Research, Technology

Why is there a shortage of infant formula in the USA and can you make it yourself?

There is a shortage of infant formula in the USpowdered breast milk substitutes are called. Approximately 40% of the most popular baby products are reportedly hard to find in stores, and lesser-known brands are up 18% more expensive. These sudden changes make many parents nervous, because if breastfeeding is not possible and formula is not available, the health of babies can be at risk. In emergencies, children are ready to help in hospitals, and offers for the sale of breast milk have appeared on social networks. Recipes for making baby food at home are also published there, but experts urge not to do this - home-made mixtures may contain harmful ingredients. And what is in the composition of baby food and why did it suddenly disappear from US stores?

In the US, there is not enough baby food, and you can’t make it yourself

Content

  • 1 What is infant formula used for?
  • 2 Composition of infant formulas
  • 3 US infant formula shortage
  • 4 Homemade infant formula

What is infant formula for?

For the proper development of immunity and ensuringthe baby with nutrients, in the first months of life he needs to be fed with breast milk. It contains 3.9% fat, 1% protein, 6.8% lactose and other useful components. In some cases, such as illness or lack of time, women cannot feed their children on their own. At such moments, infant formulas come to the rescue, which contain as many nutrients as there are in breast milk. In addition, these products are made in such a way that the young body can digest it as best as possible.

Breastfeeding is important for baby's health

The composition of infant formulas

Since formulas are intended for infants, theyThe composition contains exclusively natural and quickly digestible components. So, in each jar there must be proteins, fats and carbohydrates - these are the main nutrients. They also add vitamins and minerals, fatty acids and taurine. The latter is very important, because it is necessary for the proper development of the brain and organs of vision. Depending on the manufacturer, the composition may also contain additional components such as lutein, which protects the retina and stimulates memory development.

The composition of infant formulas must be especially attentive.

WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE IN A GOOD INFANT FORMULA IS SUGAR, SOY, STARCH AND PALM OIL.

According to the composition of infant formula can be divided into two categories:

  • adapted mixture - a product close in composition to breast milk;
  • highly adapted mixture - a product that has a wider range of nutrients and is most reminiscent of breast milk.

NOTE. We have an article on our website about nutritional supplements that should not be in good products. Read here.

US infant formula shortage

American stores suddenly run out of stockbaby food products. The shortage is due to the fact that Abbott Nutrition had to withdraw many of its products from sale due to the scandal. The fact is that baby formulas under the brands Similac, Alimentum and EleCare can be contaminated with salmonella or cronobacteria. It was observed that after eating these products, three children fell ill and one died. In general, the company did the right thing by recalling the products. But now there are no popular infant formulas, and products from other companies have become more expensive.

Baby food jar EleCare

Homemade infant formula

To provide for their children's lifenecessary substances, some parents have started making baby food at home. Recipes for such products are published in large numbers on social networks. One of them, allegedly developed in the 1960s, uses condensed milk, corn syrup and water as the main ingredients. Experts urge parents not to make homemade formulas, because they can harm children. Instead, it is recommended to look for products from less popular brands and keep a two-week supply of nutrition in stock. But you should not dilute them with additional water, because because of this, children may not receive useful components.

Infant formula cannot be made independently

According to parenting author TanyaAltmann (Tanya Altmann), sugar in homemade formulas is definitely not good for children. According to her, corn syrup was indeed used for a long time to treat constipation in children, but today it is a very bad ingredient - it can contain dangerous bacteria. Some sources say that babies can be given orange juice mixed with water. This is also absolutely impossible to do, because children need either breast milk or a special mixture.

Moreover, corn syrup should not be added to infant formulas.

You can also find reports that instead ofgoat's milk can be used. However, pediatrician Gabrina Dixon doesn't think this is a good alternative. After all, goat milk lacks such important components as folic acid and vitamin B12. They are very necessary to prevent anemia and other dangerous diseases.

WANT SOMETHING MORE INTERESTING? VISIT OUR ZEN CHANNEL

What do you think about infant formula - maybethere are opponents who consider them harmful? Write in the comments, and do not forget to read the article about how tiny particles of plastic get into the bodies of children.