A study has found that many baby foods do not adhere to nutritional guidelines and often make "misleading claims."

A recent study discovered that up to 60% of baby foods available on the market do not meet the nutritional standards established by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The findings were published in the journal Nutrients last week.

The George Institute for Global Health, an independent medical research institute based in Australia, examined 651 infant and toddler food products available in the top 10 U.S. grocery stores, as stated in a press release.

Over 70% of the products lacked sufficient protein, 25% failed to meet calorie standards, and 20% exceeded WHO's sodium guidelines.

The NPPM, which is supported by WHO, was used by researchers to compare the nutrient and promotion data of foods in Europe, in order to promote appropriate food products for infants and young children.

The institute found that baby food pouches are among the least healthy options, as only a small percentage (less than 7%) meet the recommended total sugar guidelines.

The study did not include infant formulas because they are regulated separately by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The grocery store's baby food section was the only section included in the study. As a result, yogurts in the fridge, drinks, and under the "dairy, eggs and fridge" tab online were not considered.

Convenience foods labeled as culprits

The research fellow at The George Institute and adjunct assistant professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina, Dr. Elizabeth Dunford, expressed concern about the widespread use of "processed convenience foods" among babies and toddlers.

According to Dunford, early childhood is a critical time of rapid growth, and during this period, taste preferences and dietary habits are established, which may increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and some cancers later in life.

"Parents who are short on time are increasingly opting for convenient foods, unaware that many of these products lack essential nutrients for their child's growth and are deceived into thinking they are healthier than they actually are."

A ‘health halo’

The research also emphasized "deceptive advertising techniques," stating that over 99% of baby food items had at least one "forbidden statement" on their labels.

Dr. Daisy Coyle, a research fellow and dietitian at The George Institute, informed Planet Chronicle Digital that out of all the products showcased, only four did not contain any prohibited claims on their packaging, with an average of four prohibited claims per pack.

"Frequently, such assertions bestow on products a "healthy image," misleading busy parents into believing they are much more nutritious than they actually are."

Some of the most commonly cited misleading language includes "non-GM," "organic," "no BPA," and "no artificial colors/flavors."

"The product name did not accurately reflect the main ingredients in the product, as we observed this not only through misleading claims but also through the use of deceptive names."

Some products were marketed as "fruits" or "vegetables" despite not being the main ingredients.

Among U.S. children 2 to 5 years old, the prevalence of obesity was 12.7% from 2017 to March 2020.

Dunford emphasized that the need for better regulation and guidance in the infant and toddler foods market in the United States is urgent, as the health of future generations depends on it.

The CDC reports that the obesity rate among U.S. children aged 2 to 5 years was 12.7% from 2017 to March 2020.

The researchers recommended that parents and caregivers closely examine the statements on baby food packaging based on their study findings.

"Coyle emphasized the importance of examining the ingredients list and nutrition label for a more accurate depiction of a product's contents, particularly the amount of added sugar."

The American Academy of Pediatrics, major baby food manufacturers, and WHO were contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for comment.

‘Critical issue’

Katie Thomson, an Oregon-based registered dietitian and founder of the Square Baby nutrition system, stated that the study highlights a "vital matter."

She informed Planet Chronicle Digital that the numbers were concerning, given that they pertained to the nutrition of infants and toddlers.

"The problem lies in the fact that many of these products, particularly pouches, are excessively sweet, which prevents them from providing proper, balanced nutrition. This not only fails to meet nutritional requirements but also impedes the development of a child's taste buds."

"We're essentially establishing a pattern of unhealthy eating habits for their lifetime."

Thomson, as a mother, acknowledged the allure of self-feeding pouches but cautioned that this method can harm children's long-term health and eating habits.

According to Thomson, the most significant problem is the lack of protein, which is crucial for muscle development and immune function in developing bodies.

She stated that several of these foods are deficient in vital nutrients such as healthy fats, which are crucial for brain growth, and essential micronutrients including calcium, iron, and vitamin D.

"The absence of nutrient-dense green and earthy vegetables is noticeable."

Thomson pointed out that a common oversight is neglecting to include common allergens in the list.

Introducing allergens early on can potentially prevent food allergies, according to her.

"Nevertheless, numerous baby food products lack these crucial elements, potentially leading to various health problems in the future."

Thomson advises that when selecting nutrition for babies, it's important to provide a variety of foods with different flavors, textures, and colors, ensuring a balance of fat, fiber, and protein while minimizing sugar intake.

She recommends the following breakdown for a 4-ounce balanced meal.

• Less than 6 grams of sugar
• 2-4 grams of fat
• 2-4 grams of fiber
• 2-5 grams of protein

Potential limitations

The George Institute for Global Health, which has previously received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Health and Medical Research Council, and other investors, announced that it did not receive any external funding for this particular study.

The study did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged.

Despite examining data from a comprehensive representative sample, we couldn't trace sales figures for each product, Coyle informed Planet Chronicle Digital.

"Whether American families are more likely to buy products that don't meet WHO standards needs further investigation."

Another limitation was that the WHO NPPM was developed for the European region.

The researchers stated that the findings may not be entirely applicable to the U.S. market for infant and toddler foods.

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Parents and carers are not to blame, the researchers emphasized.

The George Institute's Coyle stated that government regulation is necessary to transform the sector and ensure that infant and toddler foods are healthy and marketed appropriately.

The well-being of our upcoming generations relies on it.