The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued a warning that toddler milk may be potentially harmful, while also advocating for stricter regulations.

Despite health authorities' warnings that the benefits of toddler milk products are unproven, this milk formula industry has become a multibillion-dollar global business.

The AAP cautioned in an Oct. 2023 report that toddler formula, which is marketed with claims of enhancing brain development or immune function, is actually "unnecessary and potentially harmful to young children."

According to Dr. Jenelle Ferry, a neonatologist and director of feeding, nutrition and infant development at Pediatrix Medical Group in Tampa, Florida, there is no evidence of a need or benefit from toddler milk for healthy toddlers without a specific medical diagnosis.

Despite the warnings, the global toddler milk industry has reached $20 billion, as reported recently.

Fran Fleming-Milici, PhD, director of marketing initiatives at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health at the University of Connecticut, expressed disappointment that regulations have not been strengthened, given package claims and marketing messages that suggest toddler milks are beneficial or necessary for a toddler's healthy growth, to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Infant formula vs. toddler milk

In the U.S., formula is the primary source of nutrition for most infants, as per the FDA.

The AAP recommends adding solid foods to standard infant formula between 4 to 6 months of age to ensure adequate intake of vital nutrients such as iron, calcium, and zinc.

The Infant Formula Act regulates infant formula, requiring that the products meet nutritional requirements as the only source for babies through the first 12 months of age.

An FDA spokesperson informed Planet Chronicle Digital that if a toddler beverage is intended for infants under 12 months, it must adhere to the FDA's infant formula regulations, in addition to all other applicable food regulations.

According to a research report from the NYU College of Global Public Health, there are two types of toddler milk available: transition formulas for infants and toddlers aged 9 to 24 months, and toddler milk for children aged 12 to 36 months.

Unlike infant formulas, toddler milks are not nutritionally complete, experts said.

"A healthy diet for toddlers would limit excess processed foods, salt and sugar."

The AAP stated that 80% of toddler milks have more sugar than whole milk, while all toddler milks have less protein.

Ferry advises that toddlers should drink milk and water after being weaned off breast milk or infant formula, with most of their nutrients coming from solid foods.

She stated that a healthy diet for toddlers should restrict processed foods, salt, and sugar.

Regulation of toddler milk

According to an FDA spokesperson, beverages intended for toddlers aged 1 year and above are subject to the same regulations as conventional foods and must adhere to the FDA's labeling requirements.

"The Nutrition Facts label should be provided specifically for children aged 1 to 3 years."

Adhering to specific rules is necessary when marketing toddler milks.

According to the email he sent to Planet Chronicle Digital, manufacturers are not allowed to make claims about disease conditions, but they can use language related to symptoms, even if there is no evidence to support it.

They can assert that their product is lactose-free, but they cannot maintain that it assists with lactase deficiency, he stated.

The FDA spokesperson stated that food products intended for infants and children under 2 years of age cannot make nutrient content or health claims, except as regulated.

"The labeling of products must be truthful and not misleading in general."

Cross-promotion in marketing and packaging

Some experts caution that the marketing and packaging of infant formula and toddler milk may lead parents to mistakenly believe they are equivalent in terms of nutritional value.

Fleming-Milici cautioned that the promotion of toddler milks alongside infant formula can lead to caregivers trusting formula brands for a product that is not regulated, contains added sugar, and is not recommended by the AAP.

"Studies indicate that these messages give caregivers the impression that toddler milks are superior to family meals and plain cow's milk, which is more affordable and is what experts recommend."

The WHO report stated that the marketing of formula milk, rather than the product itself, interferes with informed decision-making and harms breastfeeding and child health.

Fleming-Milici's research discovered that showing parents educational videos to correct misleading marketing can decrease sugary drink consumption in children's first few years.

The woman said that exposure to videos negatively impacted her positive attitudes towards toddler milks and fruit drinks, and decreased her intentions to serve them.

Potential nutritional benefits

Proponents maintain that toddler formula is beneficial for many youngsters who lack the necessary nutrients in their diet.

"In general, the product labeling must be truthful and not misleading."

According to a spokesperson from the Infant Nutrition Council of America (INCA), research shows that young children's nutrient intake often falls below the recommended levels for iron, vitamins D and E, calcium, choline, potassium, and fiber.

The Association of Manufacturers of Infant Formulas and Toddler Milks in Washington, D.C., known as INCA, represents brands such as Abbott Nutrition, Gerber Products Company, Perrigo Nutritionals, and Reckitt Benckiser.

The INCA spokesperson stated that toddler nutritional drinks can enhance nutritional intake and possibly fill nutritional gaps for kids aged 12 months to 36 months, as recognized globally in the international Codex Alimentarius standard.

Ferry advised that children with medical conditions such as failure to thrive or intestinal or metabolic disorders should receive specialty liquid nutrition instead of toddler milk products.

Nestlé, a company that produces powdered milk for toddlers, stated in response to a Planet Chronicle Digital query that its goal is to offer a variety of foods and beverages to support individuals at all stages of life.

The spokesperson stated that Nestlé adheres to consistent standards for responsible marketing of products aimed at babies and young children. These standards and practices align with the WHO code and are either in accordance with local law or Nestlé's own policy, whichever is more stringent.

In response to an earlier query, a spokesperson from Similac submitted a statement to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"According to national health studies, U.S. toddlers frequently experience nutritional deficiencies due to picky eating habits. However, when they struggle to transition to solid foods or refuse to drink milk, our toddler drinks provide essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that may be lacking in their diet."

Toddler drinks can be a helpful way to ensure that children aged 12 to 36 months receive the necessary nutrients. However, Abbott advises against using its toddler drinks for infants under 12 months of age.

Other companies that produce powdered milk for toddlers were also contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital.

It is crucial for parents of young children to obtain the most recent and accurate nutrition guidance from their pediatricians.

Melissa Rudy of Planet Chronicle Digital contributed reporting.

For more Health articles, visit planetchronicle.net/health.