5 hours Ago By Jennifer Sweenie
From the moment Jess’s infant son transitioned from breastfeeding to baby formula, feeding became a source of distress—for both mom and baby. Every bottle of any U.S.
-made brand seemed to trigger a bout of vomiting, his tiny body rejecting each feeding. Jess took to doing her research, and against her doctor’s guidance, made the switch to a European-made formula. The vomiting stopped with the swap, granting a sliver of respite for both baby and mom.
“My pediatrician told me that I was ‘endangering’ him by using a European formula that wasn’t FDA approved,” Jess Davidoff told The Epoch Times. Essential Nutrients Quality The organic market in the United States is growing, but conventional formulas produced from cows raised according to standard agricultural practices still dominate. Macronutrient Content As for Jess’s son, who regurgitated his formula, it turned out he had a severe corn allergy and was reacting to the corn syrup solids in the U.
S. formula. According to Dr.
Michelle Perro, an integrative pediatrician with more than four decades of experience, the corn syrup solids are highly processed, but there may still be residual corn protein in the formula. She told The Epoch Times that producing corn syrup involves extensive processing, which, in her view, may contribute to health issues in some children. “We are seeing an explosion of food sensitivities, intolerances, and allergies—it is off the charts,” said Perro.
Jess’s son’s corn allergy manifested with multiple concerning symptoms, including thinning hair and nails, vomiting, eczema, and hernias—one of which required surgery. Thirty-two doctors dismissed her concerns about a food-related cause, but her mother’s intuition prevailed. She meticulously tracked his food until the culprit revealed itself—all stemming from the introduction of U.
S.-based formula containing corn. “The sugar used has to change.
We [the United States] cannot use the synthetic corn syrup derived from GMO corn,” Perro said. Proteins in formula—usually cow’s milk—aim to match breast milk’s whey-to-casein ratio, often more closely in European formulas than U.S.
varieties. Both markets offer formulas with partially or extensively broken down hydrolyzed proteins. Additionally, both the United States and Europe offer formulas made with goat’s milk or soy protein for infants with specific dietary needs.
Regulations regarding these alternative protein sources and the extent of processing may differ by region. “To think that the FDA is protecting us is a stretch,” she noted, voicing frustration over what she sees as inadequate action regarding contamination in infant formula Perro suggested that potential sources of toxic metals could include cow feed, processing methods, and environmental factors such as geoengineering—large-scale climate interventions like solar radiation management. While further research is needed to pinpoint the source in the U.
S. formula manufacturing system, the presence of these metals is alarming due to the potential health effects. Perrro said one of the most troubling effects of heavy metal exposure in infants is its effect on gut health and the subsequent lifelong repercussions.
She explained that toxic metals can disrupt the microbiome, potentially preventing babies from developing a healthy innate immune response. According to Perro, this kind of gut disruption could set the stage for conditions such as eczema, gut-induced asthma, autoimmune disorders, and food allergies, possibly setting the stage for additional health challenges later in life. A significant concern among medical professionals in the United States is the availability of “gray market” or imported formulas that are not cleared by the FDA.
Unless explicitly imported under FDA oversight, these products are sold in the United States by third-party vendors and don’t fully comply with FDA labeling requirements. Gray market formulas have not undergone the FDA’s safety and nutrient content review. The lack of regulation raises questions about whether these formulas meet the specific nutritional needs of U.
S. infants and adhere to U.S.
safety standards. Parents purchasing these formulas often do so without the assurance of regulatory oversight. “I tell parents to stick to organic whenever you can.
There might still be some toxic metals, but they'll get less pesticides,” Perro advised. Seeking recognized certifications such as the USDA Organic seal for U.S.
products or the EU Organic logo for European formulas is key. Beyond organic certification, it’s also crucial to read labels carefully. Pay close attention to the carbohydrate source, noting whether lactose is the primary ingredient and being mindful of the presence and amount of corn syrup solids.
Scrutinize the list of additives. Perro also recommends being cautious of formulas containing any high fructose corn syrup. “We are trying to induce change here, not fear and panic, so we do the best we can,” said Perro, highlighting an approach rooted in parental empowerment.
She advises parents to use the highest-quality formula they can find, while ensuring their baby’s digestion is good and that they are eliminating regularly. She also strongly recommends using the best water filter you can afford to mix formula instead of using tap water, which may contain fluoride, lead, pesticides, or other potential contaminants, depending on your location. In addition to education and empowerment, Perro said she is hopeful about the future of the formula market in the United States.
“People see the potential here for growth. The companies are coming, and I think they’re going to be producing a better formula.” Where there is a need, there is always an opportunity.
New U.S.-based formula companies are likely following suit, developing products that are free of unwanted additives.
By demanding greater transparency and higher quality, parents can shape the future of infant formula in the United States..
