Scientists from 15 countries around the world have found that many of the manufacturers’ advertising promises about the health benefits of baby food have no scientific proof. Research published BMJ.
Baby food manufacturers often advertise it as beneficial for brain development, immunity and growth. Scientists believe such promises could lead to reduced breastfeeding frequency.
They searched the websites of baby food manufacturers and looked at packages of formula for healthy babies on time in 15 countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain in 2020-2022 UK and USA. Employees of Sechenov University participated in the research conducted by scientists from Imperial College London.
The most common groups of ingredients listed in the formulation are long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (46% of products); prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics (37% of products) and hydrolyzed protein (20% of products).
26% of products included at least one research link to support the promotional promise. At the same time, manufacturers often refer to low-quality studies or animal testing, which cannot serve as evidence of benefit to humans. In addition, 88% of study authors received funding from formulators.
Scientists believe that it is necessary to immediately change the norms of marketing baby food.