If you are interested in finding the right formula for your little one, you’ve definitely noticed quite a popular ingredient such as Corn Syrup. Usually, it is added to infant formula as a source of carbohydrates and it substitutes lactose. But this element is extremely controversial and you can bump into a lot of discussions on the topic of its benefits and you can be not really sure if it should be in baby formulas or not.
What is Corn Syrup?
Yes, its main source, as the name suggests, is corn but it is mostly glucose syrup. Corn provides simple sugar glucose which is later processed and broken into small glucose molecules strung together in chains.
You may also find the corn syrup solids in baby formula’s composition. And actually it is a close cousin and these are the leftovers after removing water from corn syrup. And corn maltodextrin is also found while breaking down the corn stretch as well.
Why is corn syrup used in baby formulas?
Sometimes, lactose in baby formulas cause some health issues such as fussiness, crying, bloating and other signs of intolerance. That way, the substitute in the form of Corn Syrup began to be used. So, in general, it’s a carbohydrate which replaces lactose.
But, many parents avoid having Corn Syrup in their baby’s formula because it’s literally a sweetener, which increases appetite, promotes obesity and contributes to diabetes. If you are the one who wants to protect themselves you can prefer European baby formulas to U.S. ones. As manufacturers in Europe try to make their organic formulas as close to breast milk as possible, they hardly ever use corn syrup in their composition. If you are an American resident and find it hard to buy European baby formulas just on the supermarket’s shelves, you can google where to buy Hipp formula for example, and choose reliable websites with good reviews.
What are myths and facts about Corn Syrup?
Myth 1
Corn Syrup isn’t always safe for babies.
Fact
It’s a good source of energy, and baby formulas are regularly evaluated for safety by different authorities. Corn Syrup as well as corn syrup solids are considered safe by the FDA.
Myth 2
Corn Syrup is restricted for some special groups.
Fact
Not at all, it has no dietary restrictions, and it’s also suitable for vegans, vegetarians and any religious groups.
Myth 3
Lactose if the only carbohydrate that can be used in baby formula
Fact
For babies with lactose intolerance, corn syrup is an alternative carbohydrate.
Myth 4
Corn syrup cannot be used for therapeutic forms of baby formulas.
Fact
Actually, lactose cannot be used for that. Instead, baby formulas that are created to deal with problems like allergies and others, use corn syrup, along with other forms of carbohydrates to replace lactose.
Myth 5
The European Commission doesn’t allow using Corn Syrup in baby formulas.
Fact
This ingredient is among the eight carbohydrates that they allow in formulas. Due to their standards, each 100 calories must contain between 9 and 14 g of carbohydrate.
Myth 7
Corn Syrup solids aren’t safe for babies with allergies.
Fact
Most corn syrup solids are made from hydrolyzed corn stretch. That’s why these elements are mostly hypoallergenic. So even infants who are prone to allergies find it digestible and well-tolerated.
If you’re considering different baby formulas for your little one and you cannot decide on the topic of the presence of Corn Syrup, you should consult a doctor and ask for professional advice. In general, this ingredient is safe for babies, if it’s correctly processed and used in appropriate amounts. Hence all manufacturers are allowed to use it in their formulas.
