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What is it :

What is SMA Gold*?

SMA Gold is a first stage, nutritionally complete, whey-dominant infant milk.

It is suitable from birth and during the first twelve months of life for babies who are not breast fed or for those who are being complementary fed.

A whey-dominant infant milk like SMA Gold is more suitable for young infants as the protein composition is closer to that of breast milk and easy to digest.

The protein content of first stage infant milks also has a lower renal solute load than second-stage milks, which may reduce the stress on developing kidneys.

SMA Gold protein formulation

In 2007, the proportion of specific key whey proteins in SMA Gold was improved compared to other typical whey-dominant infant formulae.

The level of α-protein in SMA Gold was increased. The formulation is closer than ever to levels of α-protein found in breast milk.

The level of β-protein – the predominant whey protein in cows’ milk, which is not normally present in breast milk – was also reduced.

Pie chart showing breast milk percentages

^†alpha-lactalbumin
^††beta-lactoglobulin

This change benefits bottle-fed babies in several ways:

Improved essential amino acid profile^1, ^{3, 4}
Reduction in total protein content¹
Reduction in renal solute load^1,5
Tolerated similar to breast milk⁴
Provides a prebiotic effect⁸

Click ‘Latest info’ to learn more

SMA Gold*

The closest whey protein profile to that of breast milk

Alpha-lactalbumin enriched
A protein profile closer to that of breast milk
Contains vegetable source of LCPs (Long-Chain Polyunsaturated fatty acids), important for brain, eye and nervous system development
Contains nucleotides, which are important in the development of babies’ immune system^{6, 7}
Contains antioxidants such as selenium
Contains vitamins and minerals for a growing infant’s needs

References:

1. Lien EL, Davis DM, Euler AR et al. Growth and safety in term Infants Fed Reduced-Protein Formula with added Bovine Alpha-lactalbumin. J Ped Gastrol Nutr 2004; 38: 170-176

2. Fomon SJ. Nutrition of normal infants. St Louis, MO: Mosby 1993

3. Jackson JG, Janzen DB, Lonnerdal B et al. A multinational study of alpha-lactalbumin concentrations in human milk. J Nutr Biochem 2004; 15:517-521

4. Davis AM and Harris BJ, Increased alpha-lactalbumin infant formula fed to healthy term infants in a Multicenter Study: Plasma Essential Amino Acids and Gastrointestinal Tolerance. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Advance online publication 25th July 2007.

# . Last accessed March 2008.

5. Lien EL. Infant formulas with increased concentrations of alpha-lactalbumin. Am J Clin Nutr 2003; 77: 1555S-1558S

6. Carver JD et al. Dietary nucleotide effects upon immune function in infants. Pediatrics 1991; 88: 359-363

7. Carver JD. Dietary nucleotide effects on the immune and gastrointestinal systems. Acta Paediatr Supp 1999; 430: 83-88

8. Bettler J and Kullen MJ. Infant formula enriched with alpha-lactalbumin has a prebiotic effect in healthy term infants. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition 2007 44 supp 1 e l-e360

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Breast feeding is best for babies. Infant milks are intended to replace breast milk when mothers do not breast feed. Good maternal nutrition is important for the preparation and maintenance of breast feeding. Introducing partial bottle feeding may have a negative effect on breast feeding and reversing a decision not to breast feed is difficult. You should always seek the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant milks and on all matters of infant feeding. Infant milk should always be prepared and used as directed. Unnecessary or improper use of infant milk may present a health hazard. Social and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding.

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This information is intended for use only by residents of the UK and ROI