WASHINGTON (AP) – Many parents are looking for infant formula after a combination of short-term and long-term problems has hit most of America’s biggest brands.
Millions of babies in the United States rely on formula, which is the only source of nutrition recommended for infants who are not exclusively breastfed.
Here’s a look at what lies behind the problem and what parents can do:
WHY IS THERE A DEFICIENCY?
Ongoing supply disruptions are being combined with a recent security foreclosure to shrink supplies.
The problems began last year as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted labor, transport and raw materials – problems across the economy that did not spare the formula industry. The inventory was further pressured by parents who were stockpiling during the COVID-19 blockade.
Then in February, Abbott Nutrition withdrew several major formula powder powders and closed its factory in Sturgess, Michigan, when federal officials began investigating four babies who suffered bacterial infections after consuming formula from the facility.
Abbott is one of the few companies to produce most of the formula in the United States, so their withdrawal has destroyed a large segment of the market.
WHAT’S IN THE BABY FORMULA?
Most formulas are made from cow’s milk protein, which has been modified to be easier to digest and enriched with additional nutrients needed for growth and development. The Food and Drug Administration sets specific dietary requirements, including minimum amounts of protein, fat, calcium and a number of vitamins. Formula manufacturers achieve these levels by adding various sugars, oils and minerals.
The formulas are designed to mimic breast milk, although studies have repeatedly shown better results for the health of breastfed babies.
WHY CAN’T ALL MOTHERS RELY ON KUMCHA?
Health experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for babies up to 6 months of age. But federal data shows that only 1 in 4 rely solely on breast milk at this age.
Mothers face a number of challenges to long-term breastfeeding, including returning to work and finding the time and equipment needed to pump breast milk. About 60% of mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than planned, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
State and federal laws have been passed to encourage breastfeeding, requiring rest and accommodation for mothers of babies.
The rate of breastfeeding is consistently lower among black babies compared to other groups. About three-quarters of black babies are breastfed in early childhood, below the national average of 84%, according to the CDC.
WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO IF THEY HAVE A PROBLEM TO FIND A FORMULA?
Talk to your pediatrician or call your local food bank to see if they can help you find some options. Experts also recommend checking in smaller stores and pharmacies, which may still have deliveries when larger stores run out.
Most ordinary baby formulas contain the same essential ingredients and nutrients, so parents should not hesitate to buy another brand if they have trouble finding the usual one.
Some babies need special formulas due to allergies, digestive problems and other medical conditions. Parents should talk to their doctor if they cannot find these products, which manufacturers usually distribute through pharmacies and clinics.
Families eligible for the WIC, a federal food card program that serves mothers and children, can also contact their local agency.
Healthcare professionals also warn against buying formulas on social media websites or outside of conventional retailers because they may be fake.
WHY ARE PARENTS TOLD NOT TO USE OWN FORMULA RECIPES ONLINE?
Many do-it-yourself formulas are made from cow’s milk and granulated sugar, which can be difficult for young babies to digest. In addition, they lack the specific vitamins and proteins found in breast milk and FDA-approved formulas that are needed for basic nutrition.
“Especially for young babies, many of these formulas and mixtures that are available online do not contain even the most basic nutritional mixtures that babies need to survive,” said Dr. Stephen Abrams, a pediatrician at the University of Texas. Austin.
Abrams also stressed that parents should never dilute breast milk.
WHEN CAN DELIVERIES BE IMPROVED?
Health regulators recently announced several steps designed to increase supply, including allowing faster imports of over-the-counter formulas.
The FDA is working with Abbott to correct the violations that led to the shutdown of the Michigan plant that produces Similac, EleCare and several other leading powder formulations.
The Chicago-based company said this week that, pending FDA approval, it could resume production at its plant within two weeks. It will then take another six to eight weeks for the new products to hit store shelves.
The company says its products are not directly linked to bacterial infections in children, noting that genetic samples collected from its factory do not match those found in several babies who became ill.
But even then, experts warn that many of the problems across the industry will continue to limit supplies.
“This will be a problem and will not go away for at least a few months,” Abrams said.
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Follow Matthew Perone on Twitter: @AP_FDAwriter
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The Associated Press’s Department of Health and Science receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Scientific Education. AP is solely responsible for all content.
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