SWEET DANGER: Study reveals alarming levels of added sugar in U.S. infant formulas

• A study analyzing 73 infant formulas in 2022 found that nearly all contained high levels of added sugars, with standard formulas averaging 60% added sugars, gentle formulas 85% and lactose-free formulas up to 90%. Only five formulas met healthy sugar standards, containing 70% to 90% naturally occurring lactose, the optimal carbohydrate for infants.
• Added sugars in infant formulas are linked to long-term health issues such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, asthma, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Early exposure to added sugars may also predispose infants to a preference for sweet tastes, overfeeding and unhealthy eating habits, while disrupting the gut microbiome and immune function.
• Despite breastfeeding being the best option for infant nutrition, systemic challenges such as lack of federal parental leave, limited public breastfeeding spaces and insufficient workplace accommodations make it difficult for many parents to breastfeed exclusively, forcing reliance on formula.
• The U.S. FDA does not mandate nutritional standards or labeling requirements for sugars in infant formula, leaving parents uninformed about the nutritional content. Researchers called for stricter regulations, transparency in labeling and prioritization of naturally occurring lactose over added sugars in formula production.
• The study highlights the need for systemic reforms to support infant health, including better formula standards, improved breastfeeding support and societal and policy changes to prioritize the health of infants and address the disconnect between infant formula content and expert health recommendations.

A groundbreaking study has uncovered a troubling reality for parents in the United States: Nearly all infant formulas on the market contain high levels of added sugars, far exceeding the healthier lactose found in breast milk. Published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, the research analyzed 73 infant formulas available in 2022 and found that only five met healthy sugar standards. This revelation raises serious concerns about the long-term health implications for infants and highlights systemic issues that make breastfeeding a challenge for many families.

Up to 90% added sugar in some formulas

The study categorized infant formulas into three types: standard, gentle and lactose-free. While standard formulas are designed to mimic the nutritional profile of breast milk, gentle formulas often reduce lactose for easier digestion, and lactose-free formulas eliminate it entirely. However, the research revealed that these formulas are far from ideal.

Standard formulas contained nearly 60% added sugars, while gentle formulas averaged 85% added sugars, and lactose-free formulas topped the list at 90%. Only five of the 73 formulas analyzed contained 70% to 90% naturally occurring lactose, the carbohydrate naturally present in breast milk and considered optimal for infant digestion.

“From a ‘What’s closest to breastmilk?’ perspective, lactose would be preferred for infants,” said Aubrey Phelps, a registered functional dietitian and certified lactation counselor. “It should also be the carbohydrate most easily digested by infants, as that’s what their bodies are designed to handle.”

Lactose-free formulas were particularly concerning, containing 4 to 8 times more sucrose (table sugar) and maltose (malt sugar) than standard formulas. Unlike lactose, which is broken down by the enzyme lactase, sucrose and maltose require sucrase and maltase, enzymes that newborns produce in much lower quantities. This mismatch can strain an infant’s digestive system and potentially lead to long-term health issues.

Why added sugar is harmful for infants

Health authorities, including the American Heart Association, strongly advise against added sugars for children under two years old. These sugars are linked to rapid weight gain, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, asthma, hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life.

“Added sugars are contraindicated for infants and children under the age of 2—they’re not supposed to have them,” said lead author Audrey Rips-Goodwin.

The study’s authors expressed concern that early exposure to added sugars may predispose infants to a preference for sweet tastes, leading to overfeeding and unhealthy eating habits. “Exposure to sweets in the first few years may predispose children to craving sugary foods,” said Dr. Erica Rabinovich and Erica Corwin, pediatric gastroenterology experts.

Moreover, added sugars can disrupt the gut microbiome, the community of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Excessive sugar promotes the growth of harmful bacteria while hindering the development of beneficial ones, potentially impacting immune function and overall health.

The challenges of breastfeeding

While breastfeeding is universally recognized as the best option for infant nutrition, systemic barriers make it difficult for many parents to provide breast milk. The lack of federal parental leave policies, limited public breastfeeding spaces and insufficient workplace accommodations create significant hurdles.

“We have a massive systemic issue where parental leave is nonexistent at the federal level and not required,” said senior author Tera Fazzino. “With no structural support in place, exclusively breastfeeding becomes very difficult, despite being widely promoted as the best option for infant health.”

For working mothers, the challenges are even greater. “Some women don’t respond well to a pump—then what?” asked Phelps. “Many don’t get paid leave at all, so asking them to pump around the clock to maintain a supply while taking care of a new baby, potentially older children, and commuting to work each day is insane.”

A call for regulatory reform

The study also highlighted a glaring lack of regulatory oversight. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not mandate nutritional standards or labeling requirements for the types of sugars in infant formula. This leaves parents in the dark about the nutritional content of the products they rely on to feed their babies.

“Most infant formulas on the U.S. market contained mostly added sugars,” said Fazzino. “Standard formulas had over half of sugars from added sugars, about 60%, whereas gentle and lactose-free formulas contained about 85% added sugars on average.”

The researchers called for stricter regulations and greater transparency in labeling to ensure that parents can make informed choices. They also urged formula manufacturers to prioritize the use of naturally occurring lactose over added sugars, noting that the five formulas meeting healthy sugar standards demonstrate that such formulations are feasible to produce.

Conclusion

The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to support infant health. While breastfeeding remains the gold standard, the reality is that many families rely on formula. Ensuring that these products are as healthy as possible is critical for the well-being of future generations.

As Fazzino aptly put it, “Our infant formula market totally contradicts what experts in infant health recommend.” With added sugars posing significant risks to infant development, it’s time for policymakers, manufacturers and society as a whole to prioritize the health of our youngest and most vulnerable.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

ScienceDirect.com

KUnews.edu