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.
- Was Melamine detected in Baby’s Only Organic® Formula?
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.
- 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. - Is there any concern over the use of SOY and phytoestrogens?
There is little, if no, science to support the many misconceptions that exist today regarding soy. For example, some anti-soy groups claim that diets high in soy are thought to cause attention-deficit disorder or hyperactivity because of the phytoestrogens in soy. Concerns have also been raised about the potential negative effects of phytoestrogens in soy, especially the component of phytoestrogens called isoflavone, on sexual development and reproduction, neurobehavioral development, immune function, and thyroid function in infants. These claims cannot be scientifically substantiated.
In fact, more than 300 foods contain phytoestrogens. These are primarily plant foods such as seeds, grains and beans, including soybeans. Phytoestrogens are found in the protein portion of soybeans. Phytoestrogens consists of several nonsteroidal estrogens, including isoflavones. The moderate consumption of foods containing phytoestrogens is generally a healthy addition to a person’s diet. There is a tremendous amount of good scientific research taking place regarding the benefits of consuming foods containing phytoestrogens.
In 2006, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institute of Health, and the Center for the Evaluation of Risk to Human Reproduction (CERHR) of the National Toxicology Program convened a meeting of key pediatric nutrition and medical experts to review the use of soy formulas in infancy and addressed many of the concerns about soy and phytoestrogens. This prestigious group was unable to conclude, after exhaustive research and reviews of the medical and scientific literature, that soy products, including soy infant formulas, were unsafe or presented risk to reproductive and developmental health. The panel called for continued research on the role of soy in human health.*
*http://cerhr.niehs.nih.govSince that time, CERHR has determined that there are new publications related to human exposure or reproductive and/or developmental toxicity that were published since the 2006 evaluation. CERHR held a meeting in December of 2009 to review these new data and is expected to post the final report on its website and solicit public comment through a Federal Register notice. Nature’s One, Inc. will continue to monitor all reports on use of soy in infancy and will update our information as appropriate.
Furthermore, a clinical report co-authored by the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition and titled, “Use of soy protein-based formulas in infant feeding,” states the following: “In summary, although studied by numerous investigators in various species, there is no conclusive evidence from animal, adult human, or infant populations that dietary soy isoflavones may adversely affect human development, reproduction, or endocrine function.” 1
Also, a recent study from the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center compared growth, development and health of breast-fed children with children fed soy formula or milk-based formula. Preliminary results indicate the feeding of soy formula to infants supports normal growth and development. The authors further state “early exposure to soy foods, including SF (soy formula), actually may provide health benefits rather than adverse effects, eg, improved body and bone composition and prevention of breast cancer.”2
In yet one more recent study reported in the Journal of Pediatrics, the objective was to determine if differences occur in hormone-sensitive organ size in infants that were fed soy formula, milk based formula or breast milk at age 4 months. The conclusion was that “there were no significant feeding group effects in anthropometric or body composition. There was no evidence that feeding soy formula (SF) exerts any estrogenic effects on reproductive organs studied”. 3
Soy protein formulas have been fed for decades to millions of babies throughout the world. There are many healthy, intelligent adults alive today that were exclusively soy formula fed as infants. Asian and Hispanic groups, known to have high incidents of lactose intolerance, are heavy users of soy formulas and Asians are particularly heavy users of whole soybean foods. Asian and Hispanic groups make up a large percentage of the total world population. If soy formulas created a health disaster, it would be well documented and studied.
Soy formulas have undergone extensive infant biochemistry testing, conducted under medically supervised studies. These studies rely on actual blood plasma tests from the infant participants. This is a critical step that has never been performed by any of the scientists referred to by the anti-soy groups. Of course, this is no surprise since blood plasma tests would not support their anti-soy conclusions.
Baby’s Only Organic® Soy Formula uses whole organic soybeans. Other soy formulas use soy protein isolates made by chemically removing all of the naturally occurring components of the soybean except the protein, manganese, and phytoestrogens. In fact, if an organic soybean was chemically converted into a “soy isolate,” it would no longer qualify as organic. For that reason, Nature’s One® developed a process that naturally achieves the same result while maintaining the nutritional balance and harmony of the soybean as nature intended. We believe this provides balance among all the vitamins and minerals naturally found in our soy formula. Baby’s Only Organic® Soy Formula is not made with genetically modified soybeans. Organic soybeans are farmed using organic farming methods that prohibit the use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides.
Nature’s One® will continue to closely monitor the scientific research on use of soy in infancy and childhood to assure our customers of the most recent findings. Furthermore, Nature’s One® will continue to offer non-soy protein options, such as our organic lactose free formula, and continue research for new beneficial vegetarian proteins to meet everyone’s needs.
1. Jatinder Bhatia, Frank Greer, and the Committee on Nutrition. “Use of soy protein-based formulas in infant feeding,” Pediatrics 2008; 121; 1062-1068.
2. Badger, TM, et al, “The health implications of soy infant formula,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2009; 89(suppl):1668S-1672S.
3. Gilchrist, JM, et al, “Ultrasonographic Patterns of Reproductive Organs in Infants Fed Soy Formula: Comparisons to Infants Fed Breast Milk and Milk Formula,” Journal of Pediatrics. 156(2):215-220, February 2010. - Why use a Soy formula?
There are many reasons that necessitate the use of a soy formula. Often times, parents wish to avoid any animal products in their child's diet. At other times, a cow or goat milk allergy/sensitivity may be present. In those instances, soy formula is utilized and has been proven to be beneficial in supporting proper growth and development in these young children.
Cow Milk allergy or intolerance is a common reason that a health care professional may recommend use of a soy formula. A baby may be allergic to cow milk protein and/or sensitive to cow milk lactose. (It has been clinically evidenced that when a baby demonstrates sensitivity to cow milk based formula, she will most likely also be sensitive to goat milk).
Signs of milk sensitivity or allergy include: excessive fussiness, irritability, excessive spitting-up, gassiness or constipation. Symptoms may also include a "reaction" such as skin rash, eczema, or diarrhea. Some research strongly suggests that a higher incidence of ear infections is also attributable, in part, to cow/goat dairy consumption. If your child is experiencing any or all of these symptoms, a discussion with your health care professional about possible cow/goat milk allergies or sensitivities in your child would be beneficial.
- What is the difference between Whole Soybeans and Soy Isolates?
Baby's Only Organic derives its organic soy protein concentrate from the whole soybean. Other formulas use soy protein isolates which chemically removes all the naturally occurring components of the soybean except the protein, manganese and phytoestrogens. Baby's Only Organic® SOY retains the natural benefits of the whole soybean as nature intended. We believe this provides balance among all the vitamins and minerals naturally found in our SOY formula. In fact, at a recent (May, 2007) conference on Diet and Optimal Health sponsored by the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, Professor William Helferich stated “when the whole food (referring to the whole soybean) is consumed, you get a very different effect than if you consume the concentrated constituents individually.” He further noted that the whole soybean is healthier than many of its individual components. In other words, the whole soybean provides healthier nutrition than when consuming concentrated components of the soybean, such as phytoestrogens.
“Are soy isoflavones safe? ‘It depends,’ University of Illinois researcher says.” Soyatech eNews, May 17, 2007. Sourced from http://www.soyatech.com/news_story.php?id=2759
- Does the soy protein have Raffinose and Stachyose?
Nature’s One® has a production method that naturally breaks down these two sugars so that they are easily digested. Unlike soy protein isolation processes that chemically strip the soybean of many of its naturally occurring benefits, the process used by Nature’s One® retains the balance of the soymilk as nature intended.
- 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.
- 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
