Rating of the best goat milk formulas for newborns, comparison

Goat milk formulas are popular with modern mothers. Parents want to give their child the best nutrition for proper development. The ideal food for a baby is mother's milk. But sometimes a woman who has given birth is not able to breastfeed her baby herself. There is a need for artificial nutrition.

Pediatricians prescribe formulas based on the child’s condition. But some mothers want only the best for their children. And they demand to prescribe goat milk products.

5-6 decades ago, goat milk was considered a medicine for weakened infants. Miraculous properties were attributed to him. Today, pediatricians consider adapted products made from it as a possible replacement for formulas based on cow's milk.

Composition and properties

Children's digestive systems are immature. She is able, with benefit to the body, to digest exclusively breast milk. But manufacturers of artificial mixtures are constantly developing new formulations.

Technologists do not produce baby food consisting of 100% whole milk. Such food will harm the baby. Goat milk products consist of 40-50% goat milk. The rest is made up of useful supplements. They make the formula suitable for breastfeeding.

The advantage of the mixture is the smaller casein protein molecules. Under the influence of gastric juice, a loose structure is formed in the digestive tract of newborns. It's easier for the baby to digest. The baby will not get constipation or stomach upset.

By type of protein, goat milk is classified as a casein product. Cow too. And female - to albumin. Both formula bases in their pure form are not suitable for use in feeding. Adaptation supplements are beneficial.

It is widely believed that goat milk formulas do not cause allergies in infants. It's a delusion. Allergy is a reaction of the immature digestive system to casein protein. It is the basis of goat milk. But smaller fractions can reduce the likelihood of its occurrence.

Compound

Manufacturers care about the health of bottle-fed babies. They create foods that are easy to digest. Goat milk formulas include:

• beta-casein (does not cause digestive upset, is easily digested and absorbed);
• phosphorus and calcium (required for normal bone and brain development);
• probiotics (required for normal digestion, form the necessary flora in the digestive tract);
• nucleotides (create strong immunity for the baby);
• vitamins of groups A and PP (participate in the normalization of blood circulation, metabolism, and development of vision).

Goat milk formulas contain 3 times more amino acids compared to cow's milk products. Lactose is 60% less. Such ratios make the formulations easily digestible and safe for babies.

Choose a mixture of goat milk or: artificial feeding without colic

Mother's milk is a product recognized as the “gold standard” for feeding children up to one year old; doctors agree that transferring a baby to artificial feeding is recommended only in cases where the entire arsenal of lactation-stimulating drugs has proven ineffective. If this does happen, parents are faced with the question of choosing the optimal nutritional composition for their baby.

Author: Anna Gennadievna Dubinina, head of the pediatric department, pediatrician at the Multidisciplinary Medical Center, Moscow

Why can bottle feeding cause colic?

When switching to a formula, the digestive process can cause significant discomfort to the baby and his family members: colic, regurgitation, constipation are common problems among “artificial” babies.

The culprit, as well as a factor in the development of constipation and regurgitation, may be the protein alpha-S1-casein - the protein component of formulas based on cow's milk. The presence of alpha-S1-casein provokes the formation of a hard-to-digest clot in the child’s stomach, which, when broken down, produces a large amount of gases in the intestines. The result, in addition to colic, is regurgitation, constipation and other manifestations of digestive disorders.

Mixtures with a predominance of whey (light) proteins on goat milk without alpha-S1-casein - a solution to the problem

Goat milk is most similar to mother's milk. Formulas based on goat milk compare favorably with mixtures made from cow's milk in the following factors:

• whey proteins are absorbed better and faster than casein proteins, so a diet with a predominance of whey proteins helps prevent constipation, regurgitation, and colic;
• whey proteins stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria in the child’s intestines;
• Goat's milk protein does not contain alpha-S1-casein.

When digested, a goat's milk formula forms a softer clot in the baby's stomach than a diet based on cow's milk. The soft curd breaks down faster and easier in the digestive tract, minimizing the risk of intestinal colic and other digestive disorders in infants.

In addition to the prevention of digestive disorders, it is important that the formula for artificial feeding is saturated with biologically active substances necessary for the full development of the baby. In addition to vitamins and microelements, their list contains nucleotides and taurine.

Nucleotides

Nucleotides are responsible for the formation of the nervous and immune systems, they are the building material for cell DNA and are especially important for weakened children and during illnesses. Also nucleotides:

• play a key role in energy exchange;
• participate in the synthesis of proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
• increase immunity.

Nucleotides in infant nutrition:

• increase weight gain;
• improve indicators of physical and neuropsychic development;
• stimulate the maturation of nervous tissue;
• promote the development of visual organs;
• contribute to the strengthening and development of the child’s immunity.

The formula for feeding infants up to one year should contain no more than 3.50 µg/l of nucleotides.

