Pediatric Beverages & Formulas
Various position statements have been made regarding the use of toddler formulas as well as plant-based “milk” alternatives (PBMA) in the pediatric populations. Specifically, many PBMA contain incomplete and/or inadequate protein and lack nutrient fortification needed to be considered a “dairy-equivalent”. Likewise, toddler formulas are typically high in added sugars and take away from the focus on improving diet quality to address micronutrient concerns. When diet alone cannot address concerns with micronutrient intake or for those following a dairy-free diet, a product with high-quality protein, age-appropriate micronutrient profile, and minimal added sugars -such as Else Nutrition- may be implicated.
Learn more with our suggested reading list below:
Bodnar LM, Jimenez EY, Baker SS.
Plant-Based Beverages in the Diets of Infants and Young Children. JAMA Pediatr. 2021;175(6):555–556. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.5840.
Vandenplas Y, De Mulder N, De Greef E, et al.
Plant-Based Formulas and Liquid Feedings for Infants and Toddlers. Nutrients. 2021;13(11):4026.
Merritt RJ, Fleet SE, Fifi A, et al.
North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition position paper: plant-based milks. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2020;71(2):276-81.
Lott M, Callahan E, Welker Duffy E, Story M, Daniels S.
Healthy beverage consumption in early childhood: Recommendations from key national health and nutrition organizations. Consensus Statement. Health Eating Research; 2019.
Hojsak I, Bronsky J, Campoy C, et al.
Young child formula: a position paper by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018;66(1):177-85.
Atkinson SA, Jiminez EY, Perez-Escamilla R.
Evidence gaps and research need in current guidance on feeding children from birth to 24 months. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2021; 46:294-297.