Functional Infant Formula Additives

Breastfeeding is the ideal initial feeding method for providing nutrition to full-term infants and is recommended by major health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization. Despite improvements in global breastfeeding rates, many infants still receive formula. Significant advancements have been achieved in the safety and nutritional content of modern formulas. Various functional additives, such as human milk oligosaccharides, milk fat globule membrane, docosahexaenoic acid, and lactoferrin, are used with the aim to replicate some of the benefits of breast milk. These additives enhance formula by providing benefits beyond basic nutrition. The aim of this review is to summarize these additives and their impact on infant nutrition and development.