Nutritional Values Comparison of Five Commercial Infant Formula Brands Available in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Human breast milk is a unique blend of nutrients, enzymes, and immunological components specifically adapted to meet the needs of infants. It is widely regarded as the gold standard for infant nutrition. However, breastfeeding may not always be possible due to various factors, including maternal health issues, insufficient milk supply, or infant-related complications. In such cases, infant formula serves as a substitute, providing the necessary nutrients for healthy infant development. This study aimed to assess the nutritional components of infant formulas commonly available in the Ethiopian market for babies under six months old. Safety and nutritional adequacy were evaluated using the Codex Alimentarius Standard for Infant Formula (CSX). The observational study was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between November 2024 and February 2025. Formula brands were selected based on local popularity and included AptamilPremium, Bebelac, France Lait, Liptomil, and S-26 Gold. Nutritional information was obtained from product labels. Most brands included in the study had nutritional contents that fell within the optimal range specified by the Codex Alimentarius guidelines. Notable exceptions were Liptomil, which had higher-thanrecommended levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and Bebelac, which exceeded the recommended nucleotide content. Despite some variation in nutritional components among different brands, the results suggest that all formulas meet the CSX standards for essential nutrients. The primary differences were found in the optional ingredients. Overall, the findings indicate that the studied infant formula brands are both safe and nutritionally adequate.