Fats

Fat is the most important nutrient in breastmilk; the absence of cholesterol and DHA, vital nutrients for growing brains and bodies, may predispose a child to adult heart and central nervous system diseases. Leftover, unabsorbed fat accounts for unpleasant smelling stools in formula-fed babies.

In Breast Milk:

Rich in brain-building omega 3s, namely DHA and AA -Automatically adjusts to infant’s needs; levels decline as baby gets older -Rich in cholesterol -Nearly completely absorbed -Contains fat-digesting enzyme, lipase

In Formula:

-No DHA -Doesn’t adjust to infant’s needs -No cholesterol -Not completely absorbed -No lipase

Protein

Infants aren’t allergic to human milk protein.

In Breast Milk:

-Soft, easily-digestible whey -More completely absorbed; higher in the milk of mothers who deliver preterm -Lactoferrin for intestinal health -Lysozyme, an antimicrobial -Rich in brain-and-body- building protein components -Rich in growth factors -Contains sleep-inducing proteins

In Formula:

-Harder-to-digest casein curds

– Not completely absorbed, more waste, harder on kidneys.

-No lactoferrin, or only a trace.  No lysozyme

Carbohydrates

Lactose is considered an important carbohydrate for brain development. Studies show the level of lactose in the milk of a species correlates with the size of the brain of that species.

In Breast Milk:

-Rich in lactose

-Rich in oligosaccharides, which promote intestinal health

In Formula:

-No lactose in some formulas

-Deficient in oligosaccharides

Immune Boosters

When mother is exposed to a germ, she makes antibodies to that germ and gives these antibodies to her infant via her milk.

In Breast Milk:

-Rich in living white blood cells, millions per feeding -Rich in immunoglobulins

In Formula:

-No live white blood cells-or any other cells. Dead food has less immunological benefit. -Few immunoglobulins and most are the wrong kind

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals in breast milk enjoy a higher bioavailability-that is, a greater percentage is absorbed. To compensate, more is added to formula, which makes it harder to digest.

In Breast Milk:

-Better absorbed, especially iron, zinc, and calcium -Iron is 50 to 75 percent absorbed. -Contains more selenium (an antioxidant)

In Formula:

Not absorbed as well -Iron is 5 to 10 percent absorbed -Contains less selenium (an antioxidant)

Enzymes and Hormones

Digestive enzymes promote intestinal health. Hormones contribute to the overall biochemical balance and well- being of baby.  By taking on the flavor of mother’s diet, breastmilk shapes the tastes of the child to family foods.

In Breast Milk:

-Rich in digestive enzymes, such as lipase and amylase -Rich in many hormones: thyroid, prolactin, oxytocin, and more than fifteen others -Varies with mother’s diet

In Formula:

-Processing kills digestive enzymes -Processing kills hormones, which are not human to begin with -Always tastes the same

Cost

Of Breast Milk:

-Around $600 a year in extra food for mother

Of Formula:

-Around $1,200 a year -Up to $2,500 a year for hypoallergenic formulas -Cost for bottles and other supplies -Lost income when baby is ill

Reference

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/breastfeeding/why-breast-best/comparison-human-milk-and-formula

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