Promotion of breastfeeding and barriers in a developed country - K Simmer
Immunocompetence of breastfed vs formula-fed infants – R Gibson
Lack of quality control of formula – K Simmer / R Gibson
Update on nutrient requirements during infancy: nucleotides, selenium, iron, LCPUFA -  K Simmer / R Gibson

Karen Simmer, Robert Gibson. Flinders Medical Centre and Child Nutrition Research Centre, Adelaide, South Australia.

The promotion of breastfeeding in Australia by the Colleges of Physicians and General Practitioners, Lactation Consultants Association, Nursing Mothers of Australia Association and the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative has resulted in high breastfeeding rates in Australia relative to most other countries in the developed world. However, the majority of infants receive more formula than breastmilk in the first year of life. Barriers to long-term success of breastfeeding and the re-establishment of breastmilk 'banks' in Australia include the lack of acceptance of breast feeding socially, lack of hard evidence of the benefits in developed countries and the advertising to healthcare workers of formulae to manage colic (with little evidence).

Lack of quality control of formula by the government is of concern to child care workers. Difficulties implementing improved regulations by the Australian and New Zealand Food Authority for the manufacture of formula, and the effect, if any, of the advertising agreement (Australian Panel on the Marketing in Australia of Infant Formula) will be discussed.

Many studies demonstrate differences between the health and development of  breast and formula-fed infants. Recent data at the cellular level of the better immunocompetence of breastfed compared with formula-fed infants will be presented.