A study on the amendment scheme of nutrient standard regulations for infant formula in Korea

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to propose some amendments on nutrient standard regulations of infant formula in Korea. For this purpose, we compared and analyzed the nutrient regulations of Korea, CODEX, U.S.A, Japan, EU, Australia and New Zealand. Some developing aspects of Korea's nutrient standard regulations for infant formula need to be examined as follows: firstly, both milk-based formula and soy-based formula standards would'be unified into an infant formula, and the user of infant formula would be categorized for babies less than 6 month old. Secondly, nitrogen conversion factor of milk protein in the infant formula would be 6.38, which is the same as that of CODEX Revised Standard. Protein quantities could be differentiated by protein sources, and essential amino acids in human milk would be standardized according to protein contents. Thirdly, a-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as essential fatty acids and trans fatty acid would, be standardized in terms of the contents. Fourthly, it is recommended that the unit of vitamins and minerals would be changed from g/100 g to g/100 kcal, and individual vitamins and mineral would have their maximum values. Finally, 5 nucleotides (cytidine, uridine, adenosine, guanosine, inosine 5′-monophosphate) and fluoride would he required for the strengthening the immunity and the development of teeth, respectively. In conclusion, the scientific studies on amendment scheme of nutrient standard regulations of infant formula is very important to fortify nutritional completeness for Korean infants and young children.