The aim of this study was to investigate energy as well as the protein and mineral composition of milk formulas available on the Spanish market. We studied 20 milk formulas, 14 of which were adapted milk formulas intended for feeding newborns during the first 4-6 months of life and the other 6 ones were follow-up milk formulas. Determinations of energy, total protein, osmolality, sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus and calcium were performed by adiabatic calorimetry, cryoscopy, flame photometry, photocolorimetry and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry respectively. Experimental energy in all formulas was higher than that determined by nutrient contents and conversion factors. Three of the adapted formulas presented higher values of protein than those recommended by ESPGAN and some of them also high levels for sodium total electrolytes. However, the estimated renal solute load for each of the formulas was lower than the minimum renal concentration ability. All formulas, except one, showed normal values for calcium and the contents of phosphorus, were within normalcy. All the follow-up formulas agreed with the ESPGAN recommendations related with protein and mineral composition.
Energy Intake Humans