much of these concerns. Also, another
consideration when choosing formulas is the fact
that the plants retain residue from spraying: both
herbicides and pesticides. Therefore, they may be
in present in the formula. As Tripathi points out,
“heavy metals, pesticides and polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) in infant formula may pose
health risks to children, (Ikem, et.al. 2002). It is
true of the soy; most are sprayed to protect them
against weeds and bugs. On the other hand,
organic soy is not sprayed. But, soy either organic
or not, is noted to absorb a high mineral content
from the soil. As a result, some minerals are
higher in formulas than those in natural breast
milk. The Manganese and high amounts of
aluminum are retained in the soy seeds from
growth and they are processed into the formula.
The “soybeans are known to have high levels of
neurotoxins, as well as aluminum and silicon”,
(Ikem, et. al. 2002). So therefore these contents
are found in soy formulas.
Most “formulas have a higher amount of
aluminium than human milk”, (Ikem, et. al. 2002).
Other formulas may contain aluminium when
mixed with additives, “the infant formulas
showing the highest levels of aluminum are those
with additives, such as calcium salts and soy
proteins,” (Ikem, et. al. 2002). However, the “soybased hypoallergenic, and some “preterm infant
formula brands” are noted for their high levels of
aluminium”, (Ikem, et. al.2002). Aluminum is
known to be hard for babies systems, but “it is
absorbed greater in infants prior to 6 months”,
(Ikem, et. al.2002). Aluminium is associated with
risks to baby, and it may cause “brain
dysfunctions”, and “interfering with cellular and
metabolic process”, (Ikem, et. al. 2002.). In
addition,“Aluminium may also cause bone
disorders, but the critical level of aluminium
loading that results in bone disorders is not
known”, (Ikem et. al. 2002) . Aluminium is not an
essential mineral. Plus “It is widely accepted that
the not fully developed physiologies of infant's
gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and blood-brain
barrier may predispose them to aluminium
toxicity”, (Burrell, S. Exley C. 2010). Burrell, S.,&
Exley, concluded, that when “ using the
manufacturer's own guidelines of formula
consumption the average daily ingestion of
aluminium from infant formulas for a child of 6
months varied fromca 200 to 600 µg of
aluminium” depending on the formula it is “10 to
40 percent higher than breast milk” (Burrell, S.
Exley C. 2010). Nursing eliminates this concern
for mothers.
Likewise manganese is another elemen t
that is associated naturally with soy. The bean
holds high concentrations, and some “fortified
formulas held up to 150 times more Mn, than
breast milk”, (Ljung, et. al. 2011.). An infant,
“metabolic system has to work hard to extract it”.
In addition, “recent studies show that children
exposed to higher levels of Mn, have health
effects, such as, poorer cognitive outcome and
hyperactivity with elevated postnatal exposure”,
(Ljung, et al. 2011). And, “although manganese is
an essential element, it is not found in large
quantities in breast milk”, (Ljung et. al. 2011). It
would seem that nature prepares the correct
formulas for infants.
In conclusion, as traditions in culture
change, the World Health Organization found in
2009 that 13 percent of infants in American
infants are exclusively breast fed for a 6 month
period. And in developing country the percentage
is below 40, (Ljung et. al. 2011). There may be
various reasons why mothers do not chose to
breastfeed their infant; however, I wonder in years
to come will nature’s formula change? The studies
all found that both aluminum and manganese
were higher in all the formulas than in mother’s
milk: medical anthropologist may have reason for
their concerns. More investigation is being done;
however, mother’s milk is still the best mix. It is
amazing how nature evolved mother’s milk for
being the best for the infant. It is perfect, without
extra worry. It has been perfected for infants for
thousands of years, and it is not processed and
packaged. It comes premixed, and is all natural.
Work Cited
Ikem, A., Nwakwoala, A., Odueyungbo, S.,
Nyavor, K., & Egiebor, N. (2002). Levels of 26
elements in infant formula from usa, uk, and
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