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Palm oil is often found in baby oil – but isn’t it bad? Not just for babies, but for the environment?
You’ve probably seen stories about how palm oil can destroy forest habitats. This is true – but there are sustainable forms of palm oil. HiPP, for example, uses organic, sustainable palm oil.
But even if you stick to sustainable palm oil, what about the effects on your baby? It is important to understand that palm oil is not everything bad.
Why is palm oil in the formula?
Formula makers use it because it contains natural oils that can help your baby’s body and brain grow.
All children need fat to support their growth, and unlike adults, you don’t have to worry about limiting calories or reducing fat intake (unless advised by your pediatrician).
Fat is essential for brain development, and at least two should be circulating one third of their calories from oil.
Palm oil is often the first choice for milk because it closely resembles palmitic acid – a mineral found in breast milk. It also contains other important nutrients, such as:
- Beta-carotene, to help vision
- Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant
- Vitamin K, which helps in blood clotting
- Good cholesterol, for a healthy heart
Is there anything wrong with palm oil?
There are concerns that babies are not absorbing palm oil and other fats (including palmitic acid found in breast milk), which could mean they are also taking in less calcium, which can lead to bone loss. To compensate, formula makers add calcium to their milk.
Is there an alternative to palm oil?
Yes. Concerns about the oil absorption and sustainability of palm oil mean that one European brand, Flyinghas decided not to use it at all. Instead, they use coconut oil, which is known to be easily absorbed by babies.
Should I choose lean palm oil?
For many children, palm oil is a healthy fat that helps them grow. But, either because of stability or because of concerns about oil absorption, some parents prefer to choose an oil-free palm oil such as Loulouka.