Breast Milk vs. Formula Chart |
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Nutrient Factor |
Breast Milk Contains |
Formula Contains |
Comments |
Fats |
Rich in brain- building omega 3s, namely DHA and Automatically adjusts to infant’s needs and levels decreases as baby gets olderRich in cholesterolNearly completely absorbed Contains fat-digesting enzyme, lipase |
No DHA Doesn’t adjust to infant’s needs No cholesterol Not completely absorbed No Lipase |
Fat is the most important nutrient in breast milk; and the DHA, the vital nutrients for growing brains and bodies, may predispose a child to adult heart and central nervous system diseases. Left over unabsorbed fat accounts for unpleasant stools in formula-fed babies |
Protein |
Soft, easily digested whey. More completely absorbed; higher in the milk of mothers who deliver preterm. Lactoferr in for intestinal healthLysozyme, an antimicrobial
Rich in Brain and body building protein components Rich in growth factors Contains sleep inducing proteins |
Harder to digest casein curds. Less completely absorbed, more waste, harder on baby’s kidneys. No lactoferrin or only a traceNo lysozyme
Deficient or low in some brain and body building protiens Deficient in growth factors Does not contain as many sleep-inducing proteins |
Infants aren’t allergic to human proteins |
Carbohydrates |
Rich in lactose Rich in oligosaccharides, which promotes intestinal health | ||