A Review of the Scientific Basis for Optional Ingredients in Infant Formula

In this review, the nutritional functions and health effects of several optional ingredients in infant and follow-up formulas were summarized. Different optional ingredients provide different nutritional values, including inositol, taurine, 1,3-dioleic acid-2-palmitic acid triglyceride, docosahex-aenoic acid, arachidonic acid, galacto-oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides, L-carnitine, lutein, nucleotides and lactoferrin. These nutrients not only promote the physical development of the infants, but also effectively reduce the risk of illness in infants. The importance of existing optional ingredients is summarized and discussed in order to provide a theoretical basis for more scientific design of infant and follow-up formulas.