Food is the source of nutrients people need to survive and be healthy. One cannot feel well and thrive if the food is low-quality. When we speak about infants, their nutrition is vital because their eating habits develop from the first days of their life. The provided environment predetermines their resistance to viruses and bacteria at the same period. What might happen if a baby consumes low-quality meals? Can the organic formula completely satisfy the needs of newborns? This article provides the answers.
How Low-quality Food Influences a Baby’s Organism
Regarding the latest research, infant meals are significant. A baby can get sick, become obese, or be shorter than other kids of the same age because of poor nutrition. These are some facts about malnutrition to consider.
- Over 9.5 million children under five died in 2016.
- Child obesity is a primary concern of parents and healthcare providers in many countries.
- 2-year-old children were several centimeters shorter than their peers in 2020 clinical research.
- Adults whose infant meals were not nutritious enough suffered intellectual and physical disabilities.
- Undernourished women faced difficulties in childbirth, and their newborns were underweight or had health problems.
Global Strategy for newborn feeding was adopted by the WHO and UNICEF. It highlights the importance of infant nutrition that protects children from early death and negative health consequences. Nutrition quality is essential during the first two years of a baby’s life. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months strengthens a baby’s organism. It helps to decrease cases of infant death, and top-quality supplementary feeding during the following years adds 6% to the child survival rate. Supplementary food must be organic, including vegetables, fruit, and cereals.
What Food Fits the Newborns Best of All
UNICEF and the WHO state that exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a baby’s life and good quality supplementary feeding during the next two years is a must. Breast milk includes the needed macronutrients and micronutrients, and antibodies to some viruses and infections. What should a parent do if a mother cannot breastfeed because of health problems or governmental demands? Many companies make baby formula that almost copies the ingredients of breast milk. However, some companies neglect safety rules and add substances that hurt a baby’s organism. That’s why most pediatricians recommend choosing organic baby formula, thanks to the natural components it contains. What does average organic baby food contain?
- powdered full-skimmed milk
- vitamins
- minerals
- organic fats derived from vegetable, fish, sunflower, and rape seed oils
- lactose as the source of healthy carbs
If a child has reflux problems or throws up the consumed formula, organic baby food brands use stabilizers and thickeners. Supplementary foods must be natural and grown without pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, and other poisonous things. Organic baby formula excludes GMOs, pesticides, sugar, and ingredients artificially made by humans. Non-organic brands can use undesired ingredients to cheapen the product and make it tastier. Consequently, children develop unhealthy eating habits, which lead to health problems, including obesity, diabetes 2, indigestion, and poor growth development. So, baby food choice is crucial because it will make the core of a child’s healthy lifestyle.