february 2014 a comprehensive overview of store brand ... · store brand infant formula is not made...

A Comprehensive Overview of Store Brand Infant FormulaGuiding Parents in Formula Selection: How Do Store Brands Compare to National Brands?

Supplement to

February 2014

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A Comprehensive Overview of Store Brand Infant Formula

M illions of babies are at risk of not getting the nutrition they need as a result of infant formula dilution, leading to potential health and developmental risks. There is no

dispute that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for a new infant. However, breastfeeding may not be possible for all women or the infant may need additional nutritional supplementation. In these cases, infant formula may prove to be an important compo-nent of maintaining an infant’s nutritional intake. Most parents are committed to providing their infant with the best formula, but they are not equipped with all of the information they need to determine what would be the appropriate choice for them. If they choose the most expensive brand and have to result to diluting or stretching formula, clearly they did not make the best choice.

Parents facing financial strains or food insecurity (FI) may be forced to make decisions between nutrition and other essential needs. FI is defined as the lack of access to enough food to fully meet basic nutritional needs at all time due to lack of resources. More than 50% of babies born in the United States are born into families receiving Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits. Most of these families run out of WIC-supplied infant formula most months. Approximately 1 in 6 families reported stretching, diluting, or limiting infant nutrition to make it last, according to a study by Burkhardt et al.1 Twenty-seven percent of food-insecure fami-lies reported stretching, diluting, or limiting formula, while 9% of food-secure families reported the same.1 Due to the tough economic conditions, this practice may be more prevalent than even suggested in this one study.

Diluting infant formula poses a detrimental health risk and can even be fatal to infants. Over-diluting does not allow the baby to get the right amount of nutrients and oral water intoxication and seizures are possible. Unfortunately, poor or uneducated new parents are more likely to resort to diluting infant formula.1

In the Burkhardt et al study, a sample of 144 infant caregivers were surveyed to determine prevalence of FI and to assess strat-

egies to stretch nutritional resources (eg, using generic formula), among other things. Of the caregivers surveyed, 15% stretched infant formula through water diluting. Half of those surveyed believed that Store Brand and National Brand Infant Formulas were not comparable, and 58% said they would not use Store Brand Infant Formula for their child. Families in the study were more likely to stretch or dilute National Brand Infant Formula rather than buy Store Brand Formula. Although Store Brand Infant Formulas are less costly than National Brands, this study finds that many families are still hesitant to switch to Store Brand Formulas despite the similarity, cost savings, and food security that may be achieved as a result of the switch.1

Choosing an infant formula can be a challenge for parents be-cause of the many options and price ranges available. Infant for-

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Minimum Maximum

Protein (g) 1.8 4.5

Fat (g) 3.3 6.0

Linoleic acid (mg) 300 —

Vitamin A (IU) 250 750

Vitamin D (IU) 40 100

Vitamin E (IU) 0.7 —

Vitamin K (mcg) 4 —

Thiamin (mcg) 40 —

Riboflavin (mcg) 60 —

Vitamin B-6 (mcg) 35 —

Vitamin B-12 (mcg) 0.15 —

Niacin* (mcg) 250 —

Folic acid (mcg) 4 —

Pantothenic acid (mcg) 300 —

Biotin† (mcg) 1.5 —

Vitamin C (mg) 8 —

Choline† (mg) 7 —

Inositol† (mg) 4 —

Calcium (mg) 60 —

Phosphorus (mg) 30 —

Magnesium (mg) 6 —

Iron (mg) 0.15 3.0

Zinc (mg) 0.5 —

Manganese (mcg) 5 —

Copper (mcg) 60 —

Iodine (mcg) 5 75

Sodium (mg) 20 60

Potassium (mg) 80 200

Chloride (mg) 55 150

*Includes nicotinic acid and niacinamide.†Required only for nonmilk-based infant formulas.See Table 2 on the following page for a side-by-side comparison of Store Brand Infant Formulas and National Brand Infant Formulas.

