Baby Formula, Breastfeeding, and Nutrition

Special formulas are required for some infants:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are some instances where infants should not receive breast milk or any other milk except for specialized formula. Infants with galactosemia, a condition in which the body is unable to use the simple sugar galactose, need a special galactose-free formula. Infants with maple syrup urine disease, a metabolism disorder in which the body cannot break down certain parts of proteins (amino acids), require a special formula free of the following amino acides: leucine, isoleucine and valine. Additionally, infants without the ability to properly break down an amino acid called phenylalanine (phenylketonuria) need a special phenylalanine-free formula (some breastfeeding is possible, under careful monitoring). (2)