FDA regulation on infant nutrition is not as clearly defined as EU stringent guidelines on baby food and formula. Ingredients that are banned for the use in European baby formulas are easily found in American baby formulas.
In the United States, the use of corn syrup solids as the primary carbohydrate source is often used as an acceptable substitute for lactose. American baby formula manufacturers choose this EU banned ingredient because it is widely available and has a cheap production value.
Corn syrup solids are made from corn syrup, which is a glucose also known as starch sugar, that has been dehydrated to remove the water and concentrates the sugars.
In the United States currently, up to 92% of all corn is genetically modified (GMO).
Many studies over the past decade have shown that GMOs can pose serious risks to farmers, human health, domesticated animals, wildlife and the environment. This alone makes corn syrup solids an undesirable ingredient.
Another concern with corn syrup solids and all forms of glucose added to American baby formula is the fact that it is a fast acting carbohydrate that will raise blood glucose levels relatively quickly when ingested. In many cases, this can produce symptoms of irritability, hunger, or fatigue in infants.