Table 1. FDA Nutrient Specifications for Infant Formulas (per 100 kcal)

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Premium Advantage® Gentle® Sensitivity® Added Rice Starch Soy-Based

Store Brand Premium

Enfamil PREMIUM®

Infant

Store Brand Advantage®

Similac® Advance®

Store Brand Gentle®

Enfamil® Gentlease®

Store Brand Sensitivity®

Similac Sensitive®

Store Brand Added Rice

Starch

Enfamil A.R.®

Store Brand Soy

Enfamil® ProSobee®

Similac® Soy

Isomil®

Vitamins & Minerals (per 100 calories)

Vitamin A IU 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300

Vitamin D IU 60 60 75 75 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60

Vitamin E IU 2 2 1.5 1.5 2 2 3 3.0 2 2 2 2 1.5

Vitamin K mcg 9 9 8 8 9 9 8 8 8 9 8 9 11

Vitamin B1

mcg80 80 100 100 80 80 100 100 80 80 80 80 60

Vitamin B2

mcg140 140 150 150 140 140 150 150 140 140 90 90 90

Vitamin B6

mcg60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60

Vitamin B12

mcg0.3 0.3 0.25 0.25 0.3 0.3 0.25 0.25 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.45

Niacin mcg 1000 1000 1050 1050 1000 1000 1050 1050 1000 1000 1000 1000 1350

Folic Acid mcg 16 16 15 15 16 16 15 15 16 16 16 16 15

Pantothenic Acid mcg

500 500 450 450 500 500 450 450 500 500 500 500 750

Biotin mcg 3 3 4.4 4.4 3 3 4.4 4.4 3 3 3 3 4.5

Vitamin C mg 12 12 9 9 12 12 9 9 12 12 12 12 9

Choline mg 24 24 16 16 24 24 16 16 24 24 24 24 12

Inositol mg 6 6 4.7 4.7 6 6 4.3 4.3 6 6 6 6 5

Calcium mg 78 78 78 78 82 82 84 84 78 78 105 105 105

Phosphorus mg

43 43 42 42 46 46 56 56 53 53 69 69 75

Magnesium mg

8 8 6 6 8 8 6 6 8 8 11 8 7.5

Iron mg 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8

Zinc mg 1 1 0.75 0.75 1 1 0.75 0.75 1 1 1.2 1.2 0.75

Manganese mcg

15 15 5 5 15 15 5 5 15 15 25 25 25

Copper mcg 75 75 90 90 75 75 90 90 75 75 75 75 75

Iodine mcg 15 15 6 6 15 15 9 9 10 15 15 15 15

Selenium mcg 2.8 2.8 1.8 1.8 2.8 2.8 1.8 1.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 1.8

Sodium mg 27 27 24 24 36 36 30 30 40 40 36 36 44

Potassium mg 108 108 105 105 108 108 107 107 108 108 120 120 108

Chloride mg 63 63 65 65 63 63 65 65 75 75 80 80 62

Breast milk is best for babies. †Enfamil®, Enfamil PREMIUM®, ProSobee®, Gentlease® and Enfamil A.R.® are registered trademarks of Mead Johnson & Co. Similac®, Advance®, Similac Sensitive®, EarlyShield®, and Isomil® are registered trademarks of Abbott Laboratories. Store Brand Infant Formula is NOT made by or affiliated with Mead Johnson & Co. or Abbott Laboratories. Values are based on label claims as of Decem-ber 2013 and are subject to change. Visit www.storebrandformula.com for more information. Premium, Advantage®, Sensitivity® and Soy Infant Formulas do not contain the identical proprietary ingredient blend of prebiotic, patented levels of nucleotides, lutein, and lycopene in Similac® Advance® EarlyShield®, Similac Sensitive®, and Similac® Soy Isomil®. Advantage®, Gentle®, and Sensitivity® are registered trademarks of PBM Products, LLC.

