Is your baby struggling with their current formula?
Is your baby having trouble with their current formula? Are you exploring alternative formula options? When your little one is uncomfortable or not thriving on their formula, it can be heartbreaking.
Many parents in this situation start to explore different formula options, one of which might be goat’s milk formula.
Curious about goat’s milk formula?
Goat’s milk formula is a newer option in the U.S. market, and not many parents have experience with it. If you are wondering whether it’s a good choice for your baby, you’re not alone.
As a pediatric dietitian with experience working in the United Kingdom and United States, I’m here to provide the information you need to make an informed decision about goat’s milk formula
What You Need to Know About Goat’s Milk Formula
In this article, we’ll cover the following topics on goat’s milk formula:
- Safety of Goat’s Milk Formula
- Growth and Nutrition
- Digestive Benefits
- Goat’s Milk and Allergies
- Choosing the Best Goat’s Milk Formula
- Considerations when Purchasing Foreign Goat’s Milk Formula
Is Goat’s Milk Formula Safe for Babies?
Understanding the Safety of Goat’s Milk Formula
Goat’s milk formula is safe for healthy babies during the first year of life. Regulatory organizations in Europe and the USA have put their stamp of approval on goat’s milk in formula, which is happy news for parents considering this option.
In 2012, the European Food Safety Committee examined the safety of goat’s milk as a protein source for infant formula. The Committee concluded that goat’s milk protein is suitable for infant formula, provided the formula meets all nutrition guidelines and regulations for baby formula.
Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently included goat’s milk alongside cow’s milk and soy as acceptable protein choices for baby formula. Goat’s milk is now used as an ingredient in baby formulas and the main protein source.
Goat’s milk is Not The Same as Goat’s Milk Formula
It is critical to note the difference between goat’s milk formula and goat’s milk – they are not the same.
Goat’s milk alone is not safe for babies as it does not have the right balance of protein, vitamins and minerals.
Feeding a baby unmodified goat’s milk can lead to serious health risks, including life threatening electrolyte imbalances, infections, and severe anaphylaxis (1).
If you are thinking about giving your baby goat’s milk formula – don’t!
Always choose baby formula or human milk until your baby is at least one year old.
If you are struggling to find a suitable option for your baby, talk with your baby’s doctor. You can also see other formula options.
Growth and Nutrition
Babies can grow just as well with goat’s milk-based baby formula as they do with cow’s milk formula.
While goat’s milk alone isn’t sufficient to provide all the nutritional pieces needed to make a baby grow, it can be combined with other ingredients to create a formula that meets all the necessary requirements for healthy growth.
Like cow’s milk or soy, formulas made with goat’s milk that meets regulatory requirements provide the nutrients necessary for proper nutrition for growth.
Studies show baby’s fed goat’s milk formula growth at the same rate as those fed cow’s milk formula, with no difference in weight, length and head circumference (2).
Digestive Benefits
There are several components of goat’s milk that may help babies with sensitive stomachs handle it better than other formulas.
Gentle on sensitive stomachs
Goat’s milk formula may be easier on some babies’ digestive systems than other formulas. This is partly due to differences in the protein types and structures found in goat’s milk compared to cow’s milk.
In milk, protein comes in two types: whey and casein. Whey protein is easily digested and the primary protein in breast milk (3). Casein, on the other hand, takes more work from the gut to digest. Both are important in a baby’s growth and development.
Goat’s milk contains more αs-2 casein and β-casein whereas cow’s milk contains more αs-1 casein. As αs-1 casein protein is digested, it can contribute to digestive discomfort, such as gas, and bloating (4). Switching to goat’s milk, which has less αs-1 casein protein, may help with these issues.
In one study of toddlers given milk with αs-2 casein protein found their parents reported improvements in overall gastrointestinal symptoms after one week (5).
Stooling
Goat’s milk can produce softer stools, especially when the formula is made with whole goat’s milk. (6) Whole goat’s milk contains more medium chain fatty acids, which are more easily absorbed by the body. (7)
Another advantage of whole goat’s milk formula is fewer added vegetable oils such as palm oil. Palm oil in its original form is known to cause harder stools and may lead to fussiness from discomfort. (8).
Many formulas use nonfat milk with more added vegetable oils that are less expensive. This however requires more added vegetable oils like palm oil and may cause harder stools.
Goat’s Milk Formula and Allergies
Is Goat’s Milk Formula Safe for Babies with Cow’s Milk Allergy
Goat’s milk formula is not recommended for babies with a cow’s milk allergy because It is not a hypoallergenic formula. Some babies with a cow’s milk allergy are also allergic to goat’s milk. If your baby has a diagnosed cow’s milk allergy, they should not use goat’s milk formula. (9)
Milk is listed as a potential allergen on goat’s milk infant formulas because of this risk for potential allergy.
Babies with a cow’s milk allergy should follow the advice of their medical provider.
Allergy Prevention with Goat’s Milk Formula
While some claims suggest that goat’s milk can prevent allergies, current scientific evidence does not support this. More research is needed to determine whether goat’s milk has any effect on allergy prevention.
Right now, goat’s milk formula is not recommended as a way to prevent allergies.
Other formula options are available for babies with allergies. Check with your baby’s doctor to get help deciding on the right choice for your baby.
