We’re all becoming more aware of what is inside our food, and we know that infant formula is no different. You might be surprised to see oils in the ingredients lists for formula milks, but we're breaking down what role they play and what we do differently here at Kendamil.
Why is oil needed in baby milk?
The strict national and EU guidelines mean that the composition of baby milks across every brand are highly regulated and will always have a similar composition of fats, carbohydrates and proteins needed for healthy development. However, the ingredients that make up those macros are what can differ.
In most formulas, oils are used as the entire fat source, but at Kendamil we supplement the fresh whole milk we use in our formula with additional oils to meet the required level of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids.
These fatty acids are not present in sufficient quantities in cow’s milk fat but crucially are present in human milk and are necessary for baby to make fats like DHA, which are needed for brain and visual development. At Kendamil, we recognise breast milk as the gold standard, so our R&D teams work hard to formulate recipes that emulate breastmilk, while also using ingredients that we believe are preferable and avoiding those which are not.
The Science Behind Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are known as essential fatty acids because our bodies cannot produce them. They must be obtained through diet. These fatty acids play a crucial role in many bodily functions, including brain development, immune function, and cardiovascular health.
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for the development of the brain and eyes. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a type of omega-3 that is particularly important for infants. It is a major structural component of the brain and retina. Inadequate DHA levels can impact cognitive development and visual function.
Omega-6 fatty acids are also essential for health and development. They are involved in the functioning of the brain, as well as in growth and development. Linoleic acid (LA) is a common omega-6 fatty acid that must be included in the diet.
What does Kendamil do differently?
In most formulas, a blend of vegetable oils is the primary source of fat in their recipes. You’ll often see Palm Oil, Sunflower Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Safflower, Soy and Coconut Oil as common oils used in baby milks.
At Kendamil, we take a different approach. Our formula uses whole milk as its primary ingredient, naturally containing fats. This allows us to use less vegetable oil compared to other brands, so we ‘top up’ with a smaller volume of vegetable oils.
Because of this, we’re also able to avoid using palm oil in our formula. Palm oil, often found in up to 50% of products in an average UK supermarket, is associated with deforestation, climate change, and habitat destruction for endangered species like orangutans. You'll often see it listed as palm olein, palmitic acid, or palmate. While some brands are shifting to sustainable palm oil or alternative ingredients, we pride ourselves on our "no added palm oil" commitment, reflecting our dedication to sustainability and environmental care.
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