Formula changing their calorie count.

     For many years, infant standard formulas have had 20 calories per ounce. This was based on the fact that breast milk averaged 20 calories per ounce. However, many formulas (including formulas such as Similac and Isomil) are changing to 19 calories per ounce. The ongoing research shows that although the average mom's breast milk contains 19 calories per ounce in the US, the range is from 11 to 35 calories per ounce. To try to be as close to breast milk as possible, the formulas are changing. Research has showed that although there are 5% less calories per ounce, the infants fed about the same amount each day AND grew just fine. My take on this is that it makes sense to try to match the calories of breast milk and the infants should do fine. If you have questions, ask at your child's appointment time or call us during routine office hours.