The infant nutrition market: the important role of milk proteins

For decades, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been highlighting the importance of infant nutrition to children's growth and development. During the first 1,000 days of life, it is imperative that a child receives optimal nutrition, both in terms of quantity and quality. While breast milk remains the best food for a baby's development, today there are quality dairy ingredients to provide children with the nutrients they need for growth. Milk proteins are essential for the nutrition of very young children. There are various types of protein in breast milk, of which Lactoferrin is the second most important.

In fact, to meet parents' demand for naturalness, our team recently launched the first organic Lactoferrin.

What are the nutritional needs of infants?

It is important to keep in mind that nutritional needs for infants’ health generally depend on the child's age. In most cases, these are indicated in g/kg/day. In particular, children need to ingest 2 g/kg/day of protein up to 3 months of age, then 1.5 g/kg/day between 3 and 6 months. Protein should make up around 10% of an infant's total energy intake. Note that the protein contained in breast milk or cow's milk is 90% effective, meaning that it is 90% absorbed by the body, unlike other protein sources (meat, fish, etc.) which are only 70% effective^[1].

Children must also obtain the necessary intake of fats, carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium and vitamins recommended for their age. Meeting the nutritional needs of infants contributes to the proper development of their physical and intellectual capacities.

What is the difference between breast milk and artificial milk?

First and foremost, it's important to remember that breast milk is the best food for a baby's development, which is why Armor Protéines follows WHO advice recommending exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age. The main difference between breast milk and artificial milk is its composition. In fact, breast milk is made up of thousands of nutrients that are highly beneficial for infants. It is also unique in that its composition changes according to the child's needs. It contains proteins, sugars, antibodies, fatty acids, enzymes, white blood cells and prebiotics.

Artificial milk must therefore contain multiple ingredients in order to match the composition of breast milk as closely as possible and provide infants with maximum nutrients.

While the benefits of artificial milk are increasingly similar to those of breast milk, it can never match them. The main advantage of human milk is its ability to transform and evolve according to the infant's needs. However, artificial milk is a good alternative for people who are unable or prefer not to breastfeed.

Our experts can help you formulate your infant formulas with quality ingredients such as Vitalarmor® Lactoferrin, Lactarmor® DM 90, Protarmor® 80, Vitalarmor® 900 CPP and many others.

Would you like to know more about the different dairy ingredients offered by Armor Protéines that can be used in the composition of artificial milk? Learn about our full range of dairy ingredients for infant milk manufacturers, and in particular Vitalarmor® Lactoferrin Organic, the new bioactive infant milk protein!

^[1] Source: Report 09-04 Alimentation du nouveau-né et du nourrisson, Académie nationale de médecine, February 24, 2009.