The shortage of infant formula in the United States has garnered significant public attention, but few are aware of the origins of this product.
When Did Baby Formula Come Into Existence?
According to the American online journal of pediatric education, The Journal of Perinatal Education (JPE), infant formula was developed in the 19th century to meet the changes in socio-economic conditions, allowing women more time to work or providing an alternative for those who could not breastfeed. Although no infants have been born or even conceived in space, NASA states that their research into space has led to breakthroughs that enhance the nutritional value of infant formula.
For thousands of years, the only way to provide nutritious food to infants was through breastfeeding. However, not all mothers are able to breastfeed, which could lead to malnutrition or require another woman to act as a wet nurse. As noted by JPE, this practice has existed for millennia, but in the 19th century, as the economy in Europe developed, many poor women had to work instead of staying home to care for their children, making infant malnutrition a “hot” topic of public concern. During this time, advancements in food preservation technology extended the shelf life of perishable foods, including dairy products. As a result, according to the journal Contemporary Pediatrics, in 1860, German chemist Justus von Liebig successfully researched and developed the first commercial baby food, a precursor to today’s infant formula.
Infant formula originated in the 19th century. (Photo: GC)
In the United States, the introduction of infant formula has sparked ongoing debates about its nutritional content. For some families, formula is an essential product, although its use has been linked to certain health issues in children, including diabetes and obesity. The pediatric community asserts that breast milk is the best option, but many women who are unable to breastfeed often feel injured or even ashamed for not being able to do so.
What Has NASA Done to Enhance the Nutritional Content of Formula?
Despite the limitations of infant formula, there is at least one nutrient that is a crucial component of all mass-produced infant formulas in the U.S. since the 1990s. That is DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid. According to NASA, they have examined foods and food-like products that could be utilized during long-duration space missions. For example, flights to Mars would take years rather than just months. Therefore, maintaining food stability and nutritional adequacy is critical.
A team of NASA researchers sought sources of DHA and began to consider it as a nutrient for long-duration space flights. This nutrient is also beneficial for infants, both in the womb and while breastfeeding. Since 1994, this nutrient has been added to mass-produced infant formulas. According to NASA, this nutrient helps infants “develop healthy brains, eyes, and hearts.”
