Comparative Nutrient Analysis of Regular, Organic, and Homemade Infant and Toddler Foods

Oberlin AL, Myers KB, Brink

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to compare energy and selected nutrients from labels of regular pre-packaged and organic pre-packaged foods, and calculated from information in the USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference for homemade foods for infants and toddlers. Two-hundred and thirty-two infant products and 71 toddler products were evaluated. Regular pre-packaged infant foods had more kilocalories, carbohydrates, sugar, sodium, calcium, iron, and vitamin C. Organic pre-packaged toddler foods had more kilocalories, fiber, sugar, and vitamin C. Educating parents/caregivers in effective label reading and nutritional assessment methods can help with making better food choices for infant and toddlers.

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