Frequently Asked Questions
- What if my baby is less than 12 months old?
The philosophy at Nature’s One® is to promote breast milk for infants the first year of life when possible. Our philosophy is in accordance with the World Health Organization's Code of Marketing Breast Milk Substitutes. Baby’s Only Organic® is suggested for a baby 12-months and older. For infants less than 12-months, use as directed by a healthcare professional. Baby's Only Organic® has complete nutrition - nothing is missing, nor is it concentrated. For any age baby, mix the formula according to label instructions. Nature’s One® recommends that you print the nutritional comparison chart below and present it to your doctor before changing your baby's diet.
Lactose Free Formula Nutritional Comparison Chart - No Melamine in Baby’s Only Organic.
Nature’s One® began precautionary testing for melamine shortly after the China infant formula contamination became public. Approved screening methods used by a third-party laboratory confirm there is NO MELAMINE or Cyanuric Acid in Baby’s Only Organic® formulas and PediaSmart® nutritional beverages. Nature’s One® does not use packaging or cleaning solutions that contain melamine or cyanuric acid.
Parents can rest assured that all products are manufactured in the U.S.A. Nature’s One® production and ingredient standards extend beyond “organic” insuring the highest nutritional quality of any leading brand.
Parents can rest assured that all products are manufactured in the U.S.A. Nature’s One® production and ingredient standards extend beyond “organic” insuring the highest nutritional quality of any leading brand.
- BPA Testing and 100% BPA-Free Packaging for Baby’s Only Organic® Formula
Testing Concludes BPA Undetected
Nature’s One® has finalized BPA testing on its powdered formula (produced in 2009) using a third-party laboratory. The testing method is 10-times more sensitive than the current test used by the FDA. As expected, no BPA was detected in Nature’s One® formula products.100% BPA-Free Packaging
With the help of Nature’s One® suppliers, all components of our packaging used in 2010 are 100% BPA-free. This includes the new “easy-open” lid that once used an epoxy based resin. Nature’s One® will be introducing new light-weight canisters and “easy-open” lids for all Baby’s Only Organic® formulas and PediaSmart® nutrition beverages produced in 2010.Environmentally Friendly Packaging
Our new canisters are good for the environment because they are recyclable and on average contain 50% recycled content. Additionally, the canisters are light weight since they are made of paperboard instead of tin. This reduces environmental waste and energy used in manufacturing and transportation. The canister’s metal top and bottom are also recyclable. Again, all components of the packaging are BPA-free.As an organic manufacturer, Nature’s One® is concerned over the level of chemicals ingested by infants, toddlers and children and will always use the highest quality ingredients and materials available to produce and package its organic pediatric products.
- What is Bisphenol-A (BPA).
The concern with bisphenol-A coatings used in some packaging is the potential migration of bisphenol-A into canned foods. Health concerns related to bisphenol-A have been reported because of bisphenol-A’s endocrine-disrupting properties, particularly the estrogen pathway.1 Bisphenol-A is used in the epoxy resin that coats the inside of some metal cans. This coating helps to prevent corrosion of the can, contamination of the canned food from dissolved metals, and bacterial contamination causing spoilage of the food. Thus, the coating helps to maintain the food product’s quality and taste and aids in extending shelf life.
All components of Baby’s Only Organic® and PediaSmart® packaging used in 2010 are 100% BPA-free. Nature’s One® has finalized BPA testing on its powdered formula produced in 2009. As expected, no BPA was detected in Nature’s One® formula products. The testing method, provided by a third-party laboratory, is 10-times more sensitive than the current test used by the FDA.
The greater risk of BPA migration has been found to be related to heat exposure during processing.2 BPA migration appears to be most often associated with liquid products such as ready-to-feed and concentrated formulas sold in cans where high processing temperatures are used once the liquid is sealed in the can. High temperatures are needed during canning of liquid products to achieve sterility and prevent botulism or the growth of other microorganisms that would lead to spoilage. The presence of high processing temperatures is thought to provoke a migration of the bisphenol-A into the liquid products.
1. Kuehn, B. “Expert panels weigh bisphenol-A risks,” JAMA. 2007; 298: 1499-1503.
2. Goodson, A. et al. “Survey of bisphenol A and bisphenol F in canned foods.” Food Addit Contam. 2002; 19: 796-802. - What is lactose?
Lactose is a carbohydrate. It is often called milk sugar because it is the primary carbohydrate found in breast milk and other mammalian milk such as cow’s milk. It is a disaccharide, meaning that it is made of two monosaccharides, glucose and galactose.
- What is lactose intolerance?
