 |
|
|
Why is cow's milk inappropriate for weaning
infants?
Although cow's milk is fine for calves, it is a poor food for
babies:
- Cow's milk contains very little iron, a mineral with several very
important functions involving blood formation and growth. The use of
cow's milk during the first year of life significantly increases the
risk of iron deficiency anemia, a condition that can delay mental and
physical development.
- Cow's milk contains very little vitamin C, vitamin E, and copper.
In some countries, it lacks vitamin D. A deficiency of vitamin D may
put children at risk for rickets, a disease leading to defective bone
growth.
- Cow's milk contains too much protein, sodium, potassium, and chloride.
Excessive amounts of these nutrients may strain baby's kidneys.
- Cow's milk is high in saturated fat, which is hard for babies to
tolerate and may interfere with calcium absorption.
What is the alternative to cow's milk?
Because of the many inadequacies of cow's milk, leading authorities,
such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the European Society
for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (ESPGAN), have recommended
that breast milk or an iron-fortified formula be used during the first
year of life.
|
|
