Patented Protein Blend Closest to Human Milk
Contains Alpha-lactalbumin: A Protein High in Essential Amino Acids
Alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-lac) is a high-quality whey protein that has been shown to promote growth, digestion, and tolerability.¹ Rich in essential amino acids, alpha-lac is the most abundant protein in mature human milk and it can be isolated from bovine milk and added to infant formula.¹ We’re the only US-made* infant formula to intentionally add alpha-lactalbumin and to include it at mature human milk levels.
*With globally sourced ingredients
Contains Lactoferrin: An Immune-Supporting Protein
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in high levels in colostrum. Lactoferrin has many biological roles including, but not limited to, iron absorption and transport, immune system modulation, antimicrobial and antiviral activities, cognition and gut health support.² We add lactoferrin at levels approved by the FDA.
Contains a Whey-Predominant 80:20 Whey:Casein Ratio
Whey and casein are the two major classes of protein in mammalian milks.³ They are digested and absorbed differently - whey remains liquid in the stomach and is digested faster, while casein forms curds and is digested more slowly.⁴ These differences in gastric emptying speed can impact digestion and absorption. Our formula mimics the 80:20 whey-to-casein ratio found in colostrum⁵ to support digestion and tolerability.
Contains a Combination of Intact & Partially Hydrolyzed Proteins
Human milk contains both intact (whole) proteins and partially hydrolyzed (broken down) proteins - in fact, proteases in the mammary gland selectively pre-digest proteins before they are consumed by the infant!⁶ Both types of proteins offer unique benefits in terms of nutrition and properties that affect functionality and tolerability outcomes like reflux, gassiness and fussiness.⁶ While you will commonly see either intact or hydrolyzed proteins in infant formula, we include both.
¹Layman, DK et al. (2018). Nutr Rev. 76(6):444-460. ²Lönnerdal, B et al. (2009). Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 12(3):293-297. ³Davoodi, SH et al. (2016). Iran J Pharm Res. 15(3):573. ⁴Boirie, Y et al. (1997). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 94(26):14930-14935. ⁵Liao, Y et al. (2017). J Proteome Res. 16(11):4113-4121. ⁶Nielsen, SD et al. (2017). J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 22(4):251-261.
Organic, Grass-fed Whole Milk—Not Skim
Contains Palmitic Acid from Whole Milk in The Optimal SN-2 Configuration
The positioning of fatty acids in the triglycerides of a fat source can impact outcomes. For example, SN-2 palmitic acid is important for softer stools and better absorption of fatty acids and minerals.¹ A quick refresher on triglyceride science tells us that triglycerides are composed of three fatty acids esterified (bound) in the SN-1, SN-2, and/or SN-3 positions on a glycerol backbone. The highest percentage of triglycerides in human milk are composed of palmitic acid in the SN-2 position.² Conversely , many infant formulas contain palm oil, which has a very low proportion of palmitic acid in the SN-2 position and a higher proportion in the SN-1 or SN-3 positions, which are associated with calcium soaps and constipation.¹ Whole cow’s milk provides an innate source of palmitic acid in the SN-2 position, comparatively more than vegetable oils.
Contains MFGM from Whole Milk
The main purpose of the milk fat globule (MFG) is to deliver fatty acids to their intended destinations in the body; however, components of the membrane, also known as the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) such as sphingomyelin, choline, cholesterol, and phospholipids, also support metabolic function, cognitive development, immune and gut health.³ Given that the triglycerides in human milk and whole cow’s milk are surrounded by the MFGM, it follows that skimming milk removes the fat (triglycerides) and the MFGM along with it. This is an important concept because infants require fatty acids for growth and development, so the practice of skimming milk means that lipids must come from extraneous sources like vegetable oils. Using whole milk as a formula ingredient retains innate lipids and the MFGM and lessens the reliance on vegetable oils to provide essential fatty acids.