When an infant, child or adult is unable to digest lactose, this is referred to as lactose intolerance. This occurs because the enzyme used by the body to digest lactose, which is called lactase, is either absent or has declined. Without lactase, lactose cannot be broken down into glucose and galactose. The lactose cannot be absorbed by the intestinal wall into the bloodstream like glucose and galactose and, thus, the lactose remains in the intestinal tract. The bacteria in the intestinal tract then use the undigested lactose which produces a large amount of gas. The symptoms of lactose intolerance include stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, gassiness and diarrhea .
- Are there different types of lactose intolerance?
There are three types of lactose intolerance:
Congenital Lactase Deficiency which is a genetic disorder where the body does not produce the enzyme lactase. This type of intolerance will occur at birth.
Primary Lactose Intolerance which occurs when infants, children and adults live in non-dairy consuming environments and are not exposed to the lactose in dairy products. The body has reduced its ability to make the enzyme lactase.
Secondary Lactose Intolerance occurs after certain gastrointestinal diseases where the production of lactase is disrupted. Common causes of temporary secondary lactose intolerance are gastroenteritis, particularly the gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus and acute diarrhea. .
The first two types of lactose intolerance, congenital lactase deficiency and primary lactose intolerance, can be related to a person’s ancestry. For example, over 90% of Asians and Native Americans are lactose intolerant; 75% of African Americans; 50% of North American Hispanics; and 10% of European Americans. 1
1 Adhikari, K et al “Sensory characteristics of commercial lactose-free milks manufactured in the United States,” LWT – Food Science and Technology, June, 2009.
- How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?
Usually when an infant is lactose intolerant, symptoms (cramping, nausea, gassiness, fussiness, bloating) will occur soon after feeding the lactose containing product. If there are questions as to whether the infant has lactose intolerance or intolerance to cow’s milk protein, a physician can perform a hydrogen breath test to determine if the infant has lactose intolerance. Stools can also be tested for malabsorbed carbohydrate. If questions still remain, an intestinal biopsy can be performed .
- What is the treatment for lactose intolerance?
For a baby with lactose intolerance, a lactose-free formula, such as Baby’s Only Organic® Lactose Free or Soy Formulas, will be recommended.
If lactose intolerance is temporary due to a gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea and the infant is being breastfed, breastfeeding is usually still recommended. However, a lactose-free formula may be needed to supplement the baby occasionally until the baby’s digestive system is again producing enough lactase to digest the lactose in breast milk. Consultation with baby’s healthcare professional and/or a lactation consultant should be sought to ensure that breastfeeding is not negatively affected. If an infant is being solely formula fed, a lactose-free formula, such as Baby’s Only Organic® Lactose Free or Soy Formulas, will usually be recommended in these situations.
If an infant has been diagnosed with a congenital lactase deficiency, a lactose-free formula, such as Baby’s Only Organic® Lactose Free or Soy Formulas, will be recommended throughout the infant and toddler years and a lactose free diet will usually be needed. .
- Can a Soy Formula be used for lactose intolerance?
Soy formulas, such as Baby’s Only Organic® Soy Formula, are lactose free and can be used for lactose intolerance. Because there are some infants who are allergic to soy protein or for families who prefer not to use soy products, Baby’s Only Organic® Lactose Free is available. Baby’s Only Organic® Lactose Free and Soy Formulas offer all the nutritional benefits of a standard dairy-based formula, such as Baby’s Only Organic® Dairy Formula or leading brand infant formulas, but without the lactose..
- What if my child suffers from galactosemia or a cow's milk protein allergy?
Baby’s Only Organic® Lactose Free Formula should not be used when galactosemia has been diagnosed or when an infant has a cow’s milk protein intolerance. Baby’s Only Organic® Soy Formula is suggested for a child with galactosemia or a cow's milk protein intolerance as recommended by a healthcare provider.
- Is it dangerous to dilute Baby’s Only Organic® formula?
Baby’s Only Organic® formula should always be mixed according to label instructions to ensure that the proper balance of water to nutrients is given to an infant. Some parents or caretakers may think the formula is too “thick” and needs to be diluted or they may be trying to “stretch out” the powdered formula for economical reasons by adding more water than recommended. These practices are extremely hazardous to an infant’s health and can result in malnutrition because the baby is not receiving the needed calories and nutrients to support growth and development. Formula dilution is life threatening as it can cause water intoxication (over-hydration) and an imbalance of electrolytes resulting in hyponatremia or too little sodium in the baby’s body. Drinking too much water basically drowns the cells because the infant’s immature kidneys are unable to process the water quickly enough. Symptoms of water intoxication can include pale colored urine and an excessive number of wet diapers (more than 6 to 8 per day). Water intoxication can lead to inconsolable crying because the baby’s body tissues, including the brain, swell and can cause a headache; difficulty breathing because the lungs contain too much water; irregular heart beat because the electrolytes are not in balance; seizures noted by odd facial movements, lip smacking, rhythmic jerking of a body part; coma; and ultimately death if not medically treated. Young infants will usually obtain all of the water they need from breast milk or formula and extra water is rarely needed. Always prepare infant formula and Baby’s Only Organic® formulas according to label instructions and do not provide your infant with supplemental water unless directed to do so by the baby’s healthcare provider.
