Too Many Infants are Fed Specialized Formula

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Highlights

• Too many infants are fed specialized formula
• Specialized formula products are generally prescribed for infants having cow's milk allergy
• Unnecessary intake of specialized formula may increase free sugars consumption,thereby promoting dental decay and obesity in young children

Specialized formula products have been developed as alternatives to cow's milk, mainly for babies with milk allergies (who are not fully breastfed). These specialized infant formulas contain high levels of free sugars which may raise the risk of developing dental problems and non-communicable diseases in young children.

The findings of the study are published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy.

‘Specialized formula products are generally prescribed for infants having cow's milk allergy. However, unnecessary use of specialized formula may increase the risk of tooth decay and obesity in young children.’

Is Formula Feeding Good for Infants?

New research reveals that prescriptions of specialized infant formula have increased in recent years in England, Norway and Australia, with rates over 10-fold what would be expected for the number of children with milk allergies.

Prescribed amounts of specialized formula for infants rose 2.8-fold in England from 2007-2018, with similar trends in other regions of the United Kingdom. Amounts rose 2.2-fold in Norway from 2009-2020 and 3.2-fold in Australia from 2001-2012.

The findings are concerning because specialized formula contains higher levels of sugar, which may promote tooth decay and obesity in young children.

"These data suggest high levels of milk allergy over-diagnosis and mark an important shift in early child nutrition," the authors wrote.

Reference:

1. Trends in use of specialized formula for managing cow's milk allergy in young children - (https:onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cea.14180)

Source: Eurekalert

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