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The ISDI Macronutrient Calculator is designed to support users in exploring the macronutrient composition of infant formula, follow-up formula for older infants and product for young children. Users can adjust the individual levels of macronutrients – protein, carbohydrates and fats – and evaluate compliance with Codex Alimentarius requirements in terms of macronutrient composition and total energy.
The calculations are based on the requirements set out in the Codex Standard for Infant Formula and Formulas for Special Medical Purposes Intended for Infants (CXS 72-1981) and the Codex Standard for Follow-up formula for Older Infants and Product for Young Children (CXS 156-1987).
A guide to how to use the calculator and information about the definitions, Codex requirements and role of macronutrients are below the calculator.
NOTE: According to the Codex requirements, infant formula with hydrolised protein less than 2.25 g/100kcal and follow-up formula with cow’s milk protein (non-hydrolysed) less than 1.8 g/100kcal should be clinically evaluated.
Enter grams per 100ml of product
| Macronutrient | Allowable Range (g/100kcal) | Energy (kcal) | g/100ml | g/100kcal | g/100KJ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Protein |
- | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Carbohydrates |
- | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Fat |
- | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
How to use the calculator
- Choose a product type.
- If you selected infant formula or follow-up formula, select the protein source for the product.
- Adjust the macronutrient levels (protein, carbohydrates, and fat) by moving the slider. Values are expressed in grams per 100 ml of product.
- Check compliance with the Codex standard by reviewing the total energy provided and whether the macronutrient levels fall within the permitted Codex ranges.
- Adjust the macronutrient levels until all indicators in the box on the right turn green (within range).
Congratulations! Your product complies with the relevant Codex Alimentarius requirements.
Definitions
- Infant formula means a breastmilk substitute specially manufactured to satisfy, by itself, the nutritional requirements of infants during the first months of life up to the introduction of appropriate complementary feeding.
- Follow-up formula for older infants means a product, manufactured for use as a breastmilk-substitute, as a liquid part of a diet for older infants when progressively diversified complementary feeding is introduced.
- Product for Young Children means a product manufactured for use as a liquid part of the diversified diet of young children. It may also be known as drink for young children with added nutrients, product for young children with added nutrients, drink for young children, young child formula or growing-up milks.
- Infant means a person of not more than 12 months of age.
- Older infant means a person from the age of 6 months and not more than 12 months of age.
- Young child means a person from the age of more than 12 months up to the age of three years (36 months).
Codex requirements
| Type | Protein type | Energy min. (kcal/100ml) | Energy max. (kcal/100ml) | Protein min. (g/100kcal) | Protein max. (g/100kcal) | Carb min. (g/100kcal) | Carb max. (g/100kcal) | Fat min. (g/100kcal) | Fat max. (g/100kcal) |
| Infant formula | Cow’s milk protein (non-hydrolysed) | 60 | 70 | 1.8 | 3.0 | 9.0 | 14.0 | 4.4 | 6.0 |
| Soy protein isolate | 60 | 70 | 2.25 | 3.0 | 9.0 | 14.0 | 4.4 | 6.0 | |
| Hydrolysed | 60 | 70 | 1.8 (<2.25 should be clinically evaluated) | 3.0 | 9.0 | 14.0 | 4.4 | 6.0 | |
| Follow-up formula | Cow or goat’s milk protein (non-hydrolysed) | 60 | 70 | 1.6 (<1.8 should be clinically evaluated) | 3.0 | 9.0 | 14.0 | 4.4 | 6.0 |
| Soy protein isolate | 60 | 70 | 2.25 | 3.0 | 9.0 | 14.0 | 4.4 | 6.0 | |
| Product for young children | n/a | 60 | 70 | 1.8 | n/a | n/a | 12.5 (if protein <3, max carbs of 14 may be permitted) | 3.5 | n/a |
For more information about the macronutritional requirements, please see the Codex website:
- Codex Standard for Infant Formula and Formulas for Special Medical Purposes Intended for Infants (CXS 72-1981)
- Codex Standard for Follow-up formula for Older Infants and Product for Young Children (CXS 156-1987)
Why are macronutrients important?
Macronutrient intake plays a key role in the development of infants and young children. These nutrients are required in relatively large and balanced amounts to provide the energy necessary for maintaining essential body functions and supporting daily activities.
The energy requirements of infants and young children vary according to age, weight and sex, and balance energy expenditure from physical activity with the growth of bones, muscles and organs. Carbohydrates are the primary source of dietary energy, while proteins serve as the main structural components of the body’s cells and tissues. Lipids, in turn, provide essential fatty acids that play a crucial role in immune function and cognitive development.