- When should my baby switch from formula to milk or other lactose free beverages?
The current recommendation is that infants can be switched from breast milk or formula to whole cow’s milk or a lactose free beverage at their first birthday. The assumption is that by the time an infant reaches this important toddler milestone, the baby is consuming a well-rounded diet consisting of the appropriate amounts of protein foods, breads and cereal products, fruits and vegetables and thus receiving all the correct nutrients in the correct balance.
Parents and healthcare professionals may choose to continue the use of formula as an “insurance policy” whenever there are concerns about a child’s consumption of all the nutrients he or she needs for growth and development during the important toddler years. Use of a cup rather than a bottle is usually recommended to promote development of eating skills.
Baby’s Only Organic® Toddler Formulas provides the correct balance of proteins, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals needed to support normal growth and development.
- Does Baby’s Only Organic® contain DHA & ARA?
There are two basic groupings of fatty acids called (1) essential fatty acids or “precursor fats” (as found in Baby’s Only Organic® pediatric formulas) and (2) non-essential fatty acids which can also be “preformed fats” (as found in Baby’s Only Essentials® DHA and ARA Fatty Acid Supplement*).
Baby’s Only Organic® pediatric formulas contain two essential (precursor) fats: Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) and Linoleic Acid (LA). Alpha-Linolenic and Linoleic fatty acids are called “essential” because the human body cannot make these fats and therefore it is essential to derive them from food sources. Alpha-Linolenic Acid is an omega-3 used by the body to make Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). Linoleic Acid is an omega-6 used by the body to make Arachidonic Acid (ARA). DHA and ARA are called “non-essential” fatty acids because full-term, healthy infants, children, and adults can manufacture these from Alpha-Linolenic and Linoleic fatty acids.
Baby’s Only Essentials® DHA and ARA Fatty Acid Supplement is made with preformed DHA and ARA long-chain fatty acids. This means the fats are already available in their final forms and the body does not need to manufacture from precursor fats, Alpha-Linolenic and Linoleic fatty acids.
The Human Body Converts Essential Fatty Acids into Non-Essential Fatty Acids Omega Source Essential
Fatty AcidsNon-Essential
Fatty AcidsOmega-3 Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) ? Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Omega-6 Linoleic Acid (LA) ? Arachidonic Acid (ARA) *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Dug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
- Is Baby’s Only Organic® USDA Certified Organic®?
Yes, Baby’s Only Organic® Dairy , Lactose Free, and SOY formula are Certified Organic by OneCert. OneCert is a USDA approved government agency, similar to Quality Assurance International (QAI). For more information about OneCert refer to their website at www.onecert.net. OneCert also complies with the new USDA National Organic Standards Program.
- Concerns regarding Fluoride.
Fluoride is an element naturally occurring in water and foods. Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay. There is growing concern about excess fluoride in the environment due to industrial pollution. Fluoride intake above recommended amounts is of particular concern during infancy and childhood because developing teeth can be susceptible to tooth enamel fluorosis. Enamel fluorosis is a condition that affects the look of the teeth. It is not a disease. White lines or streaks on the tooth enamel occur resulting in unpleasant looking teeth.
The recommended daily fluoride levels1 for infants and young children are:
Age of Child Adequate Intake (mg/day) Tolerable Upper Intake (mg/day) Infants 0-6 months 0.01 0.7 Infants 7-12 months 0.5 0.9 Children 1-3 years 0.7 1.3
Also, the recommended concentration of fluoride in infant formula should be less than 0.06 to 0.10 mg/100 Calories (0.40-0.60 mg/liter).2
Testing of all of Nature’s One, Inc. Baby’s Only Organic® and PediaSmart® powdered formulas showed values of 0.16 milligrams or less of fluoride per liter. Thus, the fluoride content of our Baby’s Only Organic® and PediaSmart® formulas are well below the tolerable upper intake recommendation and are appropriate for infants and young children.
1. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride. Washington, D.C.: National Adademies Press, 1997.
2. Kleinman, RE (editor). Pediatric Nutrition Handbook, 6th Edition. Elk Grove Village, Illinois: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2008. - Baby's Only Organic® Formula Rebate Program
Available for a Limited Time: Offer Expired 1/31/2010
