Gastrointestinal tolerability of organic infant formula compared to traditional ‎infant formula: A systematic review

Table 3 Comparison between human milk and organic formula

Feature	Human milk	Organic infant milk
Source	Produced by lactating mothers	Derived from organic cow's milk
Composition	Complex and ever-changing, tailored to the individual baby's needs	Mimics the composition of human milk but may not be identical
Nutrients	Contains all the nutrients a baby needs for optimal growth and development, including antibodies, enzymes, hormones, and growth factors	It contains most of the nutrients a baby needs but may not be as high in certain nutrients as human milk
Digestibility	Easily digestible, less strain on baby's digestive system, and well-absorbed	It may be more difficult to digest than human milk, especially for preterm babies. Generally easy to digest but may be more difficult to digest than human milk, especially for preterm babies. Some babies may have sensitivities
Allergies	It may help protect against allergies	Despite being organic, it may not offer the same protection against allergies as human milk
Infections	It may help protect against infections	It may not offer the same protection against infections as human milk
Growth Factors	Contains growth-promoting factors	Contains growth factors for the development
Probiotics	Contains beneficial bacteria	It may contain added probiotics
Cost	Free (if breastfeeding)	Varies, but typically more expensive than conventional infant formula
Availability	Available from any mother who is breastfeeding; no preparation is needed	Available at most grocery stores and online retailers, Requires preparation and storage
Environmental Impact	Minimal carbon footprint, no packaging waste	It may have a higher carbon footprint and packaging waste
Emotional Bonding	Promotes bonding between mother and baby	Less direct emotional bonding