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Top Ingredients to Look for In Infant Formula

Medically Reviewed by May Zhu, RDN | Published January 16, 2025

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Choosing the right infant formula is one of the most important decisions parents make when feeding their baby.

While all infant formulas are designed to provide essential nutrients for growth and development, some contain specialized ingredients that offer added benefits.

Here’s a guide to the top ingredients to look for when selecting the best formula for your baby.

DHA and ARA

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) are polyunsaturated fatty acids crucial for brain and eye development. 

These nutrients are naturally found in breast milk, and many formulas now include them to support cognitive and visual growth.

Research has shown that infants consuming DHA-enriched formulas perform better on visual acuity tests compared to those who do not (Innis, 2007).

Begin Health Expert Tip

When choosing a formula, check for DHA and ARA sourced from non-hexane extraction processes for added peace of mind.

Prebiotics and Probiotics

A healthy gut microbiome is essential for digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.

Prebiotics like galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), or Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) help feed beneficial gut bacteria, while probiotics such asBifidobacterium strains introduce live, healthy bacteria into the gut.

Research suggests that formulas enriched with prebiotics and probiotics may help reduce colic, diarrhea, and constipation, mimicking the benefits of breastfeeding (Bermudez-Brito et al., 2012).

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), such as the ones found in Beginbaby Prebiotic + Probiotics are sugars naturally present in breast milk that play a vital role in infant gut health and immunity.

They are technically classified as prebiotics that help feed beneficial bacteria in the gut and protect against infections by preventing harmful pathogens from binding to the intestinal lining.

A growing number of formulas now include 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL), the most abundant HMO in breast milk.

Studies show that HMOs may support a stronger immune system and promote a balanced gut microbiome (Plaza-Díaz et al., 2018).

Lactose

Lactose, the primary carbohydrate in breast milk, is a preferred source of energy for infants. Some formulas replace lactose with corn syrup or other sugars, which may not be as beneficial for your baby’s digestion.

Check out the top list of ingredients to avoid in baby formula. 

When possible, choose a formula that uses lactose as the main carbohydrate to mimic breast milk’s natural composition.

Whey-to-Casein Ratio

Breast milk naturally has a higher whey-to-casein ratio, making it easier for infants to digest. Some formulas are designed to replicate this ratio to reduce gas, fussiness, and constipation.

Look for formulas labeled “partially hydrolyzed” if your baby experiences digestive discomfort.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

All infant formulas must meet strict guidelines for vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin D, and zinc, to support bone health and immune function.

However, some premium formulas may include higher-quality sources or additional nutrients like choline and lutein to support cognitive and eye development.

Summary

The best infant formulas contain ingredients that mimic the benefits of breast milk, such as DHA, HMOs, and prebiotics, while providing essential nutrients for growth and development.

Choosing a formula with high-quality ingredients can support your baby’s digestion, immunity, and brain health.

View Citation

  • Innis, S. M. (2007). Human milk: Maternal dietary lipids and infant development. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 66(3), 397-404. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665107005653
  • Bermudez-Brito, M., Plaza-Díaz, J., Muñoz-Quezada, S., Gómez-Llorente, C., & Gil, A. (2012). Probiotic mechanisms of action. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 61(2), 160-174. https://doi.org/10.1159/000342079
  • Plaza-Díaz, J., Gómez-Llorente, C., Fontana, L., & Gil, A. (2018). Modulation of the immune system by bioactive compounds in infant formulae. British Journal of Nutrition, 119(8), 901-908. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114518000712
  • American Academy of Pediatrics. (2010). Iron fortification of infant formulas. Pediatrics, 126(5), 1040-1050. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2010-2576