Baby formula powder is important for providing babies with the right nutrition and supplements to support their growth. Because of its importance to babies, the process of making baby formula is complex. Making baby formula also requires close attention to detail for the best outcome of the child’s growth without having any harmful ingredients. Baby formula powder is essentially a synthetic version of a mother’s breast milk and is made with dairy substitutes.
How Is Baby Formula Powder Made?
What Raw Ingredients are Used?
The main raw ingredients used in the production of baby formulas are proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.
Proteins
The proteins in baby formula can come from different sources such as milk, soybeans, nuts, or fish. The proteins used are important as it helps reduce or eliminate unwanted carbohydrates which may cause unnatural stools or flatulence.
Fats & Carbohydrates
Fats and carbohydrates are two of the most important nutrients for developing babies. These nutrients do not completely replace the high amount of fat compounds (triglycerides) which are found in actual breastmilk. However, introducing them into the formula helps infants synthesize the necessary fatty acids.
Minerals
Minerals that are essential to infants are included in the formula such as phosphate, potassium, sodium, iron (most important), and more. When it comes to babies fed using formulas, parents should expect them to experience more gastrointestinal problems in comparison to infants being breastfed.
Vitamins
Vitamins are important to all humans for overall immune system health. The nutritional value will increase in the formula when vitamins are added such as vitamins A, B, C, and D.
The Process of Creating A Baby Powder Formula
Step One – The Mixing of Ingredients
The first step in manufacturing baby formula is adding in all the necessary ingredients and mixing them together. This is done with a special machine to ensure proper mixing of the ingredients for the necessary period of time. The machine also ensures that an adequate amount of each ingredient is included.
Step Two – Pasteurization
The next step in the making of baby formula powder is putting the mix through a pasteurization process. This is done under controlled conditions to reduce and eliminate any unwanted microorganisms. This is normally done by putting the mix through specific temperatures for a certain period of time.
Step Three – Homogenization
In the homogenization process, the mix is put through a process that increases emulsion uniformity. In short, this reduces the size of the oil and fat particles which are in the formula.
Step Four – Standardization
Standardization is a measure taken to ensure that the key parameters are correct such as PH, the concentration of fat, as well as vitamins and minerals. If the parameters are not met the manufacturer must rework the formula.
Step Five – Packaging
Lastly, the final stage involves packaging the formula. The packaging process is done carefully to avoid any contamination of the formula. A packaging company will then place an air-tight seal around the baby formula powder container so that the formula does not spoil before it gets to the consumer.
Helpful Information:
Questions & Answers for Consumers Concerning Infant Formula – U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Find Formula During the Infant Formula Shortage
What can Fortress Nutrition LLC do for you?
Rest assured that you’re in good hands with Fortress Nutrition. To learn more about how we tailor our blending, ingredient sourcing, logistics, consumer packaging, and other services to meet customer needs, and find out how we can partner with you to ensure compliance with new GMO laws, contact us today.