The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months after birth, followed by the introduction of nutritionally adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.1
Formula feeding is a safe option to supplement low milk supply or when you have decided to start weaning your little ones. While all infant formulas are nutritionally complete and balanced, goat’s milk formula stands out as a popular choice amongst parents as it is easily digestible, less allergenic and boasts additional health benefits.
Impressive Health Benefits of Goat’s Milk
#1: More Nutrition In A Single Cup
Goat’s milk formula gains the upper hand over other dairy-based infant formulas when it comes to natural nutrition as it is a nutrient-dense food (providing more nutrition without having to drink a lot of it). Goat’s milk contains three times more bio-actives than cow’s milk, reducing the need to add synthetic supplementation. A particular amino acid, Taurine, is especially rich in goat’s milk, amounting to 20 times more than that of cow’s milk.2
A single glass of goat’s milk contains:3
#2: Naturally Easier To Digest
Milk allergy is often triggered by the presence of allergenic casein protein, ∝s1-casein, and goat’s milk is known to be ‘gentler on the tummy’ as it naturally contains lower levels of ∝s1-casein. The casein micelles in goat’s milk are also 40% larger than those from cow’s milk, creating more porous curds for the digestive enzymes to aid in more efficient digestion of goat’s milk protein.4 These unique properties in goat’s milk give it a digestive edge over other dairy-based formulas.
#3: Enhances Iron Absorption
Iron is a key nutrient that is essential for toddlers and children to support their rapid growth and brain development. All babies have enough iron stored in their bodies to last for the first six months. Beyond that, an adequate supply of iron is required which cannot be obtained from breast milk alone, and the AAP recommends iron-fortified infant formulas for all infants who are not breastfed or who are partially breastfed up to the age of 1.5
Goat’s milk formula is a preferred choice for children as it is rich in iron bioavailability – meaning it can be absorbed and utilised by the body. A research study in the Journal of Dairy Science found that not only does goat’s milk increase the body’s ability to absorb and use both calcium and iron, but it also does this better and faster than cow milk.6 Goat’s milk infant formula also has higher contents of vitamin A and C which aids the absorption of iron to meet your child’s growing nutritional and developmental needs.
Any Recommended Goat’s Milk Formula in Singapore?
For parents who are looking to introduce goat’s milk into your child’s diet, it is recommended to choose a formula that has zero GMO ingredients, such as New Zealand’s Karihome® Goat Milk Formula. All Karihome® infant formulas are made with 100% whole goat’s milk, sourced from 72 dedicated farms around New Zealand and processed in an ISO 9001 certified factory, where stringent quality checks are made from the collection of milk on-farm to manufacturing and packaging to offer nutritionally complete and safe products for infants and toddlers.
Powdered goat’s milk formula is the preferred choice for toddlers and children as it contains natural ingredients like MCFA, Sn2-PA and vitamins (A, D, E, K). To preserve its natural nutrients and benefits, fresh goat’s milk is spray-dried at a low temperature to reduce damage to nutrients. Additionally, their formula milk is enriched with DHA, EPA, AA and other minerals and vitamins that are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing toddlers and young children.
Natural Nutrition For All Ages
Karihome® also carries a whole range of formulas that have been specially fortified with added nutrients to meet the nutritional needs of infants, toddlers and children, so you won’t have to worry about transitioning between brands when your child reaches a certain age. Supplementing your child’s diet with Karihome® Goat Milk Formula gives you peace of mind knowing that your little one is getting a wholesome blend of essential nutrients without the side effects of a milk protein sensitivity.
References:
1WHO recommendations for Breastfeeding
2Taurine a valuable component of goat milk
3Goat Milk Benefits Are Superior to Cow Milk
4Comparative Protein Composition Analysis of Goat Milk
5American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommendations for breastfeeding
6Goats’ Milk Is More Beneficial To Health Than Cows’ Milk, Study Suggests