Taurine

For children under 3 months, taurine is a valuable biologically active substance responsible for the processes:

• development of the retina and brain tissue;
• maturation and differentiation of nervous system tissues;
• increasing the body's immune forces.

Numerous studies by foreign and domestic scientists have proven that taurine deficiency in infancy can subsequently cause a decrease in the child’s intellectual capabilities, the development of hearing loss, and poor vision. The optimal taurine content in formula for artificial feeding of a baby is from 3.5 to 8 µg/l.

You can clearly compare the main characteristics of the most popular mixtures intended for babies in their first year of life using the table:

Based on the data in the table, you can choose a milk formula that is not only as close as possible in composition to breast milk, but is also enriched with substances necessary for the growth and full development of the child. For example, a milk mixture based on goat milk “MD Mil Kozochka”, produced at a high-tech plant in Spain, in addition to the colic-provoking whey protein of goat milk, is additionally enriched with taurine and nucleotides. In addition, this mixture includes a full set of micro-, macroelements and vitamins, which ensure the full development of the child, strengthening and developing his immunity.

A properly selected formula for artificial feeding of a baby is the key to his health and harmonious development!

Review of brands

The list of goat milk products is small - only 4 items. The first to present their products were Spain (“MD Mil SP Kozochka”) and New Zealand (“Nanny”). Then consumers were pleased with the names: “Cabrita” (Holland) and “Mamako” (Spain). Now the choice has become wider. Moms try formulations from different manufacturers. The rating of brands has been determined.

"Nanny"

The product was developed by technologists from the Bibikol company from New Zealand. Children are offered:

• babies from birth to one year can use “Nanny Classic”;
• babies from birth to six months receive “Nanny-1”;
• children from six months to one year eat “Nanny-2”;
• From the age of one, babies eat Nanny-3.

All options have their own features. The pediatrician observing the child will help you choose the right one.

The manufacturer has introduced whole goat milk powder into the diet. Technologists believe that New Zealand has special conditions for raising animals. Milk has a finely dispersed structure. It is easily digestible and does not cause allergies.

Whole goat milk has milk fat. This (according to manufacturers) makes the product healthier. The mixture is supplemented with fish oil (to obtain the required balance of polyunsaturated acids). Nanny does not contain palm oil.

"Nanny" is a casein-forming mixture. The ratio of whey proteins and casein is 20:80. Such indicators make the product comfortable for the baby’s digestive tract.

"Mamako"

Developed by technologists of the Spanish concern ILAS SA. The composition includes whey from natural goat milk. The manufacturer presents 3 types of mixture:

• Children from birth to six months are offered “Mamako-1”;
• Older babies (from six months to one year) receive “Mamako-2”;
• mixture enriched with bifidobacteria - from 1 year.

The manufacturer has achieved an optimal ratio of casein and whey proteins. It is similar to breast milk and is 1:1. “Mamako” is supplemented with vitamins, vegetable fats and prebiotics.

"Cabrita"

The product manufacturer is Dutch. Several types of Cabrita have been developed:

• for babies from birth to six months - “Kabrita Gold-1”;
• for children from six months to one year - “Kabrita Gold-2”;
• for babies after the first year of life - “Kabrita Gold-3”.

The source of protein is natural goat milk whey. The combination of whey proteins and casein is appropriate for the baby's age.

The manufacturer introduced “live” lactobacilli and bifidobacteria into the diet. These supplements strengthen the immune system. But sometimes beneficial elements inhibit the formation of the natural flora of the baby’s gastrointestinal tract.

The source of palm acid is palmitate. "Kabrita" is used to feed children with diabetes.

The peculiarity of “Kabrita” is the absence of maltodextrin, probiotics and prebiotics. The manufacturer considers them unnecessary for the immature digestive tract.

"MD Mil SP Kozochka"

“MD Mil SP Kozochka” is a product of Spanish technologists under a Swiss license. Consumers are offered:

• for newborns and up to six months - “MD Mil SP Kozochka-1”;
• from six months to a year – “MD Mil SP Kozochka-2”;
• over one year old – “MD Mil SP Kozochka-3”.

The whey protein:casein ratio varies in Kozochki brands. The first indicator decreases, the second increases.

"MD Mil SP Kozochka" is distinguished by the complete absence of modified starch. Contains vitamins and probiotics. But the manufacturer supplemented the composition with palm oil.

The purpose of the study is children and artificial feeding

Purpose of the study: to evaluate the condition and development of children in the first year of life receiving artificial or mixed feeding with the “MD mil SP Kozochka” formula. Design : open-label, prospective cohort clinical study. Materials and methods. 23 children were observed for 2 months: 14 children under 6 months of age and 9 children over 6 months of age. Pediatricians examined children before inclusion in the program and then weekly in the first month of observation and once every 2 weeks in the second (6 visits). They assessed, in particular, the condition of the skin, stool, weight gain, behavior, and sleep.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pediatricians note the advantages of eating goat milk:

1. Mixtures made with goat's milk, when reacting with hydrochloric acid in the baby's stomach, curdle. The structure is porous and light. It is easier for an immature digestive tract to digest.
2. Goat milk products have a finely dispersed structure. When digested, the likelihood of an allergy to milk protein decreases.
3. Baby food products are supplemented with vitamins, prebiotics and probiotics. This allows the baby to develop in accordance with his age.
4. The mixtures are not medicinal. This is an alternative to cow's milk nutrition. They have a pleasant taste and dissolve well in water.

