by the European Commission of 20 mg/100 kcal. These are novel insights into the iron and DHA intake of formula-fed infants in the US. As international infant formulas have entered the US market due to the formula shortage, parents and providers need to be aware of regulatory differences in formula nutrient composition.