Could Organic Infant Formula be Toxic?

Yes, you're right... toxic, organic infant formula is a bit of an oxymoron. However, it appears that the term "organic" is not enough to ensure that your baby's formula has not been exposed to chemicals. This article touches upon two issues that formula-feeding parents may want to be aware of.

Nutritional Additives

However, in some cases the oils are extracted from non-toxic algae and soil fungus using chemicals such as hexane, acid and bleach.

Hexane, is a volatile liquid found in glue and gasoline. When inhaled in high volumes it can cause nausea, euphoria, headaches and nerve damage. You can read more about the hexane process and formula supplementation by downloading a report at the Cornucopia Institute.

Since there are two sides to every story, we contacted three popular infant formula brands about this issue. Here are parts of their responses (July 23, 2008):

• Similac® Organic Infant Formula

  A customer service representative said that while Similac® does use the hexane method to extract the oils, 3rd party testing confirms that no trace of the hexane solvent in the DHA and ARA oils can be found in the organic infant formula.

• Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula

  Earth's Best said they use Life DHA and ARA from the Martek Corporation. They say the hexane solvent method is the only US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved method of extracting these oils. However, no hexane is detectable in the product. Furthermore, no bleach is used in this process.

• Nature's One® Baby's Only Organic® Formula

  This company's website says that their DHA and & ARA fatty acids are derived from egg phospholipids using an aqueous (water) process. They go on to say they have never used processes that involve hexane or sulfur dioxide in their formulas.

  On the phone the company said the ingredients and the process are FDA approved.

  (It is worth noting that this issue has prominent placement on their website.)

Packaging

Excessive exposure to BPA can cause altered hormone levels in babies and even damage their reproductive systems.

According to Enviroblog.org, the levels of BPA leached into baby formula from the cans is even greater than the amounts once common in U.S. produced baby bottles.

While this leaching can take place with both liquid and powdered formulas, much lower levels have been found in powdered formulas packaged in these steel cans.

You can visit Enviroblog in order to stay on top of pending US legislation on the BPA issue.

The same three companies were contacted about BPA in their packaging (July 23,2008). Here are the responses:

• Similac®

  Similac® says that coatings used on the interior surface of their metal powder cans and their new composite cans may contain minute levels of BPA. However, neither the body of the composite can nor the sanitary end have coating that contains BPA.

  They went on to say that formula made by Abbott Nutrition complies with US federal and European safety standards well below the limits established by the Environmental Protection Agency.

  A second customer representative said the amount contained is 100 times lower than what the agencies in the US, Europe and Japan consider to be safe.

  However, if you're looking for a BPA-free option, the ready to feed one quart containers are the best choice.

• Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula

  All of their infant formulas are powdered. The only part that contains BPA is the easy open seal at the top of the container (the part that tears off). They say that independent third-party testing found no detectable BPA in their product.

• Nature's One® Baby's Only Organic® (Soy & Dairy)

  They also offer only powdered formula. Here is part of their email response to me:

  We have recently switched from the composite cans (partially paperboard) to the steel cans. Rest assured that neither can contains BPA. Baby’s Only Organic® formula steel canisters and re-closeable plastic lids are uncoated and do not contain bisphenol-A. However, the can’s “easy-open” metal top contains an epoxy-based interior coating that may contain trace amounts of unreacted bisphenol-A. It is highly unlikely that any detectable amount of bisphenol-A would migrate from the easy-open top into Baby’s Only Organic® formulas. This is especially true considering there is minimal contact between the powder and the easy-open top during processing and distribution. Once the formula is opened, the easy-open metal top is discarded. The steel canisters, plastic lids and easy-open metal tops are all recyclable. We are currently working with our supplier in asking them that when a BPA free easy open lid is available to contact us so that we may incorporate them into our packaging. To date, they have told us there is nothing available in the marketplace.

So What's a Formula-Feeding Mama To Do?

• Get specific information from the people who make your baby's brand of organic infant formula. Ask questions until you get an understanding and an answer that satisfies you.

  If you find an organic infant formula company that answers both questions perfectly - please let us know.

• In general, the powdered organic baby formula packaged in non-steel cans is thought to minimize leaching of BPA into the formula.

• If liquid is all that is available to you, choose concentrated liquid formulas that require mixing over ready-to-eat liquid formulas in metal cans (One exception is the Similac® ready-to-feed formula).

• Make sure bottles and sippy cups are BPA, PVC and Phthalate-free.
  
  
• Avoid using baby bottles with plastic liners as they may leach chemicals.

Every parent's desire is to provide sound baby nutrition without chemicals that could comprise their baby's health. Ask questions, prioritize the issues for your baby, and consult your pediatrician if necessary to make an informed choice.

Related Articles:

How to Choose Organic Baby Formula
10 Ways Breastfeeding Benefits Your Baby
10 Breastfeeding Benefits for Mama
Breastfeeding Tips For More Confidence
Grocery Shopping for Organic Baby Food
Cost Saving Tips for Organic Baby Food
Why Organic Baby Food Is Better
Making Organic Baby Food: Getting Started
Starting Solids Requires Preparation and Patience
A Sound Breastfeeding Diet for You and Your Organic Baby
Flavorful Organic Baby Food Recipes

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