PRE-Milk is a specialized infant formula designed to mimic the unique nutrient profiles and benefits of breast milk as closely as possible. It is an important option for infants from birth, especially when breastfeeding is not possible. However, it is undisputed that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants and offers comprehensive health benefits.
Pre Milk Compared to 1st Milk
Carbohydrate Composition: A main difference between Pre Milk and 1st Milk lies in the composition of carbohydrates. Pre Milk contains only lactose, the main carbohydrate of breast milk, and does not add starch. In contrast, 1st Milk often contains starch in addition to lactose to achieve longer satiation of the baby.
Target Group and Use: Pre Milk is suitable from birth until the introduction of complementary foods and can be used as the sole source of nutrition or as a supplement to breastfeeding. 1st Milk is often used as the next step after Pre Milk or as an alternative to it, especially when babies have a higher energy need or do not seem to be fully satisfied.
Integration of Prebiotics in PRE-Milk
Modern PRE-Milk and 1st Milk formulas often contain a combination of prebiotics to support the gut health and immune system of infants. These prebiotics include:
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs): Some manufacturers of infant formula have begun to enrich their products with HMOs to mimic the benefits of breast milk. These HMOs, especially 2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL), play an important role in immune development and gut health. However, the regulatory status of HMOs in infant formula is complex. While the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has strict guidelines for ingredients in infant formula and HMOs are not yet fully approved for children under 12 months, studies show their positive impact on infant health. However, not all manufacturers directly advertise the addition of HMOs on the product label. It is therefore advisable to carefully check the ingredient list and nutritional table. HMOs can often be found under the abbreviation 2'FL in the list of fibers.
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and Galactooligosaccharides (GOS): These prebiotic fibers are more commonly used in infant formula and promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
Parents and caregivers should carefully check the ingredients and nutritional information of PRE-Milk to fully understand the nutrients contained. If specifically looking for HMOs, it is advisable to search the list of ingredients or the fibers in the nutritional table for 2'FL, if this is not explicitly stated on the label.