Table 2. Nutritional comparison of Store Brand Infant Formulas to Certain National Brand Infant Formulas†

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mula can be broadly separated into 2 categories: National Brand Infant Formula (eg, Enfamil®, Similac®, etc) and Store Brand Infant Formula (eg, Parent’s Choice™, etc). The primary differ-ence between these 2 categories is price. Many new moms have anxiety over the cost of baby related items such as formula but end up paying for higher priced National Brand Infant Formula out of fear of nutritional compromise. Because National Brand Infant Formula is more expensive, research has shown that a sig-nificant number of parents resort to stretching the formula by diluting it.1

Although infant formula labels are clearly marked in terms of nutritional value, there is still limited awareness that Store Brand Infant Formulas offer the same complete nutrition at about half the price of National Brands. The following overview of Store Brand Infant Formula will be focused on filling this educational gap.

Nutritional StandardsThe nutritional standards of infant formula are a top concern

both for parents and for healthcare providers. In a recent sur-vey, 90% of US pediatricians polled said that meeting FDA and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) standards are the most important quality for infant formula.2 Given the crucial nature of maintaining nutritional value in infant formula, a number of guidelines and standards have been implemented over the years.

In 1971, the FDA published regulations relating to the manu-facturing and marketing of infant formula, known as the Fed-eral Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). This Act detailed the minimum concentrations of vitamins and minerals neces-sary in each infant formula.3

In 1980 an amendment to FFDCA was instated allowing the FDA to establish quality-controlled procedures for the manu-facturing of infant formula. Known as the Infant Formula Act, this also allowed the FDA to establish recall procedures, establish and revise nutrient levels, and regulate labeling.4

The AAP also has guidelines and recommendations on in-fant formula, strongly suggesting that iron-fortified cow’s milk-based infant formula is the most appropriate from birth to 12

months for infants who are not breastfed or who need formula for supplementation. According to the AAP, infants should re-ceive iron-fortified formula containing between 4 and 12 mg/L of iron.5 It is important to note that Store Brand Infant Formula adheres to the FDA regulations as well as AAP guidelines.

Minimum and maximum nutrient requirements have been set for infant formulas. See Table 1 for a complete list. All infant for-

mulas are required to meet these nutritional requirements.6 This includes both Store Brand and National Brand Infant Formulas.

Nutritional ComparisonPediatricians are aware that store brand over-the-counter

(OTC) products are similar to the brand name OTC products in terms of efficacy and active ingredients, but the same is not always true for infant formulas.

Store Brand Infant Formulas are required to meet the same standards and guidelines as National Brand Infant Formulas, so par-ents can have peace of mind that Store Brands are held to the same standards of any other formula brand on the market. Side-by-side comparisons reveal little, if any, difference in the nutrient levels or ingredient listings for comparable formulas. See Table 2.

Further comparison of Store Brand Infant Formulas and Na-tional Brand Infant Formulas demonstrates the only significant difference between the 2 is cost. See Table 3.

Store Brand Infant Formulas are developed with high-qual-ity ingredients, follow AAP guidelines, and adhere to the same FDA quality standards as all other infant formulas. Store Brand Infant Formulas are also easy to digest, contain key ingredients found in breast milk to support baby’s growth and development. The ingredients may include:

• Calcium and vitamin D for the development of strong bones• Docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, which may

support brain and eye development• Prebiotics for natural immune system supportSee Tables 2 and 4.

Switching Infant Formula Infants in need of formula for primary or supplementary

nutrition are often started on a National Brand chosen from hospital samples. Parents then tend to stay with the brand their

Store Brands

National Brands

Complete high-quality nutrition ✓ ✓Latest advances in infant nutrition ✓ ✓Easy to digest/well tolerated7 ✓ ✓Meet FDA requirements & AAP recommendations for infant formulas

✓ ✓Full range of products ✓ ✓Products for common feeding issues ✓ ✓DHA & ARA ✓ ✓Products with prebiotics ✓ ✓Products with lutein ✓ ✓

Price

FDA=Federal Drug Administration; AAP=American Academy of Pediatrics; DHA=docosahexaenoic acid; ARA=arachidonic acid.†Comparison based on July 2013 price survey of store brand infant formulas versus the leading national brands.

