Infant Formula Preparation: How it's Done is Critical

Common methods of preparing infant formulas may put childfen at risk of lead poisoning, according to recent research. After reviewing ten cases of infants with lead poisoning, doctors identified three methods often used to prepare these formulas:

  1. Using the first water out of the tap in the morning
  2. Boiling water used to prepare powdered formula
  3. Inadvertent use of lead-based kettles for boiling water

Concerned about the high lead concentrations present in these method, some doctors surveyed parents of infants and of 121 who responded, 82 used powdered or concentrated formula. About half of the group prepared formula each morning with boiled water.

This finding represents a significant risk of lead-poisoning in infants, according to the doctors. They stronly recommend that child health-care professionsals teach parents that infant formula can be prepared safely by running cold water for two minutes in the morning before use - or using bottled water. Boiling the water may actually increase lead concentration in water.

From "Hazard of Lead in Infant Formulas," by Michael Shannon, John Gaaef, New England Journal of Medicine.

As taken from the National Advocate


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