Disadvantages of nutrition are: limited choice of brands and high price. Goat milk has a high percentage of phosphorus and calcium. Manufacturers adapt the composition by adding minerals.

Which mixture to choose

Before choosing food for your baby, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician. He has accumulated well-known statistics on the reaction of children to goat's milk-based diets. The doctor will compare brands and choose the appropriate one.

Followed by:

• evaluate the components indicated on the can;
• find out: milk formula or whey;
• It is better to give preference to products with a natural creamy taste;
• take into account the baby’s age;
• pay attention to the price: you will have to feed the baby for quite a long time;
• look at the expiration date of the product: it should not run out until the baby uses the entire jar.

It is important to remember: only Nanny is made from whole milk: other brands use whey.

The best mixture is the one that suits a particular baby. He must grow, develop and not experience discomfort.

Materials and research methods

23 children were observed for two months: 13 boys and 10 girls. There were 14 children under the age of 6 months, 9 over 6 months. At the start of the observation, the youngest was a 7-day-old child who was on mixed feeding from birth, the oldest was an 11-month-old girl who was on a formula made from highly hydrolyzed casein , due to intolerance to cow's milk proteins.

The transfer of the child to the MD mil SP Kozochka formula from another milk formula (or its introduction in the form of supplementary feeding) was carried out gradually: with 5 ml at each feeding, increasing the volume of one serving until a complete or partial replacement of the formula/breast milk.

Pediatricians examined children before inclusion in the program and then weekly in the first month of observation and once every 2 weeks in the second month (6 visits). Telephone contacts were also used.

As criteria for assessing the effect of the “MD mil SP Kozochka” mixture on the child’s health, indicators such as stool, skin condition, weight gain, and behavior were used. During the examinations, the quality of sleep, the formation of skills, the eruption of baby teeth, appetite, body temperature, the occurrence of intercurrent diseases, and the use of medications were also taken into account.

At each visit, pediatricians filled out a child observation diary with an assessment of the dynamics of indicators. Skin manifestations were assessed using the SCORAD system (minimum score - 5, maximum - 25).

How to switch to goat milk formula

Any nutritional composition is an approximate analogue of human milk. The baby's gastrointestinal tract perceives it as foreign.

For the best results, you should correctly switch to a breast milk substitute:

• give food gradually, you should start with one feeding per day;
• do not feed the baby at night: the mixture may cause colic;
• Complementary feeding should be increased gradually;
• It is necessary to prepare food immediately before feeding in the amount that should be given;
• Food should be prepared exactly according to the instructions on the packaging;
• During the first two days, it is necessary to monitor the child’s condition: if signs of allergies or colic appear, stop giving food.

It is forbidden to give a product that has expired or is from damaged packaging.

The unique composition of breast milk

The unique composition of human milk lies in its low protein content compared to the milk of all other mammals (0.9–1.2 g/100 ml), and also in the fact that it contains essential amino acids, nucleotides and taurine [1]. Taurine is a conditionally essential (irreplaceable) nutrient for children in the first months of life, since its synthesis from methionine and cysteine ​​is impossible in infants [7].

In addition, the most important advantages of human milk include: optimal and balanced content of nutrients, their high digestibility by the child’s body, the presence of a wide range of biologically active substances and protective factors in breast milk, a beneficial effect on the state of the child’s intestinal microflora, low osmolarity, optimal temperature [4, 8]. Nucleotides in human milk are involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and nucleic acids. The fatty acid composition of breast milk is characterized by a relatively high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in optimal proportions.

Carbohydrates in human milk are represented mainly by the disaccharide β-lactose (80–90%) and oligosaccharides (15%). Oligosaccharides play a prebiotic and protective role in infants [9]. The relatively low mineral content of human milk ensures its low osmolarity and reduces the load on the immature excretory system. The composition of human milk includes macroelements calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chlorine, magnesium and sulfur, as well as ten of which are currently classified as essential: iron, zinc, iodine, fluorine, copper, selenium, chromium, molybdenum, cobalt , manganese [10].

Human milk contains almost all water- and fat-soluble vitamins. Its uniqueness also lies in the fact that it contains biologically active compounds and protective factors: hormones, prostaglandins, interleukins, immunoglobulins, nonspecific immunity factors (lysozyme, complement components). This composition of milk helps to protect the child from infections, allergies, regulate the processes of growth and differentiation of tissues, and form endocrine and metabolic stereotypes.