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quizzes experts
If you've chosen to bottlefeed, you'll want to choose
the best formula for your child--a regular formula or perhaps soy
or a hydrolysate variety. Learn what to look for and how to prepare
and use it safely.
experts
Could
formula with less iron minimize baby's constipation?
Q: My 5-month-old has been on formula with iron since she was 3 months
old. She has been constipated since. Should I switch to something
with less iron? My doctor suggested Nutramigen, but I was thinking
of trying Carnation Good Start.
A: First, let's address the iron and formula question. Some people
will (or have) told you that the iron is the problem and that switching
to a low-iron formula will help. It makes sense, because when adults
take iron supplements, we get constipated as a side effect. But there
was a study done concerning the formula question in babies. Half got
low iron, half got regular--not knowing which was which--and the rate
of constipation was the same in both groups. For most kids that does
not make a difference, and the iron is very important for growing
babies.
The constipation
can be formula-related, though. Allergies to some of the proteins
in the formula could cause the discomfort. Sometimes switching to
another brand will help (the milk-based formulas are not all the same).
Sometimes switching to soy will help. All other things being equal,
soy makes stools firmer--but for kids with an isolated allergy to
milk protein, the constipation may dramatically clear up on soy.
Still, about
20 percent of kids with a cow's milk protein allergy will also have
a soy allergy at that age, so if it doesn't work you still will not
know if this is formula related. Most allergies to milk and soy are
outgrown as infants or toddlers.
I like your pediatrician's
suggestion of switching to Nutramigen. It is a hydrolysate formula,
which means the proteins have already been chopped into building blocks
so they are easier to digest and pretty impossible to be allergic
to. If Nutramigen does not work you will know that formula is not
the issue.
Carnation Good
Start is another good possibility. It is an example of milk-based
formulas not all being the same. The milk proteins in Good Start are
partially hydrolyzed, so it may be easier for some kids to digest,
but it will not do the trick for a full-blown cow's milk protein allergy.
If the formula
is not the issue, there is a long list of rare causes that could be
causing the constipation. Hirschprung's disease is probably the most
important. This is where there are not enough nerve endings in the
end of the colon to push stool out effectively.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
