Whether cow's milk or formula is "better" depends upon how old the baby
is and whether the baby is otherwise eating a varied diet. An infant,
for example, who eats no solids is MUCH better off eating formula than
cow's milk. A 12-month old who eats fruits but not other solids would
do better on formula than cow's milk. A 12-month old who eats a bit of
everything is probably fine on cow's milk rather than formula. And a
10-year old who eats a varied diet shouldn't need formula at all!

Formula is a "whole food". It provides all the nutrition (different
vitamins, proteins, etc.) that a baby needs. Cow's milk is not a whole
food (unless you're a calf). It provides some of the nutrition that
humans needs, but certainly not all, not even if you're a human infant.
(And it's not a *necessary* part of anyone's diet, although it's
certainly a convenient source of certain nutritional elements.)

I hope this clarifies matters,
--Beth Kevles

http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner.

NOTE: No email is read at my MIT address. Use the AOL one if you would
like me to reply.