Nayul's concerns about baby formula have finally come to an end. Although I tried creating the commonly used ingredient chart while analyzing baby formulas, it didn't seem to hold much significance. (It just seemed to increase unnecessary worries...?)
After watching the YouTube content and reading a blog post shared by a neighbor on why they chose A2 formula, it seemed I mostly dwelled on the issues of dextrin, palm oil, and A2 protein. Below is the YouTube video that guided my decision-making. While the video wasn't specifically targeting any particular formula brand, it was from Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. Considering their credibility, I thought it might be reliable.
Ingredients to Avoid
Palm Oil
Derived from palm fruits, it is typically added to formulas as a fat source to increase calorie content. However, a study from the American Pediatric Association revealed that it could inhibit the absorption of calcium and other minerals.
Dextrin
A substance produced by breaking down corn starch, it's used to make formula dissolve more smoothly in water. Consuming it in large amounts can raise blood sugar levels rapidly, potentially leading to diabetes. Moreover, it's said to inhibit the growth of probiotics in the gut, which could affect a baby's immune system.
A1 Protein
It is a type of milk protein. One of the many causes of a baby's upset stomach is due to A1 protein. Hence, formulas that contain a higher proportion of A2 protein, which is more structurally similar to breast milk protein, were recommended. Among the main proteins in milk, beta-casein constitutes 30-35%, with A1 and A2 being the most common types. (While cow's milk contains both A1 and A2, breast milk consists only of A2 beta-casein.) A1 beta-casein is broken down in the digestive system into a protein compound called BCM-7, which can cause 'indigestion, upset stomach, and allergies.' In contrast, A2 beta-casein doesn't break down into BCM-7, making it more digestible for babies.
Related Links
👉 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35571904/
👉 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19215668/
👉 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12728082/
After starting with the A2 formula...
Nayul was initially fed "I Am Mother" formula at the hospital and nursery, so we continued with it at home. However, her continued greenish stools worried us, leading us to consider a formula switch. Summing up all this information narrowed down our formula choices. While discussing with my office team, a colleague suggested giving the A2 formula a try and even ordered one for us. (Thanks, @Diego😆) Ever since starting Nayul on the A2 formula, she's had consistent healthy stools, leading me to believe it aids digestion and nutrition.
But does A2 formula have no drawbacks? Apart from its ingredients, it seems to have many. Perhaps it's the company that's the issue...😟
Drawbacks of A2 Formula
1. Cost
It's expensive. Though there are other pricey formulas like Aptamil and goat milk formula, A2 is comparably high in cost. Online prices, even after a 1-20% discount, are around 45,000 won per can (original price for 900g is 55,000 won). Comparing it to the "I Am Mother" formula (around 28,000 won for 800g), the A2 is almost 1.5-2 times more expensive. Still, knowing Nayul is getting the best makes the investment worth it.
2. Shipping
It's slow. In an era when same-day deliveries are possible, a standard delivery seems outdated. We almost ran out of the A2 formula my colleague ordered, so I placed an order from New Origin website about 2-3 days before finishing the can. It took five days for the formula to arrive. Luckily, Market Kurly had the product in stock, and I could get it delivered the next day, avoiding mixing it with "I Am Mother".
3. Mixing Difficulty
The formula doesn't dissolve easily in water. Previously, with "I Am Mother", it would easily mix at a suitable temperature of 40-43 degrees Celsius. But with A2, even at 50 degrees, it doesn't dissolve well, and this temperature is too hot for feeding Nayul. Adjusting it is always a challenge, especially when she's crying out of hunger.
Despite these drawbacks, I find myself choosing it because of its ingredient list. It's regrettable.
Tips on Buying A2 Formula Affordably
Even though the shipping might be slower, purchasing from the NewOrigin website offers a higher discount than other platforms like Naver. If anyone knows a cheaper avenue to buy, I would appreciate it if you could let me know. But, you don't just buy from the NewOrigin site; you need to register for their membership. The M&B membership, for instance, is sold at 30,000 won annually. After buying the membership and logging in again, you get a basic 30% discount for the A2 formula, whereas on regular websites, the discount is mostly up to 20%. Depending on the formula stage, they even offer discounts up to 40%, so take note.
For the first formula container, there was a period we mixed it with "I am Mother", so we didn't measure the exact time it took to finish a container. Therefore, a simple calculation to find out how long it takes to finish a can of formula goes like this:
- Total amount 900g / Two scoops 15g (7.5g per scoop) = 60 times
- Nayul feeds every 3 hours, so calculating 8 times a day, it's 60 / 8 = 7.5 days
It seems like we're going through a can almost every week😲. Generally, the stage 1 formula is given until the baby is 6 months old. So, if we calculate 4 cans a month, we'll probably need about 20 more cans for Nayul. That's almost 800,000 won just for the stage 1 formula... Nayul, Daddy will work hard for you!! 😅
Decision of May 12, 2023