Choosing the Best Goat’s Milk Formula
Factors to Consider
When selecting your baby’s formula, it’s essential to consider your baby’s unique needs. The best choice will vary from one family to another. In this section, we’ll review the types of goat’s milk formulas sold in the United States and help you understand how they compare. Now let’s dive in!
Goat’s Milk Formulas Available in the U.S.
KabritaⓇ Goat’s Milk Formula
KabritaⓇ goat’s milk formula meets both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as the European Union safety standards for baby formulas. The formula is made in the Netherlands and is sold to several countries, including the U.S. The company has been in operation for over 75 years. They offer goat’s milk infant, toddler, and 2+ years formula in the US. Sold in the US at stores including Whole Foods, and online at Amazon.
Nutrition and Ingredients
Ingredients: KabritaⓇ goat formula is not organic, but the their goats are grass fed. The formula contains no GMO (genetically modified organism), corn syrup, growth hormones, or antibiotics.
Protein: Made with skim goat’s milk and added whey goat’s milk protein powder to provide a 60:40 ratio of whey to casein protein ratio that mimics the whey to casein ratio of breast milk.
The added whey protein means a higher amount of protein than breast milk and most regular cow’s milk formulas. KabritaⓇ provides 2.5 grams of protein per every 100 calories of prepared formula. Although higher than breast milk and other cow’s milk formulas, it does not exceed the FDA max recommended protein of 4.5 grams per 100 calories of formula.
Fat: The fat comes from a variety of vegetable oils including soybean, sunflower, coconut, and palm oil.
The palm oil added is modified to more closely resemble breast milk. Through an enzymatic process the palm oil structure is changed from the sn 1,3 palmitic acid sn-2 palmitic acid position. This change may help baby’s with gastrointestinal discomfort to palm oil in its original form.
Carbohydrates: Skimmed goat’s milk, lactose, and glucose syrup are the energy sources in this formula. Lactose helps with calcium absorption and is found in breastmilk. Glucose syrup increases the formula’s sweetness.
KendamilⓇ Goat’s Milk Formula
KendamilⓇ has available for purchase both goat’s milk infant and toddler formula for sale in the US. KendamilⓇ is a family owned business making baby formula for over 60 years. It is sold in large retailers such as Target and Walmart and online at Amazon.
They supply formulas to over 45 countries in Europe and North America. Unfortunately, their goat’s milk is not certified organic even though they offer organic cow’s milk infant formulas.
Nutrition & Ingredients
Ingredients: KendamilⓇ use whole goat milk in their formula to improve taste and reduce the amount of added vegetable oils needed in the formula. The omega-3 fats are sourced from sustainably farmed marine algae and omega-6 fats from fungi. Their formula is free of palm oil, soy, corn or corn syrup.
Protein: Protein comes from whole goat milk and added goat whey powder to get close to the 60:40 whey to casein ratio found in breast milk. Their goat milk contains more of the αs-2 casein protein in the milk that produces smaller, softer curds and may help with gentler digestion.
Fat: The fats come from whole goat milk and vegetable oils of sunflower, coconut, and canola oil. Whole goat milk provides some unique components not found in other formulas made with skim milk and vegetable oils.
Whole goat’s milk provides milk fat globule membranes (MFGM), omega 3 fats, palmitic acid, cholesterol and a larger variety of short chain and medium chain fatty acids that in part make this formula more like breast milk. These additional components help with digestion and brain development.
Carbohydrates: Whole goat’s milk and lactose are the main energy sources in this formula. Lactose is also found in breast milk at high amounts and improves calcium absorption.
Other goat’s milk formula options
With goat’s milk formulas having been on the market in other countries for many more years, it is no surprise that there are other options for goat’s milk formulas from other countries.
With goat’s milk formulas now available in the US, it’s not worth the hassle, expense, or risk to purchase from outside the US.
Considerations when Purchasing Foreign Goat Milk Formula
If you are considering purchasing a formula from overseas, be aware of potential challenges. Here are 5 important factors to consider before buying a foreign goat’s milk formula:
- Formula Preparation Variations: Different countries may have different formula preparation methods. Ensure you’re following the correct instructions for mixing the formula.
- Label and Nutrition Differences: Nutrition and regulatory requirements vary between countries. Make sure you can read and understand the label and instructions.
- Formula Age Ranges: Some countries have different formula compositions for different stages of a baby’s first year. Check the age range listed on the formula before buying.
- Shipping Struggles: Shipping from overseas can be expensive and subject to delays. Consider the potential costs and the risk of shipment issues before purchasing including shipping costs, exchange rates, currency conversion fees, and delivery delays.
- Third-Party Vendors: Buying from unknown vendors online can be risky. Stick with reputable suppliers to ensure the formula’s safety and quality.
Wrapping it all up
Goat’s milk formula presents a promising alternative to traditional cow’s milk-based formulas. This option is safe and nutritionally adequate for healthy infants, provided it meets the FDA nutrition guidelines.
The digestive benefits of goat’s milk formula make it potentially a better option for some with sensitive tummies.
However, it is not a solution for cow’s milk allergies or known to prevent allergies.
Goat’s milk formula can be a valuable addition to the variety of options available for feeding your baby.
When choosing a goat’s milk formula, consider your baby’s unique needs and consult your pediatrician to ensure you’re making the best choice for your little one’s growth and development.