by - A new study has found that 60% of baby foods do not meet the nutritional guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Many foods were low in protein but high in sugar and sodium.
- Proper nutrition is vital to a child’s health and development, so experts advise reading baby food labels carefully.
- Health claims can be verified with organizations such as the Children’s Food Council (BFC) and the National Health Foundation (NSF)..
Although many people assume that baby foods are healthy and nutritionally balanced, this may not necessarily be the case, according to a new study published on August 21 in the journal. Nutrients.
The researchers found that 60% of the foods designated for infants and young children did not meet the nutritional requirements set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This result is significant because of the critical role that good nutrition plays in a child’s growth and development.
The WHO says yes
Currently, the United States has no laws in place that require baby food makers to meet WHO recommendations, the authors of the new study noted.
In addition, its regulatory process has not kept pace with the large number of new baby food products that have entered the market.
The goal of this research was to determine how well US-based companies are doing in meeting nutritional standards in the absence of regulation.
The team collected data from 669 different baby and toddler foods available at the time of the study in 2023.
The researchers selected a variety of baby foods sold at major grocery chains across the US by visiting one location in each store in the Raleigh, NC area. Grocery stores visited by the researchers included:
- Walmart
- Crogar
- Costco
- But Delhaize
- Publix
- Sam’s Club
- Target
- Aldi stores
They also collected data from the websites for HEB and Safeway.
The facts collected included the manufacturer’s name, brand name, product description, ingredients, nutritional information per 100 gram serving, and any health claims on the package.
However, their analysis did not include formulas, 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 Nutrition Profile and Promotion Model (NPPM). Within these categories, they were further broken down into sub-categories.
Each food was then compared to the NPPM standards for its category to determine if its nutrient composition measured up.
Finally, the team looked at any claims made by the product manufacturers, thinking that those related to allergens, religion, or vegetarian / vegan were allowed and all the others were considered prohibited.
Looking at individual macronutrients, the researchers found that only about 30% of all products met the WHO protein recommendations.
Furthermore, only 56% agreed with the organisation’s advice on sugar. However, 93% met its recommendations for fat content.
They also found that around 25% of the products did not meet the calorie requirements, and had added sugar and free sweeteners.
Also, about 1 in 5 items exceeded the recommended sodium limit.
About 60% of baby and toddler foods were not labeled with age recommendations, which should be listed in months and years, according to the WHO. Instead, many used words or phrases like “toddler” or “crawling baby.”
The study authors also reported that they had, on average, almost five health and nutritional claims each.
In addition, many of these health claims came in categories not approved by the WHO, such as “organic” or “preservative-free.”
Steve Gendron, PhD, 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 against 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 critical to your baby’s growth and development,” he told Healthline.
Additionally, you’ll want to keep an eye on the product’s iron content. “Babies need iron for brain development, so choose iron-fortified foods, especially if your baby is mostly breastfed,” he said.
Gendron also noted that you’ll want to make sure the label clearly indicates whether the food contains common allergens such as nuts, dairy or gluten.
Regarding serving sizes, he said to make sure the size is appropriate for your child’s age and needs. “Portions that are too large can lead to overeating or wasting,” he said.
“By keeping these tips in mind, parents can make informed choices that support their child’s health and development,” Gendron said.
Regarding health claims, Neurogan Health’s James Hook, who was also not involved in the study, told Healthline that sometimes food labels can contain information that sounds too good to be true.
“In that case, you need to check if it is certified by organizations that control the manufacture and distribution of foods,” he explained.
Among these organizations are the Children’s Food Council (CFC) and the National Health Foundation (NSF), Hook said.
“If the food product has many of these certifications, it shows that it is safe and nutritious for your child,” Hook concluded.
According to a new study, 60% of baby and toddler foods in the United States do not meet the World Health Organization’s nutritional guidelines.
The US currently has no laws requiring it to meet WHO nutritional standards.
Parents need to read labels carefully to ensure that foods are nutritionally adequate and suitable for their child.
Look for real ingredients and no added sugar, sodium, or artificial preservatives. They should also have adequate protein, vitamins and minerals.
If the baby food you are buying makes certain health claims, it is a good idea to use an organization such as the BFC or the NSF to verify them.
