Does Gerber Good Start Formula Contain Pork?

As a new parent, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing an infant formula for your baby. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which formula is right for your child. One particular concern for some parents is whether formula contains pork or pork-derived ingredients.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Gerber Good Start formula to find out if it contains pork. Gerber is one of the most popular and widely-used formula brands, so this is useful information for many parents.

A Brief Background on Gerber Good Start

Gerber Good Start is one of several infant formula product lines made by the well-known baby food brand Gerber It comes in three main varieties

• Gerber Good Start Gentle Formulated for babies with sensitive tummies It contains partially broken down whey protein and added probiotics

• Gerber Good Start Soothe Made for babies with gas fussiness or colic. Contains probiotics and a carbohydrate blend to ease digestion.

• Gerber Good Start Protect: Designed for immune support with added DHA, prebiotics, and antioxidants.

All Good Start formulas are milk-based, meaning the main ingredients are cow’s milk proteins like whey and casein. They also contain various vitamins, minerals, oils, and other additives.

Gerber states that Good Start exceeds FDA requirements for nutrient levels in infant formula and has been clinically shown to reduce fussiness, gas, and crying in babies.

Do Any Good Start Formulas Contain Pork?

The simple answer is yes – certain Good Start formulas do contain pork-derived ingredients.

Specifically, the whey protein concentrate used in Good Start Gentle and other standard formulas is sourced from cheese made with enzymes derived from pigs (porcine enzymes).

The enzyme used is called rennet. It’s added to milk to encourage curdling and separate curds from whey. Most rennet today comes from genetically-engineered microorganisms, but some still comes from pigs.

So while Good Start doesn’t directly contain pork, the whey protein concentrate is produced using pork enzymes. This understandably raises concerns for some parents about feeding pig-derived ingredients to their babies.

However, it’s important to note that these pork enzymes are not present in the final formula product. They are used in processing the dairy ingredients but then filtered out. Only trace amounts may remain.

A Pork-Free Option: Gerber Good Start Soy

For parents wishing to avoid any pork-derived ingredients, Gerber does offer a soy-based alternative: Gerber Good Start Soy.

As the name indicates, this formula swaps dairy proteins for soy protein isolate. Soy beans do not require rennet for processing, so Gerber Good Start Soy is completely pork-free.

The soy formula has a similar nutrient profile to the dairy Good Start and is designed to provide complete nutrition for infants with sensitivities to cow’s milk.

However, soy formulas are generally not recommended for babies under 6 months except under medical guidance. Some babies who cannot tolerate milk-based formula may need hypoallergenic or extensively hydrolyzed options instead of soy.

Checking Labels to Confirm Pork Status

To know for certain whether a particular formula contains pork, the best approach is to carefully read labels before purchasing.

Here are some things to look for:

• Ingredients list: Scan this list for any ingredients derived from pigs like porcine enzymes. Rennet may also indicate pork-derived enzymes were used.

• Allergen statements: Formulas made without the top allergens will state “milk free” or “soy free” on the label. Lack of a “pork free” claim could mean pork enzymes were used.

• Certifications: Look for a kosher or halal symbol, which verifies no pork products were used. Lack of these certifications suggests pork may be present.

• Contact the manufacturer: If unsure, call the formula company directly and ask about their whey protein source and use of porcine enzymes. Most are happy to provide this information.

Reading formulas’ FDA-regulated ingredient statements is the surest way to determine if pork enzymes were used. Companies are required to list the source of enzymes like rennet.

Is It Safe for Babies to Consume Pig-Derived Ingredients?

For babies with severe allergies or sensitivities, doctors may recommend completely avoiding all pork-derived ingredients, including pork enzymes used in processing.

However, most pediatricians agree that trace amounts of porcine enzymes remaining in whey protein are not harmful to infants.

The enzymes are essentially filtered out after being used to process the dairy ingredients. Only infinitesimal trace amounts may linger, but not enough to cause an allergic reaction or other issues in most babies.

Of course, parents have every right to avoid pork enzymes in infant formula due to religious, ethical, or personal health reasons. But there is no evidence confirming pig-derived ingredients are inherently dangerous to babies’ health.

Alternatives to Good Start for Infants With Sensitivities

If your baby cannot tolerate regular milk-based formulas like Good Start Gentle, there are several alternatives:

• Partially hydrolyzed formulas: Partially broken down proteins make these easier to digest. Examples: Gerber Good Start Gentle, Enfamil Gentlease

• Extensively hydrolyzed formulas: Proteins are extensively broken into smaller peptides. Examples: Gerber Extensive HA, Nutramigen, Alimentum

• Amino acid formulas: The “gold standard” for infants with severe cow milk allergies. Examples: Neocate, Elecare, PurAmino

• Soy formulas: Use under doctor’s guidance. Not suitable for all milk-intolerant babies. Example: Gerber Good Start Soy

• Elemental formulas: For babies unable to tolerate even hydrolyzed proteins. Require medical authorization. Examples: Vivonex, EleCare, Neocate Splash

Talk to your pediatrician to determine which formula may be best for your baby based on their symptoms and health needs. Never try to diagnose or switch formulas without first consulting a doctor.

Gerber Good Start: A Nutritious Formula with Sensitive Protein

When fed according to instructions, Gerber Good Start can provide complete, high-quality nutrition to support your baby’s growth and development.

The Good Start line contains thoughtfully formulated, pediatrician-recommended formulas to address various infant health needs.

For babies who require gentler proteins, the partially broken down whey protein in Good Start Gentle is easier to digest than proteins in standard formulas. This makes it a great option for minor feeding tolerance issues.

Just be aware that like most dairy-based formulas, Good Start does contain whey protein processed with pork-derived enzymes. Gerber Good Start Soy offers a suitable alternative for families wanting to completely avoid pork-derived ingredients.

As always, consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about which formula is best for your baby. With their guidance and diligent label reading, you can find the right feeding option for your child.