Good nutrition is crucial to a child's health and development, but a new study shows that 60% of baby foods do not meet nutritional standards. humanmade/Getty Images
- A new study shows that 60% of baby foods do not meet the World Health Organization (WHO) nutritional guidelines.
- Many foods are low in protein, but high in sugar and sodium.
- Good nutrition is essential for a child's health and development, which is why experts advise reading baby food labels carefully.
- Health claims can be verified with organizations such as the Baby Food Council (BFC) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).
While many people assume that baby food is healthy and nutritionally balanced, this isn't necessarily the case, according to a new study published August 21 in the journal . Nutrients.
The researchers found that 60% of infant and toddler foods did not meet the nutritional requirements of the World Health Organization (WHO).
This finding is important, as good nutrition plays an essential role in a child's growth and development.
The WHO states that proper nutrition during the first three years of life can help reduce the risk of death and illness and lower the risk of chronic diseases later in life.
Currently, there are no laws in the United States requiring infant formula manufacturers to comply with the WHO recommendations, the authors of the new study noted.
Furthermore, the regulatory process is not geared to the large number of new baby food products that have entered the market.
The purpose of this study was to determine how well U.S. companies are meeting nutrition standards in the absence of regulation.
The team collected data on 669 different baby and toddler foods that were available at the time of the study in 2023.
The researchers selected several baby foods sold at major grocery chains in the U.S. by visiting one location of each store in the Raleigh, NC area. The grocery stores the researchers visited were:
In addition, they collected data from the HEB and Safeway websites.
The data collected includes the manufacturer's name, brand name, product description, ingredients, nutritional value per 100 gram serving and any health claims on the packaging.
However, their analysis did not include formula, fortified milk, oral electrolytes, or foods not specifically available in the baby food section of each store.
The foods were divided into eight categories, as outlined in the WHO Nutrient and Promotion Profile Model (NPPM). Within these categories, they were further divided into subcategories.
Each food was then compared to the NPPM standards for its category to determine whether its nutritional value met requirements.
Finally, the team looked at all the claims made by the product manufacturers, determining that claims relating to allergens, religion or vegetarian/vegan are allowed, while all other claims are considered prohibited.
When the researchers looked at the individual macronutrients, they found that only 30% of all products met the WHO protein recommendations.
Furthermore, only 56% were in line with the organization's advice regarding sugar. However, 93% did adhere to the recommendations regarding fat content.
They also found that about 25% of the products did not meet calorie requirements and contained added free sugars and sweeteners.
In addition, about 1 in 5 items contained more sodium than the recommended limit.
About 60% of infant and toddler foods did not have age recommendations, which according to the WHO should be given in months and years. Instead, many used words or phrases such as 'toddler' or 'crawling baby'.
The study authors also reported that products contained an average of nearly five health- and nutrition-related claims.
Furthermore, many of these health claims fell into categories that the WHO did not allow, such as "organic" or "no preservatives."
Steve Gendron, PhD, an immunology and endocrinology specialist and founder of Mindful Living Choice, said it's important to read labels when it comes to baby food. Gendron was not involved in the study.
He advised looking for foods with recognizable ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables and grains. He advised avoiding foods with added sugar, salt and artificial preservatives.
Gendron suggested looking at the amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals in the food. "These are essential for your baby's growth and development," he told Healthline.
In addition, you should pay attention to the iron content of the product. "Babies need iron for brain development, so choose foods that are fortified with iron, especially if your baby is primarily breastfed," he said.
Gendron further noted that you should make sure the label clearly states if the food contains common allergens, such as nuts, dairy or gluten.
As for portion sizes, he said to make sure the size is appropriate for your baby's age and needs. "Portions that are too large can lead to overeating or waste," he warned.
"Keeping these tips in mind can help parents make informed choices that support their baby's health and development," Gendron said.
James Hook of Neurogan Health, who was also not involved in the study, told Healthline that food labels sometimes contain information that sounds too good to be true.
"In that case, you have to check whether it is certified by organizations that regulate the production and distribution of the food products," he explained.
These organizations include the Baby Food Council (BFC) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), Hook said.
"If the food product has many of these certifications, it shows that it is safe and nutritious for your baby," Hook concluded.
According to a new study, 60 percent of infant and toddler foods in the United States do not meet the World Health Organization's nutritional guidelines.
There are currently no laws in the US requiring the US to meet the WHO nutritional standards.
Parents should read labels carefully to ensure that the nutritional value of foods is adequate and appropriate for their child.
Look for real ingredients and no added sugar, sodium or artificial preservatives. They should also contain adequate protein, vitamins and minerals.
If the baby food you buy makes certain health claims, it is a good idea to have an organization like the BFC or the NSF verify it.