Plant-Based Oils in Baby Formula? What is that you say...

Written by Kathryn Holt. Registered Dietitian.
Lakeside RD, Custom Nutrition and Counseling

You may be wondering why infant and toddler formulas include plant-based or vegetable oils. The short answer is that fat plays a crucial role in a baby’s growth, and plant-based oils are one of the ways to provide the types of fats babies need. For some infants with allergies or specific health concerns, plant-based sources can also be especially important.

Formulas are designed to mimic the fat profile of human milk as closely as possible, and plant-based oils help achieve that balance

Beyond the numbers and considerable importance of fat for development in children, a balance of nutrient intake is another key factor in infant formula development - carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamin and mineral composition are all incorporated to support the overall health and development of babies. 

Understanding Plant-Based oil/Vegetable oil in Infant Formula 

We understand that conversations around “plant-based” ingredients can sometimes feel confusing, especially when both animal and plant sources appear on ingredient lists. This shift has led some parents to ask questions and that’s completely normal.

Ingredients such as soy or rapeseed (canola) oil are commonly used in infant formulas to contribute fat and overall nutritional value. These oils are widely regarded as safe and have been used for many years. Soy-based formulas, for example, have a long history of safe use, and there is no evidence to suggest harm to infants at any stage of life.

Different plant oils come with different benefits, and opinions can vary. What is important to know is that there is currently no long-term evidence showing negative health outcomes specific to one plant oil over another. When choosing a product, the most meaningful factor is selecting an option you feel comfortable and confident using.

How will this affect my child's health? 

Basically, from a potential growth perspective in children, most plant-based oils are similar and there is currently not enough evidence to suggest that cardiac or obesogenic outcomes could be related to one or another specifically, especially if infants are fed a healthy and well-balanced diet following formula use.

In Canada, incorporating mandatory nutrients in formula or toddler drinks is essential for Canadian health standards. Regulations ensure that formula and toddler drinks provide adequate nutrients to support long-term health, and as a result, ingredient selection and product development play a crucial role in meeting these nutritional standards.

When comparing products, make sure to view similar labels between products that have a comparable serving size. Achieving balance is an optimal way to support long term growth and development! 

Key Take-aways: 

• Plant-based fats are a quality source of nutrition for infants and children
• Dietary fat is essential for growth and development
• Fat supports absorption of important vitamins and minerals
• Different sources of nutrition provide a balance and essential variety of nutrients to support health
• Formula companies choose high-quality ingredients to meet their product standards

Balancing Nutrition for Healthy Growth

In summary, plant-based oils play a valuable role in infant and toddler formulas by helping to replicate the fat profile of human milk while providing essential nutrients for growth and development. Scientific research does not indicate any long-term harm from consuming these oils, and regulatory standards ensure that formulas meet the necessary nutritional requirements. 

Choosing a formula ultimately comes down to comfort and personal preference, and comfort with ingredient choices. A well-balanced diet, whether through formula or complementary foods, remains the foundation for a child's healthy growth.

     Kathryn Holt 
     Registered Dietitian
     Lakeside RD, Custom Nutrition and Counseling
     https://lakesidecustomnutrition.com/