Protein & growth

The quality and quantity of protein that babies receive is very important, as this is one of the main drivers of growth in infancy and childhood. Babies who are breastfed grow at a slower rate during their first year of life compared with those who are formula fed.⁷ This slower growth rate may be associated with positive health outcomes, such as reducing the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.⁴

One of the reasons that a breastfed infant may grow at a slower rate than a formula-fed infant is the lower protein content of breast milk versus formula.⁸ The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has acknowledged that infants’ protein intake is “generally well above requirements”, and has recognised that a reduction in the protein content of infant formula and follow-on formula could be made.⁹