Parents have been advised to avoid baby milk powder containing a fat that can affect the growth of infants.
This follows a survey that showed most parents were not sure of the ingredients in baby formulas and more than 95 per cent did not know some fats could affect the absorption of calcium - crucial for the development of strong bones and teeth.
Tang Kwai-sim, media director of consultant company Health Link Promotions, which conducted the survey in October and November, said: 'The use of palm oil in milk powder can greatly affect babies' calcium absorption, but most parents do not know that.'
She said compared to other oils often used in milk powder, including coconut, sunflower and soybean oil, palm oil affected babies' calcium absorption the most.
Paediatrician David Lee Ka-yan said a study published last year in US medical journal Pediatrics showed babies absorbed only 37.5 per cent of calcium in milk powder containing palm oil, but 57.4 per cent if it did not.
'Manufacturers have not yet been able to make the ideal substitute for breast milk, which is the best for babies' growth. Therefore, substitute oils are used in milk powders to try to imitate breast milk,' Dr Lee said.