Table 3. Broad comparison of Store Brand Infant Formula and National Brand Infant Formula†

Per can as low as

$14†

Per can as high as

$27†

Store Brand Infant Formulas are required to meet the same standards and guidelines as National

Brand Infant Formulas, so parents can have peace of mind that Store Brands are held to the same

standards of any other formula brand.

There is still limited awareness that Store Brand Infant Formulas offer

complete nutrition at about half the price of National Brands.

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A Pediatrician’s Perspective on Store Brand Formula

From the front lines of infant healthcare, pediatrician Antho-ny Kovatch, MD, took time to answer a few questions regarding Store Brand Infant Formula and its similarity to National Brand Infant Formula.

Q: Dr. Kovatch, given that Store Brand Infant Formulas offer the same nutritional value and meet the same FDA and AAP standards as National Brands, why do you think parents are hesitant to use Store Brands?

A: I think there are several reasons why today’s parents are hesi-tant to use these strikingly similar formulas. Parents may still be misinformed that the expense of a formula is a guarantee of its superiority—especially when it comes to purchasing formula for their first baby. New parents may want to “spare no ex-pense” to guarantee their infant’s health and safety, but may not realize that this added expense is no guarantee of better quality.

Also, these new parents might not have the time or expertise to compare labels—therefore, they will abdicate the decision-making process to their pediatrician who is unfortunately only knowledgeable and familiar with the National Brand names.

The new parents themselves first become familiar with Na-tional Brand names in the hospitals where their initiation into formula feeding or supplementation of breastfeeding is based on “samples” (ie, free National Brand Formula samples provided to the parent). Nursery rotation of brand formulas has taken on a life of its own over the years.

Q: Do you think your colleagues have enough information con-cerning the similarities between Store Brand Infant Formula and National Brand Infant Formula?

A: I think pediatricians, obstetricians, and family practitioners have the same misperceptions regarding the similarity between brand and Store Brand Infant Formulas as the parents of their patients. Originally, many of us mistakenly believed the Store Brand In-fant Formulas may be inferior. And since professionals have limited

time to absorb detailed information on infant formulas in general, there is little time in their schedule to educate themselves on the similarity of Store Brand Formulas and National Brand Formulas.

Q: Do you think more parents would consider switching from National Brand Infant Formula to Store Brand Infant Formula if they knew the facts regarding Store Brand nutritional values?

A: Yes. I believe that a reputable source, like a pediatric health-care professional, could help to inform parents that Store Brand Infant Formulas are comparable to National Brand Infant For-mulas and that the parents should switch without hesitation—especially when the price differential is realized.

Q: Do you think switching formulas in and of itself is a cause for concern?

A: Switching of similar formula types (eg, regular, soy-based, partially hydrolysed, etc) should cause no problems, other than those attributable to a “placebo effect.” I was astonished during my own research on the wide spectrum of Store Brand Infant Formula options available at every retail store.

Q: Do you think the parents of your patients could benefit from the cost savings of switching from National Brand Formula to Store Brand Formula?

A: Undoubtedly, the cost-savings would be tremendous. Par-ents of limited financial means (even those on government-subsidized programs) would not be compelled to dilute formula, restrict the amount offered, or discontinue before 1 year of age. All pediatricians have witnessed these breaches of ideal feeding practices. Increasing the education on Store Brand Infant For-mula and National Brand Infant Formula could, therefore, have an overall positive effect on infant nutrition across the board.

Q: Can you share any experiences you have had with recom-mending Store Brand Infant Formula?

A: I have witnessed a changing mentality in my personal prac-tice; once a family receives confirmation that a Store Brand Infant Formula provides high-quality nutrition comparable to National Brands, the family adopts it as their personal brand. The difference between the two vanishes with the exception of cost-savings.

In my experience, giving my blessing to a parent’s use of a Store Brand Infant Formula would be part of the care and ser-vice expected by modern-day families. It is important to impart the information I have concerning infant formulas.

