Today’s supermarket and pharmacy shelves are overflowing with various milk products, each with different names like infant formula, nutritional formulas, or medical nutrition products. However, not everyone fully understands the distinctions between them.
Over time, misunderstanding these concepts and terminology can negatively impact the growth of children or the health of users.
According to Dr. Vi Thi Tuoi, Deputy Director of the Institute of Nutrition Research and Consultancy, infant formula is an industrially produced product mimicking the nutritional composition of breast milk. This product is specifically designed for infants who are not breastfed, providing essential nutrients.
Meanwhile, nutritional formulas are products designed with specific ingredients and ratios to meet particular needs. These formulas provide balanced nutrition for various groups, including infants, pregnant women, and healthy elderly individuals.
Furthermore, medical nutrition products are used for patients with specific nutritional needs due to medical conditions such as diabetes, malnutrition, intensive care unit (ICU) stays, or metabolic disorders.
These products support treatment, improve prognosis, and promote recovery under the supervision of medical professionals.
Dr. Vi Thi Tuoi discussing the difference between infant formula and nutritional formulas – 1Dr. Vi Thị Tươi advising a child patient (Image: BSCC).
Moreover, Dr. Tuoi notes that many familiar terms and ingredients on milk packaging are not always fully understood.
Colostrum is the first milk produced by mothers after childbirth (the first 3 days), rich in protein, immunity, and growth factors. Colostrum provides antibodies IgG and IgA, protecting newborns, supporting immune and digestive system development.
MCTs (Medium-chain triglycerides) are fats easily absorbed by the intestines. These fats quickly provide energy for individuals with poor digestion or malnutrition.
GI (Glycemic Index) is a measure of how quickly and how much a carbohydrate increases blood sugar after consumption, aiding in blood sugar control for diabetics.
“When purchasing supplements for diabetic patients, consumers should pay attention to the product’s GI. Everyone should be cautious about infant formulas marketed for diabetics without clearly stated glycemic indices,” Dr. Tuoi shared.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria for the digestive tract, helping balance gut microbiota, strengthening immunity, supporting digestion, and reducing diarrhea.
A2 Milk Protein is a beta-casein protein containing only A2 form, potentially reducing digestive discomfort in some individuals sensitive to dairy protein.
Hydrolyzed Protein is protein broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids, promoting rapid absorption and supporting nutrition in cases of poor digestion or food allergies. Products containing this type of protein are often used for children and those allergic to cow’s milk.
DHA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid vital for brain and eye development in infants and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults.
FOS and GOS are prebiotics found in infant formulas. These substances support a balanced gut microbiome, preventing digestive infections, and improving immunity.
HMOs are naturally occurring nutrients in breast milk, such as 2′-FL, LNT, and 3′-SL. Infants not receiving breast milk can benefit from formulas containing HMOs, which can potentially aid immunity, prevent infections, and develop a specific gut microbiome similar to breastfed babies.
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein present in both breast milk and cow’s milk. This substance offers antimicrobial, antiviral properties, supports immunity, aids iron absorption, and prevents anemia in newborns.
