Summary of the joint NIH and FDA workshop titled "Exploring the Science Surrounding the Safe Use of Bioactive Ingredients in Infant Formula: Considerations for an Assessment Framework"
Researchers from leading institutions gathered to discuss the addition of bioactive ingredients into infant formula. They sought to weigh the benefits and challenges of these ingredients while prioritizing the well-being and safety of formula-fed infants. These bioactive ingredients are compounds found naturally in human milk that may offer various health advantages for babies.
College of Health researcher(s)
College unit(s)
Abstract
The US government and many professional societies recommend that human milk be the sole source of nutrition for infants up to 6 months-of-age. 1 ,2 However, only about 25% of infants in the US meet this goal signaling an urgent need for improved multi-level support for breastfeeding among societies, communities, and families. 2 In addition, when breastfeeding is not possible, access to a safe and effective source of nutrition—provided by infant formula (IF) is critical. The search for bioactive ingredients found in human milk (HM) that could be added to formula has been intense among academic institutions, governmental research institutes, and industry. 1 The National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development developed a strategic plan (https://www.nichd.nih.gov/about/org/strategicplan) that recognizes the importance of optimal nutrition across the lifespan. One aspirational goal is to optimize infant survival and health by optimizing formulas to mimic the composition of HM. more closely.