Selenium to Appear on Nutrient Information Required for Infant Formula

On 22 June 2015 the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) published a measure which will add selenium to the required list for nutrients in infant formulas.

The rule adding selenium to the required infant formula nutrient list is to be effective as of 23 July 2016.

Selenium Added to Infant Formula Nutrient List (1)

US FDA (2) has modified 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 107.10 which provides the nutrient information required for infant formula. This change requires a minimum of 2 micrograms per kilocalories and a maximum of 7 micrograms per 100 kilocalories of selenium in infant formula. Additionally the US FDA has modified 21 CFR 107.100 the nutrient specifications for infant formula which will require the labeling of the amount of selenium per 100 kilocalories in infant formula.

Selenium – An Essential Nutrient for Young Children

Selenium which is found in breast milk is an essential nutrient for infants. Selenium helps the infant’s body defend against oxidative stress and aids in the regulation of the thyroid.

In 1989, the Institute of Medicine recognized selenium to be an essential nutrient for infants. The US manufactures have been adding selenium to infant formula since then. US FDA is establishing a safe range for the use of selenium.

References:

1 – U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA Issues Final Rule to Add Selenium to List of Required Nutrients for Infant Formula (http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm451982.htm)

2 – Federal Register, Infant Formula: The Addition of Minimum and Maximum Levels of Selenium to Infant Formula and Related Labeling Requirements (https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/06/23/2015-15394/infant-formula-the-addition-of-minimum-and-maximum-levels-of-selenium-to-infant-formula-and-related)

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