NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — What's in your baby's formula? Turns out there could be stuff in there that you definitely do not want your baby ingesting.
Consumer Reports tested a lot of infant formula and found some have potentially harmful levels of heavy metals, like lead and arsenic.
Linda Ramirez had planned on breastfeeding her baby, but when she struggled to produce enough milk, her pediatrician suggested supplementing with formula.
“I tried different formulas because I wanted to give her the best nutrients,” said Ramirez.
And she’s not alone. About 1 in 5 newborns in the U.S. rely solely on formula and by six months, 3 out of 4 babies are using it as part of their diet.
Consumer Reports analyzed 41 types of powdered formula. 21 of the formulas tested had little to no detectable heavy metals, including
But there were also worrisome results, Consumer Reports detected inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen, in eight baby formulas and harmful levels of lead in 18 of the formulas tested. Lead exposure in babies can hurt their brain development.
Recent studies have shown that heavy metals like lead and arsenic are present throughout our food supply, and formula is no exception. In fact all the contaminants in Consumer Reports tests have also been previously detected in breast milk, food, and water.
But that doesn't mean the industry can't do better.
“The fact that some levels in our tests are lower than others – and many are non-detectable – just shows that it is possible to produce baby formula that doesn’t contain worrisome contaminants and chemicals,” said James Rogers Ph.D., Product Safety Consumer Reports.
Experts from Consumer Reports urge manufacturers to test their raw ingredients, packaging, and final products to minimize risks.
Consumer Reports reached out to all the infant formula manufacturers with questions about their own testing for contaminants. Those that responded said that they test their formulas and that their products are safe.
Two major formula manufacturers, Abbott Nutrition, which makes Similac and EleCare, and Mead Johnson, which makes Enfamil, both challenged the results and stressed that heavy metals and chemicals are never intentionally added to their products. They also pointed out that trace amounts of heavy metals are not a problem that is unique to infant formula.
In the meantime, parents should always consult their pediatrician with any concerns and should never try to make their own baby formula.
This investigation was part of Consumer Reports Toxic-Free Kids Food campaign, which encourages policymakers and manufacturers to protect children from harmful dyes, heavy metals, and chemicals in their food.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at jennifer.kraus@newschannel5.com.
This is a beautiful story of chosen family, proving a father figure doesn't have to have biology in common to make a difference in a child's life. The story of De'Andre and Alex will remind you that our relationships help determine the course of our lives. And that being supportive of someone - through a meal, a shared experience or even swim lessons can make all the difference.
- Rebecca Schleicher