In my opinion, the practice of pediatrics must involve a range of concerns in addition to health—education, economics, and other branches of human endeavor. They are all connected. Parents de-mand more knowledge and more control. They want to make in-formed, customized decisions regarding formula after personal anal-ysis and counsel with their physician. In the end, they will weigh relevant factors (eg, cost, availability, similarity) and make a decision compatible with their beliefs. I predict an unstoppable trend toward the use of Store Brand Infant Formulas in the coming years.

Anthony Kovatch, MD, completed his undergraduate education at the University of Pennsylvania. He went on to attend medical school at Hah-nemann Medical College, which is now part of Drexel University. He continued his pediatric training at Pediatric Cornell North Shore Uni-versity Hospital and served a fellowship in Pediatric Infec-

tious Diseases at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. For the past 30 years, he has been a practicing pediatrician in Pitts-burgh and is currently working at Pediatric Alliance.

Continued on page 6



infant is started on and may express concerns regarding switch-ing from one infant formula to another—despite nutritional and safety comparability. New research has shown that concern over switching formulas may be erroneous.

In a study by Barber et al, researchers demonstrated that there is no difference in formula tolerance between National Brand milk-based infant formula and Store Brand milk-based infant formula. The study also examined transitioning infants from one formula to another.7

In the study, 67 infants were randomized into 3 groups—group 1 switched from one National Brand to another National

Brand; group 2 switched from one National Brand to a Store Brand; and group 3 switched from one National Brand to the same National Brand (i.e., sham switch).7

On day 1, infants were screened and then observed over a 4-day interval. On days 5 through 7, the caregiver transitioned the infant from one formula to another or from one formula to the same formula (sham), depending on the group. Caregivers

Families in the [Burkhardt] study were more likely to stretch or dilute National Brand Infant Formula

rather than buy Store Brand Formula.

Continued from page 4

Name of Formula Description Nutritional Highlights Compare to the Nutrition of

Premium Formula

Premium is a complete, milk-based formula with prebiotics to support baby’s immune system.

•DHA & ARA •Beta-carotene and nucleotides•Iron fortified•Prebiotic (GOS)

Enfamil PREMIUM® Infant

Advantage®

FormulaAdvantage® is a milk-based formula featuring galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), a prebiotic found in breast milk.

•Prebiotics for immune system support•DHA & ARA•Iron fortified•Prebiotic (GOS)•Nucleotides•Lutein•75 IU of vitamin D

Similac® Advance®

Tender® Formula

For babies with fussiness or gas. •100% partially hydrolyzed whey protein•DHA & ARA•Prebiotics (GOS)

GERBER® GOOD START® Gentle

Gentle®

FormulaGentle® Formula is formulated for babies experiencing fussiness or gas.

•Partially broken-down whey protein•DHA & ARA•Iron fortified

Enfamil® Gentlease®

Sensitivity®

FormulaSensitivity® is a reduced lactose‡ formula that’s easy on your baby’s tummy.

•Reduced lactose‡

•DHA & ARA•Iron fortified•Prebiotic (GOS)•Nucleotides

Similac Sensitive®

Soy-Based Formula

Soy is lactose-free and contains soy in place of the proteins found naturally in cow’s milk.

•Developed for babies when soy protein is preferred•DHA & ARA•Iron fortified

Enfamil® ProSobee® & Similac® Soy Isomil®

Added Rice Formula

Added Rice Starch is designed for babies that spit-up frequently.

•Thickened with rice starch, which helps keep formula down•DHA & ARA•Iron fortified•Nucleotides

Enfamil A.R.®

Organic Formula

Organic Milk-Based Infant Formula is a complete, balanced alternative for parents who choose to feed their babies formula from certified-organic food sources.

•Certified Organic in accordance to USDA regulations•DHA & ARA•Iron fortified•Nucleotides

Similac® Advance® Organic

Toddler Formula

Nutrition designed for infants aged 9 months or older.

