Toddler Formulas: Nutritional Value and Marketing Claims

Abstract

BackgroundA previous report found that toddler formula brands (fortified milks for children 1–3 years old) spent almost $17 million in adverting in 2015, an increase of 74% compared with 2011. Pediatric nutrition experts specifically recommend against serving these products due to lack of scientific evidence of advantage over whole milk and recommend adding a multivitamin if nutrient deficiencies are of concern. Parents may think that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces strict regulations for toddler formulas when the only regulation is in terms of ingredient safety. Several concerns have been raised concerning the use of structure/function claims (connections of nutrients or ingredients with effects on the human body) due to possible consumer confusion. Given the growing market for toddler formulas and the increase in marketing it is necessary to expose the nutritional content and ingredients in these products. Study objectiveTo characterize the nutritional quality of toddler milk and determi...