Aptamil publishes the basis behind their claim of âstrengthening their immune systemâ to the pharma community. Note the following link is âsponsoredâ content, probably to promote their product to the pharma industry, and registration is locked to registered pharma industry users; laymen are not included in eligibility.
From multiple sources the claim seems to focus on Immuno-nutrients referring to Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin C & D contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system.
This link is an influencer site, not a scientific resource, but it expands on the advertising claims under âkey benefitsâ.
I am neither defending nor promoting Aptamil but your post requires citations as to why it is âinaccurate and totally misleadingâ
Mostly they are discussing the addition of prebiotic oligosaccharide mixtures consisting of low-molecular-weight galactooligosaccharides and high-molecular-weight fructooligosaccharides to infant diets and the gut microbiome changes this can create. This is similar to other dietary fibre additions to our diets. The gut microbiome has been linked to the immune system strength we enjoy, having a good gut microbiome appears to improve our immune systems.
These effects have been studied. One such study that the makers of Aptamil rely on:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/j.1536-4801.2002.tb07629.x
There are more quoted at the following link, none mention the Aptamil products as far as I can ascertain.
See also (towards bottom of page):
In addition to the above, the Nutricia website for Aptamil Gold 3 states:
Designed to help meet the dietary needs of toddlers from 1 year old whose nutritional intake may not be adequate.
The fine print on the banner also suggests this as well.
This indicates benefits may exist where nutritional intake is not adequate, or the diet is deficient in one or more of the nutrients (vitamins, minerals etc) contained in their formula.
Nutrient deficiencies have been scientifically proven to weaken or negative impact on immunity.
If one is deficient in nutrient(s), consuming the formula may benefit those with nutrient deficiency, where the formula corrects this deficiency.
So, the marketing could be correct. But, is it ethical. I suggest no.
Consuming a balanced diet, one is likely to receive all the nutrients required to have optimum immunity. Optimum immunity which canât be improved by taking more nutrients (noting excessive nutrient intake can lead to negative immunity consequences).
Consuming formula above a balanced diet is unlikely to have any claimed benefits. The marketing suggests that benefits may exist when diet may not be adequate/balanced (fine print) and one should consume the formula. For most, consuming the formula is likely to make expensive urine/stools and provide no benefit.
The banner without reading the fine print would be inappropriate and inaccurate. As most consumers wonât read the fine print, they might think the formula offers additional benefits to a balanced dietâŠor even positive additional benefits if they have sufficient nutrient intake. It is a bit deceptive if this occurs.
I personally wouldnât buy it, unless a deficiency was diagnosed and the formula was recommended by a medical practitioner to correct the deficiency.
âContrary to what the marketing may lead you to believe toddler milks, are unnecessary and offer no nutritional benefit beyond what young children ingest from regular foodâ
This quote is from the -â Food For Health Allianceâ - link supplied
That is not in dispute. The advertising claim is
You might not agree but the advertising is neither inaccurate nor misleading because of its fine print and stated caveat of may not be adequate.
Advertising is designed to attract buyers and often significant leeway is allowed.
What does âstrengthen the immune system meanâ?
This is unscientific waffle.
In the world of advertising it might more accurately fall under puffery although they have published the basis for their claims, so?
âSupports bone strength and mass and assists with the growth of healthy bonesâ.
Similar phrases are used for the marketing of many products including those promoted as complementary or assistive to health. Puffery in many instances which is legally permitted. Itâs a fine grey line, the pedigree of which predates the digital age.
The âMore Doctors Smoke Camelsâ marketing campaign from the USA 1950âs vs todayâs controls (Australia) on the marketing of âCancer sticksâ a useful reference. The power of marketing and quest for personal wealth (corporate profits) often seek to challenge science/knowledge and reshape community values.
There are some who need very specific supportive health products (Vitamin B12 injections one example) which are professionally diagnosed. To suggest the majority of the supposedly supportive products promoted to consumers and the demand for them only exists due to clever marketing. Little different to the Hollywood portrayal of the Snake Oil Salesmanâs messaging. All persuasively delivered standing on his wagon promoting elixirs and potions that can cure all and every ailment. Today the basic principle remains little changed although digital and mass media has removed the need to grandstand on the back of a wooden wagon.
It has been investigated how the gut microbiome can affect the immune system of the body. It has been noted in several studies that having a good microbiome in the gut enhances our immunity, too little and suffer a much less effective immune system. There are many studies which can be searched about it (e.g., Frontiers | The associations between dietary fibers intake and systemic immune and inflammatory biomarkers, a multi-cycle study of NHANES 2015â2020) and the roll of dietary fibre such as these long chain saccharides that are not digested and adsorbed by our body but the microbes in our gut utilise them. It is thought there are a number of reasons for the improvements but one they are relatively certain of is Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA).
Our modern diets are often lacking in enough dietary fibre particularly when consuming highly processed foods.
Unless you have an auto-immune disease, are undergoing chemo- or radio-therapy, or have one of a few known immuno-compromising viruses, your immune system probably works and you donât want to boost it - this is actually how auto-immune diseases come about.
Further explanation: https://pca.st/episode/4fbee966-58e4-4f95-986b-abee1eb51140