•DHA & ARA•Calcium for strong bones•Prebiotic (FOS)

Similac Go & Grow®

& Enfagrow® Toddler TransitionsTM

Newborn Formula

Designed especially for babies 0-3 months of age

•DHA & ARA •Beta-carotene and nucleotides•Iron fortified•75 IU of vitamin D•Prebiotic (GOS)

Enfamil PREMIUM® Newborn

DHA=docosahexaenoic acid; ARA=arachidonic acid; USDA=U.S. Department of Agriculture. ‡In comparison to standard milk-based formulas.Enfamil Premium®, Enfamil®, Enfamil A.R.®, Gentlease®, Enfagrow® and Prosobee® are registered trademarks of Mead Johnson & Co. Toddler Transitions™ is a trademark of Mead Johnson & Co. Similac®, Advance®, EarlyShield®, Similac Sensitive®, Similac Go & Grow®, and Isomil® are registered trademarks of Abbott Labo-ratories. Gerber® and Good Start® are registered trademarks of Societe des Produits Nestle, S.A. Store Brand Infant Formula is not made by or affiliated with Mead Johnson & Co., Abbott Laboratories, or Societe des Produits Nestle, S.A. Store Brand Infant Formula does not contain the identical proprietary ingredient blend of of prebiotics, patented levels of nucleotides, lutein and lycopene in Similac® Advance® EarlyShield®, Similac Sensitive®, or Similac® Soy Isomil®. Advantage®, Gentle® and Sensitivity® are registered trademarks of PBM Products, LLC. Tender® is a registered trademark of PBM Nutritionals, LLC.

Table 4. Overview of Store Brand Infant Formulas and Their Comparable National BrandsS

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either transitioned gradually over the 3-day period or the tran-sition was immediate. The caregivers then kept a diary during the 3-day period, scoring the following tolerance variables as compared to normal—spit-up, burping, gas, crying, and irrita-bility. See Figure 1. In the diary entries, caregivers also docu-mented the protocol used to switch infants from one formula to another. The infants were then examined again on days 11 through 14; weight, adverse events, and daily diary entries were all reviewed during the final phase of the study.7

When the researchers studied tolerability within the 3 sub-groups using the Wilcox Signed Ranked Test, there was no sta-tistical difference found between the National Brand to a dif-ferent National Brand group (P=0.164) and the National Brand to Store Brand group (P=0.148). The researchers did find a sta-tistical difference in the National Brand to the same National Brand group (P=0.001; [sham]), and the researchers attributed this difference to parental anxiety and increased sensitivity to infant behavior during the trial period.7

The researchers also examined the tolerance variables between groups, finding that there was no statistical difference for burp-ing (P=0.204), gas (P=0.636), crying (P=0.348), and irritability (P=0.203) in the National Brand to Store Brand group. There was, however, a statistical difference in reports of spit-up (P=0.038) in this group. In the National Brand to a different National Brand

Figure 1. Results from the Barber et al Switching Formula Study

Table 5. Store Brand Infant Formula is available at more than 50 retailers nationwide including the following:

Retailer Infant Formula Brand®®®®®®



group, there were no significant differences in spit-up (P=0.153), burping (P=0.678), gas (P=0.212), crying (P=0.305), and ir-ritability (P=0.288). Though tolerance values increased in all 3 groups, none of these increases were statistically significant. The researchers concluded that there were no differences in toler-ability between the National Brand to another National Brand group and the National Brand to Store Brand group.7

Switching between infant formulas is safe, and there is no significant difference in tolerability in infants whether they are gradually or immediately switched from one formula to another.7

Manufacturing PracticesHigh quality manufacturing processes are of the utmost im-

portance in the production of infant formulas.Perrigo Nutritionals is part of the Perrigo family of companies,

world’s largest manufacturer of generic OTC pharmaceuticals. Per-

rigo Nutritionals is also the largest supplier of Store Brand Infant Formula, producing more than 50 infant formula varieties globally, including those found in more than 68 retailers in the United States, such as Walmart®, Target®, and Babies “R” Us®. See Table 5.

