“Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that 15 brands of powdered infant formula are contaminated with perchlorate, a rocket fuel component detected in drinking water in 28 states and territories.”  Dr. Joseph Mercola

What do you suppose is in a baby’s formula?

“Take this child home and nurse him for me,” the princess told her. “I will pay you for your help.” So the baby’s mother took her baby home and nursed him.  (Exod. 2:9; NLT)

This is not meant to be a treatise on breast feeding versus formula feeding.  Although, if you’ve read even a few of our posts, you can well ascertain that we believe breast feeding to be best for both the baby and the mother.  Today’s article comes from a recent post by Dr. Joseph Mercola that I felt should be shared.  We know so many mothers with small children.  Some of them, for many reasons, are using formula to feed their babies.  I, at least want them to be as well informed as possible regarding their choice.

The article begins by saying, “Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that 15 brands of powdered infant formula are contaminated with perchlorate, a rocket fuel component detected in drinking water in 28 states and territories.

The two most contaminated brands, made from cow’s milk, accounted for 87 percent of the U.S. powdered formula market in 2000, the scientists said. The CDC scientists did not identify the formula brands they tested.”

According to the report, “Perchlorates are salts derived from perchloric acid, which are used in the defense and pyrotechnics industries. The military has used perchlorate since the early 1900’s, and it’s a component of solid rocket fuel, among other things. Most people are exposed to perchlorate through their diet, in the form of contaminated water and/or foods. But infant exposure may be far greater than that of adults, especially if they are fed infant formula, as the toxin may be present in both the formula and/or the milk or water used to prepare it.”

Even though all commercially prepared formula was contaminated to a certain degree, it appears that milk-based brands were far more contaminated that the others tested.  No specific brand names were given.  According to the CDC, perchlorate affects your health by blocking the thyroid gland from taking up iodine which is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones.  Iodine deficiency leads to decreased amounts of thyroid hormone circulating in the blood which can create hypothyroidism.  They go on to say that at high doses “perchlorates may affect fetal development, so the mother’s toxic load can also place the child at risk.”

Dr Mercola continues the article with expounding on the dangers of soy formula.  He believes that it may be the absolute worst thing to feed your baby!  His article (today’s link) will tell you why that is.  He does give a recommendation for making your own healthy formula.  I’ve known of some parents to do this and they were quite pleased with the results.  I’ve also known of a number of parents to use goat’s milk for their children with added fat supplementation.  They too found this to be a satisfactory alternative to commercial formula.

We encourage you to be empowered with information to feed your children in the most healthy manner possible.

Prayer Power
Father, we thank You for giving life.  May we seek Your wisdom for the best way to care for our children.

Link of the Day
Rocket Fuel Found In Most Powdered Infant Formula

Blessings on you as you learn how to feed your family in the most healthy way possible.

Photo by beketchai