Vitamin B 6 and protein content of infant formulas manufactured in the United States

Abstract

One hundred thirty-three samples of infant formula collected during 1981–1983 and 1984–1985 were analyzed for vitamin B 6 and protein. All formulas met the minimum requirements of the Infant Formula Act of 1980 for protein and vitamin B 6. None exceeded the maximum Act requirements for protein. Mean vitamin B 6 levels for milk-based and soy-based formulas in the 1981–1983 set were 99.4 and 112.2 gg/100 kcal, respectively. For the 1984–1985 formulas, the mean vitamin B 6 levels for milk-based and soy-based formulas were 103.2 and 110.1 μg/100 kcal, respectively. Milk-based and soy-based formulas had mean protein values of 2.3 and 3.1 g/100 kcal (1981–1983), respectively, and 2.2 and 2.9 g/100 kcal (1984–1985), respectively. Significant differences (α = 0.05) were noted in Vitamin B 6 levels for milk-based formulas produced by the various manufacturers in samples from 1984–1985. No significant differences were noted in B 6 levels of milk-based formulas produced by the various manufacturers in samples from 1981–1983. Significant differences were noted in vitamin B 6 levels in soy-based products and in protein levels of formulas produced by different manufacturers in both sample sets.