Store Brand Infant Formulas made by Perrigo Nutritionals are produced in the company’s Vermont and Ohio facilities. The formulas are manufactured in the only International Standards Organization (ISO) 9001:2008 certified, infant formula-manu-facturing facilities in the United States. ISO 9001:2008 speci-fies requirements for a quality management system in which an organization must demonstrate its ability to consistently pro-vide product that meets customer and applicable regulatory re-quirements and aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of con-formity to customer and applicable regulatory requirements.8

There are over 2300 safety and quality checks performed per batch of formula. Perrigo Nutritionals is 1 of only 4 FDA In-spected US Infant Formula Manufacturers.

Concerns for the New ParentAccording to a “Brand” New Mom study with more than

1900 expectant and first-time moms, 59% of moms are stressed because of their personal financial situation or the economy. An additional 53% admit that thoughts about their baby product budgets plague them on a daily basis. An additional 37% of new

or expectant moms in this study said they felt guilty if they can-not afford a specific product for their babies.9

While many moms expressed financial concerns regarding baby products, only 30% of the respondents were willing to buy store brand products for their babies, while 52% will buy store brands for other everyday household items. A majority (62%) believes that national brand baby products provide higher qual-ity than store brand products, and 37% believe national brands are more nutritious.9

Given the results from the “Brand” New Mom study and the rise in infant formula stretching demonstrated by the Burkhart study, new moms need to be fully informed by their trusted pediatric healthcare provider regarding the nutritional value of Store Brand Infant Formula so they can make informed deci-sions regarding their infant’s nutritional needs.1,9

ConclusionChoosing the right infant formula can be overwhelming for

parents. Quality, nutrition, tolerability, and cost are topics pediat-ric healthcare providers should address with parents to help them make an informed decision. Many parents are unaware that Store Brand Infant Formulas meet the same nutritional criteria as Na-tional Brand Formulas for about half the cost. This lack of edu-cation may be a contributing factor to breaches of ideal feeding practices such as formula dilution, which can have detrimental effects on an infant’s health and development. Parents need to be informed by their infant’s healthcare practitioners that Store Brand Infant Formulas meet all the nutritional levels recom-mended by the AAP, provide complete nutrition with key ingre-dients, are available in a range of formulations to address common feeding issues, and meet the same FDA requirements for safety, nutrition, and quality as all other infant formulas. n

References1. Burkhardt MC, Beck AF, Kahn RS, Klein MD. Are our babies hungry? Food

insecurity among infants in urban clinics. Clin Pediatr. 2012;51(3):238-243. 2. Perrigo Nutritionals 2012 survey. Perrigo Data on file.3. FDA. Clinical Testing of Infant Formulas With Respect to Nutritional

Suitability for Term Infants. June 1988. http://www.fda.gov/Food/Guid anceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/Infant Formula/ucm170649.htm. Accessed November 28, 2012.

4. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Nutrition. Clinical Test-ing of Infant Formulas With Respect to Nutritional Suitability for Term Infants. June 1988.

5. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Nutrition. Iron fortifica-tion of infant formulas. Pediatrics. 1999;104(1):119-123.

6. Fomon SJ. Reflections on infant feeding in the 1970s and 1980s. Am J Clin Nutr. 1987;46(Suppl 1):171-182.

7. Barber C, Tusing A, Kisamore L, Lawton E, Steele-Kosowitz M, Sutphen J. The Safety of Formula Switching for Infants. Poster.

8. International Organization for Standardization. http://www.iso.org/iso/catalogue_detail?csnumber=21823. Accessed November 28, 2012.

9. Brand New Mom Study. Perrigo Data on file.

For more information, visit www.storebrandformula.comZ01-1315-0351

© 2014, HMP Communications, LLC (HMP). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part prohibited. 2014-830-02

Given the results from the “Brand” New Mom study and the rise in infant formula stretching

demonstrated by the Burkhardt study, new moms need to be fully informed by their trusted pediatric

healthcare provider regarding the nutritional value of Store Brand Infant Formula so they can make informed decisions regarding their infant’s

nutritional needs.