Although the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the ideal way to ensure complete nutrition for infants, many mothers cannot or choose not to breastfeed. Gerber's Good Start Infant Formula is one option these mothers can give their infants. It contains a range of ingredients intended to duplicate the nutritional richness of natural breast milk.
Proteins
Some Good Start formulas are made with 100 percent whey protein, which is broken down during the manufacturing process into smaller parts that Gerber calls "Comfort Proteins." According to Gerber, these proteins don't curdle in infants' stomachs and are gentle on their developing digestive systems. The company claims that "clinical evidence has shown that formula made with 100 percent whey partially hydrolyzed protein empties from babies' tummies faster than other routine formulas, which may help reduce the potential for spitting up." Stools of babies given formula made with 100 percent whey partially hydrolyzed protein tend to be softer, like those of infants who breastfeed. Gerber also offers several soy-based formulas for infants who cannot tolerate cow's milk.
Bifidobacterium lactis
Good Start Protect PLUS formula contains the probiotic microorganism Bifidobacterium lactis, a culture found in the digestive system of breastfed infants. This culture, according to Gerber, helps support the baby's immune system, in part by increasing antibody levels and supporting the natural protective barrier in the digestive tract. The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions that it is unclear whether the health benefits of probiotic formula continue after formula feeding is stopped.
DHA and ARA
Key components of Good Start and other infant formulas are the fatty acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid). These fatty acids, or lipids, occur naturally in breast milk and are important for brain and eye development. Good Start Protect PLUS and Good Start Gentle PLUS formulas contain levels of DHA and ARA similar to those found in breast milk.
Other Nutrients
Other nutrients in Good Start formulas include a wide range of vitamins and minerals, essential and nonessential amino acids, antioxidants and nucleotides. Although Gerber acknowledges that "experts agree that breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition and protection for baby," the company has designed Good Start formulas to be as nutritionally complete as possible. As the American Academy of Pediatrics puts it, "while formula-fed babies don't get all the complex nutrients or immune benefits that are in breast milk, they do receive the nutrition necessary for an infant to grow and thrive."