Contains More PUFAs from Grass-fed Cows
Omega-3 and Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAS) are essential nutrients (they cannot be manufactured in the body and therefore must be consumed in the diet) important for brain and nerve cell development.⁴ A healthful omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is ~1:1,⁵ yet over-reliance on vegetable oils has potential to skew this ratio in favor of omega-6 fatty acids, which may be associated with inflammation and related downstream health outcomes. Whole milk from grass-fed cows contains innate omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in a more healthful ratio.⁶ We include DHA within the WHO’s daily recommended intake range for infants.
¹Yao, M et al. (2014) J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 59(4):440. ²Hunter, JE et al. (2001). Lipids.36(7):655-668. ³Kosmerl E et al. (2021). Microorganisms. 9(2):1-22. ⁴Huffman, SL et al. (2011). Matern Child Nutr. 7 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):44-65. ⁵Simopoulos AP. (2002). Biomed Pharmacother. 56(8):365-379. ⁶Daley, CA et al. (2010) Nutr J. 2010;9(1):10.
Carbohydrates From Lactose—Like Human Milk
Contains The Same Carbohydrate Source as Human Milk
Lactose is the predominant carbohydrate source in human milk and it supports growth, digestion, immune and gut health.¹ Up to 98% of the lactose in human milk is used to support normal growth and development, while a small fraction remains undigested and helps to soften stools and provide a food source for commensal gut bacteria.² Many standard infant formulas rely on maltodextrin or corn syrup solids as carbohydrate sources instead of lactose, which have potential implications on the gut microbiome,³ preference for sweet taste,⁴ and maladaptive metabolic responses.⁵
Nearly all infants are equipped with adequate lactase (the intestinal brush border enzyme that hydrolyzes lactose); therefore, while lactose can be easy to blame for formula-related tolerance issues, true lactose intolerance in infants is exceedingly rare and infant formulas containing lactose are well-tolerated by most term infants.⁶ While there are clinical classifications of lactose intolerance in infants (e.g., developmental lactase deficiency in infants <34 weeks gestation, secondary lactose intolerance, or congenital lactase deficiency), these conditions are uncommon and low-lactose and lactose-free formulas for healthy, term infants are rarely indicated.⁷
¹Ballard, O et al. (2013) . Pediatr Clin North Am 60(1):49-74. ²Jakobsen, LMA et al. (2019) J Proteome Res18(8):3086-3098. ³Jones, RB et al.(2020) Gut Microbes12(1). ⁴Hampson, HE et al. (2022) Nutrients 14(5):1115. ⁵Anderson, CE et al. (2022) Am J Clin Nutr 116(4):1002-1009. ⁶DI Costanzo M et al. (2018) Ann Nutr Metab73 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):30-37. ⁷Heine RG et al. (2017) World Allergy Organ J.10(1).
Organic Prebiotics
Contains Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS): A Well-Studied Prebiotic for Gut Health
Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) is a well-studied prebiotic fiber that promotes beneficial Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, enhances gut barrier function, inhibits pathogen adhesion, and promotes softer stools.¹ ² GOS is derived from lactose and may be included in infant formula to improve tolerance and achieve gut health outcomes more similar to infants fed human milk.
¹Ambrogi, V et al. (2023). Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 63(6):753-766. ²Ratsika, A et al. (2021). Nutrients. 13(2):1-33.
Certified Cleanest Ingredients + Sustainable Packaging
The Clean Label Project is a consumer protection group that independently evaluates products for substances not found on the product label (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides, and more). We are the first and only infant formula company to win all three Clean Label Project awards: The CLP First 1000 Days Promise, CLP Purity Award, and CLP Certified Pesticide Free.
When it comes to sustainability, there’s a lot to love about the ByHeart can. For starters, it’s so much more than a pretty can. At 24 oz, it’s significantly larger than the average 14 oz can. It’s also all-metal and infinitely recyclable, so if you don’t reuse it (inspiration available on our Instagram @ByHeart), you can feel good about dropping it in the recycling bin.
End-to-End Ownership
As the first new US infant formula manufacturer in 15 years (we’re one of only five in the entire country) we are fully integrated—meaning we have sole responsibility of our product from initial design, to delivery, to the customer. This is a big deal. Because what you own, you can control.
