1 PROTEINS
Proteins serve a number of important functions. Babies use protein to build muscles, to carry nutrients in the blood, and to help fight infections. In addition, protein can also be used as a source of energy. Consuming sufficient amounts of protein is especially important in periods of rapid growth, like infancy.
Proteins are composed of substances called amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. An easy way to understand proteins is to think of proteins as chains. The amino acids are the individual links in the chains. The human body can make all but 10 amino acids. Because babies must get these 10 amino acids from their diet and because they are necessary for normal healthy growth, they are called essential amino acids.
Breastmilk is the ‘gold standard'. Like almost all other nutrients, the amount of essential amino acids in human milk is felt to be ideal for babies. Breastmilk is thus the model, or 'gold standard'. Breastmilk contains two types of proteins: whey and casein. Whey is naturally found in greater amounts than casein and is easier to digest because it is less likely to form curds, or clumps, in the stomach of infants. If you have to use formula, make sure it contains whey and casein in a ratio like that found in breastmilk. In addition, ensure that it has been heat-treated to make the casein protein more digestible.
Whole cow’s milk contains about three times more protein than breastmilk and has much more casein than whey. Cow’s milk also has a much higher mineral content than breastmilk and baby formula. For these reasons, cow’s milk can stress a baby’s intestines and kidneys and should not be offered to infants until 12 months of age.