Today parents are divided into two groups: the pro-GMO crowd and those who claim that GMO baby foods are dangerous. If you have no idea which infant formula to select, this article will give you a short brief for a better understanding of non-GMO formula vs regular formula.
GMO: What do these three letters stand for?
GMO stands for an organism with genetically modified DNA. Such food is made through genetic engineering for producing better results. It is usually modified to increase the yield, taste, resistance of plants to pests, and reduce the need for pesticides.
These products are available at a lower cost while providing the highest nutritional value and longevity. However, GMOs can increase the allergic response since they introduce foreign DNA into the organism.
GMO-free formulas
So, non-GMO means that baby food doesn’t contain any modified ingredients. They are all-natural, high-quality ingredients that avoid anything toxic in the baby’s stomach.
Most European infant formulas are not only GMO-free but also organic and free from harmful additives e.g. the leaders in the market for producing organic baby food are HiPP (?HiPP Combiotic Formula) and Holle (?Holle formula) which widely know all over the world. The organic label helps moms feel more confident in their purchase decisions.
Choosing the formula sometimes parents pay attention to whether the products have a European organic label or not. For example, European standards for organic agriculture tend to be stricter than the standards for organic produce in the United States. The greatest disadvantage of non-GMO food is its cost.
Regular infant formulas
As well as non-GMO baby food, the regular formula has both advantages and disadvantages. To its advantage we can add the cost - it’s cheaper than GMO-free. Besides, the regular formula is available in any shop.
Another benefit is that regular baby food lasts longer because of added preservatives. On the other hand, it is a bit difficult to trace the origin of some of the ingredients of the regular formula and it is not suitable for babies with sensitive stomachs.
Which is better?
It is hard to say because both genetically engineered and non-GMO infant formulas have pros and cons. If you are unsure or for some reason unable to decide, it is best to visit a pediatrician beforehand. Some people argue that it is more difficult for a baby to digest regular formulas, which cause problems such as regurgitation, gas, and fussiness. There is no research to support this theory though.
There are many studies that prove GMO foods are safe. Before introducing a GMO product to the market, scientists conduct many years of testing. They observe if genes cause allergies or poisoning. There is no nutritional difference between GMO-free and regular formulas. Still, you can avoid the highest genetically modified crops such as corn or soy, etc. After all, a fed baby is a happy baby.