We all know fat is good for babies, but why exactly? Below is a conversation with Nara’s VP of Scientific Affairs, Gyan Rai, PhD, about milk fat, MFGM, and why Nara uses so much whole milk.
Hi Gyan! You have a PhD in biochemistry and you’ve worked in infant nutrition for years. Can you quickly explain the importance of fat for babies?
GR: The first 1,000 days of life — the time between pregnancy and your baby’s second birthday — are a time of rapid brain growth, and the brain needs fat for healthy development. Infants need nearly 50% of their calories from fat! So fat is crucial for growing babies.
What about the kind of fat? Does it matter?
GR: Let’s talk about babies who are under 6 months and not eating solids. In that case, they have two possible sources of fat — breastmilk and/or infant formula. Breastmilk naturally contains milk fat.
Most infant formulas use vegetable oils as their only fat source. A few formulas, including Nara, are based on whole milk, which means they contain milk fat in addition to the oils. This is important for several reasons. Milk fat provides some important fatty acids in unique configurations that help with their absorption. Another important reason whole milk formulas are exciting is because they contain naturally occurring MFGM, which developing research shows has benefits for growing babies.
Ok, MFGM. This part gets a little more complicated.
GR: I would say MFGM is a complex component of milk fat. MFGM stands for Milk Fat Globule Membrane. The fat globules in whole milk are surrounded by a layered membrane. This membrane contains multiple bioactive compounds. MFGM surrounds the fat globule, but it’s also an incredible structure in itself. MFGM is found in mammal milks, like breastmilk and whole cows’ milk. But not in milk that has been skimmed of its fat (i.e. skim milk or nonfat milk).
What are the benefits of MFGM for babies?
GR: The research on MFGM in formula is very active and happening as we speak. We know that MFGM in breastmilk has benefits for babies. Developing research shows that MFGM in formula also provides similar benefits and helps support cognitive development, the immune system, and gut health. This is incredibly important for babies during the first 1,000 days.
Last question. Why did you choose to work with Nara Organics?
GR: Nara is doing something truly unique, and I wanted to be a part of a new phase in the infant formula evolution. Esther (Nara’s founder) wanted to include the highest possible amount of milk fat in an infant formula — so, we secured our own GRAS notification from the FDA for the highest amount of whole milk in an infant formula. Nara Organics infant formula is also the only USDA organic whole milk formula in the U.S. with no skim milk. We performed our own trail-blazing clinical trial and partnered with state-of-the art facilities to deliver the best possible formula on the market today. I am proud to be part of this team.
Thank you, Gyan!
