Comparative Analysis of Nutrient Indicators and Limits Specified in Domestic and International Standards for Infant and Young Child Formulae

The standards for infant and young child formulae of China, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), the European Union (EU), Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), and the United States were compared with respect to energy, protein, fat, and optional ingredients to identify differences in nutritional requirements. It was found that China has established stringent standards for infant, follow-on, and young child formulae. The Chinese and CAC standards for infant and follow-on formulae are highly consistent, with nearly identical limits set for essential nutrients such as energy, total fat, total carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins. The major difference between them is that the addition of inositol and L-carnitine is mandated by the CAC, while these compounds are classified as optional ingredients in China. The limits set by China for essential ingredients such as energy, fat, and carbohydrates are consistent with those from the EU standards, while the limits for 13 nutrients including vitamins A and D are higher than those from the EU standards. Additionally, the EU has mandated the addition of inositol, L-carnitine, and docosahexaenoic acid, and has approved seven human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) for use in infant formula. In contrast, only two HMOs have been approved in China. These variations can be attributed to differences in breast milk composition data, infant dietary patterns, nutritional deficiency status, and regulatory philosophies among countries. This paper clarifies the similarities and differences in the nutritional requirements of domestic and international standards for infant and young child formulae, providing crucial insights for refining China’s regulatory revisions and guiding consumers in selecting products that meet the nutritional needs of local infants and young children.