Webinars

Empowering Conversations: The Science Behind Infant Formula

How can clinicians apply evidence-based knowledge of human milk and infant formula to guide patient-centered feeding decisions?

Presenter(s): John Stutts, MD, MPH, FAAP; Jenna Cramer, PhD; Lucy Pappas, PhD, MS, RD, CSPCC

Date: 22 July 2026

Time: Noon-1 PM ET

Location: Live webinar

Continuing Education Credits: Nurse Contact 1.0 CE; Dietitian 1.0 CPEU

Summary

In this free, live, accredited webinar, the faculty will review the benefits and importance of human milk in infant nutrition, describe the current infant formula regulations, explain how components of human milk have guided innovations in infant formula and apply evidence-based knowledge to address common caregiver questions and misconceptions about infant formula.

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Empowering Conversations: The Science Behind Infant Formula

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Key Takeaways:

  • Human milk is the recommended source of nutrition for infants 
  • Infant formulas are subject to strict regulatory standards, ensuring both safety and nutritional adequacy for the infant population
  • Ongoing research and innovation continue to advance infant formula science
  • Innovation and infant formula product development requires years of commitment and scientific rigor
  • Evidence-based conversations with families about infant nutrition can support informed decision-making and help optimize feeding choices

Related Questions:

  • What is the recommended source of nutrition for infants?
    The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding through 6 months of age and continuation of breastfeeding as long as mutually desired for 2 years or beyond.
  • For parents who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, what is a suitable alternative?
    The AAP recommends use of a commercially prepared, iron-fortified infant formula. The WHO requires a suitable breast-milk substitute, for example, an infant formula prepared in accordance with the present guidelines.
  • What regulatory standards ensure the safety and suitability of infant formula in the United States?
    In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates infant formulas for safety and requires it to contain specific nutrients to meet babies’ nutritional needs for the first year of life as sole-source nutrition.

Presenter Bio(s):

John Stutts, MD, MPH, FAAP

Medical Director, Pediatric Nutrition 
Abbott Nutrition 
Columbus, OH, USA

John Stutts, MD, MPH, FAAP, is the Medical Director of Pediatric Nutrition at Abbott. He has participated in numerous clinical trials in his tenure, including many studies with the Norton Children’s Pediatric Clinical Research Unit. He is a past member of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Professional Education, Public Education, and Professional Development Committees. Dr Stutts earned his Bachelor of Science from Purdue University and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Louisville. He completed his Pediatric Residency, Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship, and Master of Public Health from Vanderbilt University.

Jenna Cramer, PhD

Associate Director, Regulatory Affairs 
Abbott Nutrition
Columbus, Ohio, USA

Jenna has worked in the field of US and international food regulations and standards for the past 14 years. In her current role at Abbott Nutrition, her team supports infant formula innovations and pediatric nutrition products sold in the US. Jenna holds a PhD in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Lucy Pappas, PhD, MS< RD, CSPCC

Pediatric Research Scientist, Clinical Research 
Abbott Nutrition
Columbus, Ohio, USA

Lucy Pappas is a Pediatric Research Scientist at Abbott Nutrition. Lucy is a Registered Dietitian with a PhD and Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. Lucy specializes in infant nutrition. Prior to joining Abbott, Lucy was a Pediatric Clinical Dietitian for ten years, with most of that time spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

References:

  • Meek JY, et al. Pediatrics. 2022;150(1):e2022057988. 
  • World Health Organization. Breastfeeding. https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding. Accessed 7/31/25.
  • Kleinmann RE, Greer FR, eds. Pediatric Nutrition. 9th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2025. 85-122.   
  • World Health Organization. Safe preparation, storage and handling of powdered infant formula: guidelines. World Health Organization; 2007. Accessed June 3, 2026. https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/423f27ea-b94d-447c-aa0c-46cdbc80e5b3/content
  • FDA. Infant Formula Information for Parents & Caregivers. 2026. Infant Formula Information for Parents & Caregivers | FDA 
  • Prentice A. United Nations University. Accessed 10.29.20. https://archive.unu.edu/unupress/food/8F174e/8F174E04.htm
  • Soyyılmaz B, et al. Nutrients. 2021;13(8):2737.
  • Hill DR, et al. Nutrients. 2021;13(10):3364

Disclosure:

  • The speakers are employees of Abbott Research & Development or Regulatory Affairs.
Category
CE CPEU Neonatal Prenatal & Neonatal