Table 2.
Most common ingredients (number of separate claims cited for ingredient ≥100) used for substantiation of claims in different categories of infant formula: infant formula (0-6 and 0-12 months), follow-on formula (6-12 months), and food for special medical purposes (FSMP)
| Ingredient | No (%) of products with ingredient/total of 608 products with ≥1 claim (%) | No of separate claims cited for relevant ingredient | Quotes as examples of claims | No (%) with ≥1 claim related to ingredient | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant formula (n=222) | Follow-on formula (n=95) | FSMP (n=291) | ||||
| Not specified | 307 (50) | 473 | - | 80 (36) | 22 (23) | 128 (44) |
| Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids | 278 (46) | 322 | With the addition of long chain omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, the proteins have been replaced with amino acids, assisting with the healthy brain and eye development of children | 76 (34) | 49 (52) | 78 (27) |
| Prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics | 225 (37) | 389 | This specific blend of prebiotics has been shown to encourage the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the infant gut, as well as improve stool frequency and consistency | 84 (38) | 28 (29) | 62 (21) |
| Hydrolysed protein | 120 (20) | 152 | Contains a unique combination of starch and 100 whey, partially hydrolysed protein for the dietary management of reflux and regurgitation | 12 (5) | 2 (2) | 75 (26) |
| Vitamins | 116 (19) | 193 | Vitamins A, C &D to help support the normal function of baby’s immune system . . . | 33 (15) | 36 (38) | 26 (9) |