Health · Healthcare & Policy · 4 hrs ago
FDA proposes first major infant formula nutrition update in nearly 30 years
The FDA has proposed updating US infant formula nutrition rules for the first time in nearly 30 years.
The first phase covers iodine, manganese, vitamin A and vitamin D, out of 30 nutrients currently required in formula.
The proposal would triple the minimum iodine level and set a new upper limit, while lowering the minimum required manganese level and setting its first upper limit.
It would lower the required amount of vitamin A and change how it is measured.
The minimum vitamin D requirement would double, with a higher maximum amount allowed.
FDA scientists reviewed evidence including infant health needs, human milk and studies published since 1998, and the proposal will go for legally required peer review.
The FDA is seeking public input on other nutrients, and later phases will review remaining nutrients and possible new requirements.
The US Food and Drug Administration is proposing its first review of infant formula nutrition requirements in nearly 30 years.
The proposal focuses on iodine, manganese, vitamin A and vitamin D, four of the 30 nutrients required in formula.
It would change minimum or maximum amounts for all four nutrients, including tripling the required iodine and doubling the minimum vitamin D.
The review is part of the Trump administration’s Operation Stork Speed initiative and will be submitted for peer review.
The FDA is seeking public input on whether other nutrients commonly added by manufacturers should become mandatory.
- Who
- The US Food and Drug Administration proposed the changes. The review was conducted by FDA staff scientists.
- What
- The FDA proposed changes to nutrient requirements for infant formula, initially covering four required nutrients.
- When
- The proposal was announced Thursday, October 29, 2026.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- The FDA said it reviewed evidence on nutrients’ roles in health and development, human milk composition, standards in other countries and studies published since 1998.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Trump administration announced its Operation Stork Speed initiative.
The FDA announced proposed changes to requirements for iodine, manganese, vitamin A and vitamin D in infant formula.
The FDA’s staff-scientist review will be submitted for peer review, as required by law.
- Nutrients in first phase
- Iodine, manganese, vitamin A and vitamin D
- Iodine minimum
- Proposed increase from 5 to 15 micrograms
- Manganese minimum
- Proposed decrease from 5 to 1 microgram per 100 calories
- Vitamin A minimum
- Proposed decrease from 250 to 233 IU per 100 calories
- Vitamin D minimum
- Proposed increase from 1 to 2 micrograms
- Initiative
- Operation Stork Speed, announced in March 2025
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What people are saying
Parents deserve confidence in every bottle they feed their baby
There’s evidence that these nutrients contribute to neurodevelopment and health in infancy.