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If you know almost nothing about baby formula, the one thing you do know is that it is predominantly made from cow’s milk. And for those formulas that are made without cow’s milk, most people know about soy formula.
But what about the goat milk formula options? What makes these formulas a great alternative to the cow milk formulas and why are they gaining popularity on the baby formula market? Moreover, why are so many Americans switching to European formulas on their search for the perfect baby formula?
We know you may be curious about the above questions, so we dug into the research and found the answers for you.
Question #1: Why is Goat Milk a Great Cow Milk Formula Alternative?
This question centers on the fact that your baby needs an alternative formula to the cow’s milk versions available. Typically, the reasoning for the switch has to deal with sensitivities in your baby. With a developing digestive system in the first year of baby’s life, this is a common issue babies deal with.
Goat’s milk has a different composition than cow’s milk. For example, the proteins are the biggest defining factor between the two. All goat milk has the A2 milk protein, which has been shown to significantly decrease lactose sensitivity. This is because the A1 milk protein found in the majority of cow’s milk produces the peptide BCM-7 when digested. As such, the peptide creates havoc from not being fully digested and broken down and can cause digestive problems as well as certain disorders.
As such, some formula companies have started providing an A2 formula option – made from cows that only produce the A2 milk protein. Unfortunately, there are so many cows that produce the A1 protein now that it makes it much more difficult if all the formulas were to make the switch to the different cows. So, parents can either try to find the more particular formula or switch to a different mammal such as goats.
Goat Milk Benefits
Goat’s milk also breaks down differently when digested by baby. The curd that formed in the tummy is softer and looser than the curd from cow’s milk. This difference means that baby can process the milk faster and easier – causing less discomfort in their belly. Combine this with the fact that there is less lactose in goat’s milk than in cow’s milk, and it’s no wonder why babies are having an easier time on goat’s milk formula.
Lastly, the minerals and vitamins in cow’s milk vary from goat’s milk slightly. The biggest factors are the amount of selenium and niacin naturally found in goat’s milk. Selenium is great for the developing immune system and niacin helps aid in proper cell functions.
Question #2: Why Choose European Baby Formula?
This has a lot to do with the standards and ingredients in European formulas. If you look into the ingredients inside baby formula found on the shelves in America, and you know anything about nutrition, you might be a little shocked. Many of the formulas have glucose syrup solids as an ingredient, and this is just the start.
In Europe, standards are very high when it comes to which ingredients permitted into your baby’s formulas. And Europeans have their preferred brands that hold to their own healthy standards. You will not find these formulas chocked full of unhealthy ingredients, like these unnecessary lab-made sugars. Instead, many of the brands use lactose as the natural sweetener because it is closest to breastmilk.
Furthermore, there has been many terrible news reports lately about the heavy metals found in baby products in the US. Europe does not have this issue, because they already have checks in place to ensure no formula makes it onto the shelves with these toxic by-products. If you are looking for products that created for the safety of babies in mind, then researching European baby formulas should be top on your list.
Question #3 What are my Goat Milk Formula Options?
There are a few options that are very popular in Europe, and they tailored to your infant’s needs. One of the most popular choices is Holle Goat milk formula. Holle has a solid reputation for high quality, demeter organic formulas. They keep their ingredients to a minimum, so you know that your baby is getting the most clean and important nutrients. They also do not use palm oil in their goat milk formula, which many parents appreciate
Another goat milk formula option is Kendamil Goat milk. Just like Holle, they do not use palm oil in their formulas, but in contrast they substitute with coconut oil. They use whole goat milk, so you are getting all of the full-cream benefits you would also receive like in their cow’s milk formula versions. Even though their goat milk formulas are not organic. The goats milk comes from red tractor certified farms – which a high standard used in the UK. They also have the extra benefits of prebiotics and naturally derived nucleotides.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully we were able to answer some of your goat milk formula options that you may have had. And for those questions you still are wondering about. We highly suggest doing thorough research as well as speaking with your pediatrician – as they know your baby’s needs best!