Use of infant formula has been cited for numerous increased health risks. Studies have found infants in developed countries who consume formula are at increased risk for acute
otitis media,
gastroenteritis, severe lower respiratory tract infections, atopic
dermatitis,
asthma,
obesity type 1 and 2
diabetes,
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS),
eczema and
necrotizing enterocolitis when compared to infants who are breastfed Some studies have found an association between infant formula and lower
cognitive development, including iron supplementation in baby formula being linked to lowered
I.Q. and other neurodevelopmental delays
Other health controversies[edit]
- In 1985, Syntex Corporation was ordered to pay $27 million in compensation for the deaths of two American infants who suffered brain damage after drinking the company's baby formula, called Neo-mull-soy.
- In 2003, baby formula manufactured by the German company Humana and sold in Israel under the brand Remedia caused severe vitamin deficiencies in babies. Babies who consumed the formula were hospitalized with cardiac and neurological symptoms. Three of them died, and at least twenty others were left with severe disabilities. An investigation revealed that the formula contained a much lower quantity of Thiamine than is needed for healthy infant development because of a manufacturing error. Humana's chief food technologist received a 30-month prison sentence for negligent manslaughter in February 2013 over the case.
- In 2010, Abbott Laboratories issued a voluntary recall of about five million Similac brand powder infant formulas that were sold in the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and some Caribbean countries. The recall was issued after the presence of a 'small common beetle' was detected in the product
- In Canada, New Zealand and elsewhere, public concerns have been raised over the continued sale and marketing of soy-based formulae potentially containing high levels of phytoestrogens linked to abnormal child development including damage to babies' thyroid glands.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_formula