The European Union has led the organic revolution by strides. They have outlawed hundreds of ingredients that the FDA still allows in the USA. As such, outlined below are 5 of the top reasons why parents should consider organic European baby formula:
- No Artificial Ingredients
The consumption of artificial ingredients has been linked with the development of inflammatory responses in the body. High exposure to artificial ingredients contribute to toxicity and autoimmune diseases. What are artificial Ingredients?
Artificial ingredients are “lab made.” These chemicals are compounded to mimic nutrients and/or organic materials in our organism’s bio-response. The EU heavily regulates against the use of artificial ingredients and therefore EU organic formulas are free of these toxic chemicals. Many American formulas still allow for artificial ingredients to be used.
- No Soy
Hormones control every process of our body to the simple day to day functions to the long term functions that regulate our bodies through puberty and beyond. Soy contains estrogen group hormones mimicking compounds called phytoestrogen and isoflavones. Especially when processed, large amounts of exposure to soy can cause disruption in the body. Studies have observed that these compounds promote the growth of cancer cells, impair female fertility, and cause dysfunction with thyroid function.
Although research has shown the issues and controversy with soy, ingredients labeled as soy oil and soy lecithin can still be found in American formulas used as a filler in both organic and non-organic formulas. Organic European formulas do not contain soy, putting your mind at ease that there are no underlying ingredients that can cause harmful long term effects in your baby’s biological systems.
- Stages
European formulas, such as holle baby formula, are designed to adjust to the development of your growing baby. The primary stages are designed for the first 6 months as PRE or stage 1 formulas. These early stage formulas are designed to closely mimic the whey:casein ratios in breastmilk. The first formula stage is built off of more natural milk fat and less lactose. For younger babies, this special attention and differentiation helps babies more than a single stage for the entire first year of their life since the balance in protein allows for easier digestion.
In the stage 2 formulas the ratio of whey:casein changes in order to start preparing little bellies for regular cow milk, also meaning less fatty milk and more lactose. Finally, the last stage 3/4 formulas are designed for toddlers. The milk closely resembles cow milk while being fortified with nutrients, similar to a protein shake for adults.
- Wholesome Sensitive Options
Oftentimes, a soy-based or plant based formula will have to be prescribed for babies with a cow milk protein allergy/intolerance. However, plant based prescription formulas often lack essential nutrients, especially those only derived from animal based products like B12. European formulas offer goat milk as an alternative for babies who present a cow milk protein intolerance/allergy. When a cow milk protein allergy presents itself and a mother’s milk is not an option, goat’s milk makes for an excellent alternative. Goat milk is available in stage 1 formula, making the formula available from birth onward.
- Better Regulations
The European organic certification is considered what we would call holistic farming practices. In order to be certified organic, an organic farmer must enforce strict standards from how the livestock is fed, the soil it resides in, and the environment in which they live next to. The scrutiny follows into the process of extraction, and finally the production of the formula or product. When a European product is labeled organic, you can trust that the livestock were grass fed, raised in humane conditions, and not treated with hormones or excessive use of antibiotics.
Conclusion
Unlearning common practices or “how we have always done it” is a common theme with a flood of information to new parents, and parents breaking away from media propaganda and old wives tales. The internet and global commerce is finally opening new parents to find what is best for their baby outside of borders and limitations.
