Formula milk hazardous for babies’ health--study

With scientists in UK finding popular infant formula brands “significantly contaminated” with high levels of aluminium, it is clear that, as a rule, if mothers can breastfeed, their babies' health will be better served by breast milk.

In what could pose a potential health risk for toddlers, researchers at the Keele University, Staffordshire, found that the current range of branded formulas used by millions of parents to feed babies up to the age of one, contains 40 times more aluminium than breast milk and almost 16 times more is legally permitted in water.

Lead author of the study, Dr Chris Exley said stated, "We've known about the high aluminium content in infant formula for many years and there is evidence to show it is potentially quite dangerous.

"It has been linked to neurological diseases and bone defects in later life and there are even links with dementia.

"Everyone has aluminium in their bodies but infants are especially prone to absorbing it and are not so good at getting rid of it.”

Method of testing
The researchers examined 15 different branded infant formulas from manufacturers 'Cow & Gate, Hipp Organic, SMA Nutrition and Aptamil.'

These included powdered and ready-made liquid formulas based on cow’s milk and a soya-based product. The items included those for preterm babies, stage one (0-6 months) and stage two (6 months plus) infants.

All products were stored according to the instructions provided and were sampled directly from their packaging to avoid extraneous contamination. Ready-made liquid products were shaken between each sampling.

Five samples were prepared for each product – with each sample measured three times.

Findings of the study
The research found that concentrations of the metal in the milk formulas ranged from 200 – 700 μg/L with the highest concentration in products meant for pre-term infants.

It was also noted that powders used to make milk contained aluminium levels from around 2.4 to 4.3 µg/g. Consumption of these formulas would result in the ingestion of up to 600 μg of aluminium per day.

According to experts, the levels were too high for human consumption while ingestion by vulnerable kids could be hazardous to their health.

DR Exley stated, "It is concerning, especially when the product with the highest level of aluminium we found was aimed at premature babies, who are likely to be the most vulnerable of all. It is really shocking.

"Millions of parents have no choice but to feed their children this milk. I would advise if they are using ready-made milk to switch to powder as it contains lower levels."

The research is published in the journal 'BMC Pediatrics.'