THURSDAY, Feb. 16, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Most infant formula products have one or more health and nutrition claims, although these are rarely supported by scientific references, according to a study published online Feb. 15 in The BMJ.

Ka Yan Cheung, from Imperial College London, and colleagues conducted an international cross-sectional survey to review available health and nutrition claims for infant formula products in 15 countries.

A total of 757 infant formula products were identified, each with a median of two claims; across all products, there were 31 types of claims. The researchers found that of the 608 products with one or more claims, “helps/supports development of brain and/or eyes and/or nervous system” was the most common claim (53 percent of products), followed by “strengthens/supports a healthy immune system” and “helps/supports growth and development” (39 and 37 percent of products, respectively). Forty-one groups of ingredients were associated with one or more claim; many claims (50 percent of products) were made without reference to a specific ingredient. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids; prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics; and hydrolyzed protein were the most common groups of ingredients cited in claims. A scientific reference to support the claim was provided by 26 percent of products with one or more claims. The reference types cited most frequently were clinical trials and reviews (50 and 20 percent, respectively); 28 percent of referenced clinical trials were registered.

“This new information about the extent and complexity of health and nutrition claims for products comprising breast milk substitutes underlines a lack of scientific evidence available to support these claims and their important role as vehicles for marketing,” the authors write.

Two authors disclosed financial ties to Danone Nutricia Research; one author received payment for expert witness work in cases involving food anaphylaxis and a disputed infant formula health claim; one author owns Feed Baby Love, which provides educational resources to parents and providers regarding infant feeding.

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