Brands like Holle Organic Infant Formula have established themselves as the gold standard in developmental nutrition.
Earlier this year, the baby formula shortage sent American families scrambling and triggered an unprecedented wave of panic buying. As a result, the FDA had no choice but to start allowing the importation and sale of baby formulas produced outside the United States.
Obviously, the FDA’s decision to loosen restrictions was welcome news for anyone struggling to find formula on store shelves. However, it was also huge news for the thousands of American families who started using European infant formulas, like Holle Organic Infant Formula, long before the U.S. shortage.
Now, more and more parents are starting to understand just how important this decision was.
What’s So Great About European Infant Formula?
As with most things these days, the movement to gain access to European infant formulas started online. Groups of dedicated parents created Facebook groups where they could share information about European infant formulas, including detailed spreadsheets listing ingredients, how these ingredients compared to U.S. formulas, and where you could get them. But why?
In general, American and European infant formulas have similar nutrient profiles because the EU and the FDA require the same basic vitamins and minerals. However, European formula is preferable because it more closely resembles human breast milk.
For example, the FDA allows American infant formula to contain corn syrup, but the EU does not. Instead, the EU requires that at least 30 percent of the carbohydrates in European infant formula come from lactose, the main energy source in breast milk. And researchers say this is preferable.
Another way in which European formula more closely resembles human breast milk is the much higher concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid. More commonly known as DHA, docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid found in human milk. Research suggests it plays a significant role in brain and eye development. However, the FDA does not require infant formula to contain DHA, while the EU does.
Last, and certainly not least, there’s the issue of fat, which is an essential component of baby formula. American companies remove all milk fat from their formulas and add plant-based fats, despite research that shows that milk fat globule membrane, or MFGM, is good for both the immune system and cognitive development. Some American formulas remove milk fat but add artificial MFGM. European formulas just leave the milk fat in, resulting in a product that more closely resembles natural breast milk.
Holle Organic Infant Formula Stage 1
Over the years, Holle has become one of the leading names in organic baby formula, and for a good reason. Simply put, Holle Organic Infant Formula Stage 1 might be the best baby formula on the planet.
Why? Unlike most American formulas, which try to hit a broader nutritional target, Holle Organic Infant Formula Stage 1 is specifically formulated to support a baby’s unique developmental needs during the first six months. It’s made using slow-digesting bioavailable carbohydrates that more closely resemble those found in breast milk. As such, they are easier to absorb and satisfy hunger longer. And it contains all the necessary amounts of vitamins A, B, C, D, and K, plus a higher quantity of DHA and a higher concentration of milk fat than processed vegetable oils.
Holle Organic Infant Formula Stage 1 is made from organic milk produced by cows raised on certified biodynamic farms, which are farms that take a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition. This formula is thus non-GMO, gluten-free, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free, and it contains zero added sugars, artificial preservatives, chemicals, flavors, or colors.
If your baby is zero to six months old, and you’re looking for the most nutritious formula made using the highest organic standards, click here to give Holle a try. You will not regret it.
