When Toronto mom Alison Zanini* began looking for the optimal formula for her five-month-old son, Jonathan, to help supplement her low milk supply, she looked online, asked friends and talked to her doctor for recommendations. Ultimately, she chose a European formula because she liked the short ingredient list and organic certification. Since it?s not available in stores, she’s been buying it online for the past three months?except for when it’s been out of stock and she’s had to find other ways to get it.
In recent years, there?s been a surge of interest in European-made formulas, with many new parents discussing them in forums and several Canadian companies offering them online. Bridget Young, research assistant professor at University of Rochester?s Department of Pediatrics, runs BabyFormulaExpert.com and says the boost in popularity is due to the perception that European formulas are higher quality and better for babies. But are they really worth it" European baby formulas versus Canadian formulas
In Europe and North America, baby formulas are the most regulated food on grocery store shelves. ?Both will grow a baby perfectly fine,? says Young. Both are also safe in terms of sterile manufacturing environments and packaging.
But some parents are concerned that Canadian formulas may contain pesticides, genetically modified ingredients, added sugar and chemicals, since there are no regulations restricting these.  That?s why people turn to European br...