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#252: Commercially prepared infant formula is a safe and effective substitute for human milk. Homemade infant formula has been linked to documented, serious injuries and negative health outcomes in babies. In this episode Farryl Bertman, PhD, RDN joins me to talk about the risks and dangers of homemade infant formulas. 

Farryl Bertmann is a Senior Lecturer in the UVM Nutrition and Food Sciences Department and faculty with the University of Vermont Food Systems Program. She works in the area of food security and nutrition assistance programs and co-authored the paper The Risk of Homemade Infant Formulas: Historical and Contemporary Considerations.

The four primary problems with homemade infant formula that are discussed in this interview are:

• Inadequate nutrition and provision of nutrients in homemade infant formula

• Kidney health concerns due to inaccurate provision of minerals in homemade infant formula

• Food safety concerns and potential for foodborne illness from homemade infant formula

• Food allergy risk for babies

Read Dr. Bertman and colleagues’ paper The Risk of Homemade Infant Formulas: Historical and Contemporary Considerations here.

SUMMARY OF EPISODE

In this episode we’re talking about:

• Why families and individuals would consider and explore and experiment with making homemade infant formula, including a discussion about the recent infant formula shortage

• What the serious health consequences and outcomes are for babies who are subjected to insufficient nutrition from homemade infant formula, including case studies

• How healthcare practitioners can counsel and assist families about adequate infant nutrition needs and help prevent the use of nutritionally inferior and dangerous homemade infant formulas

ABOUT THE GUEST

LINKS from episode

• Dr. Farryl Bertmann is a researcher and lecturer in nutrition at the University of Vermont

• Her areas of expertise include inclusive and equitable approaches to community-based nutrition education, and global food sovereignty

• Dr. Bertmann and colleagues co-authored the recent paper The Risk of Homemade Infant Formulas: Historical and Contemporary Considerations which you can read here.

TRANSCRIPT OF EPISODE

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