5 HEAVY METALS detected in 5 baby formulas
By ramontomeydw // 2024-06-24
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Many mothers who seek convenience or who cannot produce enough breast milk often rely on infant formula for their children. However, a study has found that many infant formulas contain heavy metals – with five formulas testing positive for five of these toxic elements. The study published in May was a collaboration between two non-profits, GMOScience and Moms Across America (MAA). It sought to determine the presence of toxic metals in several brands of infant formula. Researchers tested 40 samples from 20 formulas made by well-known international and local brands, with each of the samples undergoing testing twice. Some were labeled "organic," "non-GMO," "grass-fed" and "hypoallergenic." Most formulas tested were dairy-based, and only one was soy-based. The study authors' findings rang serious alarm bells as five of the infant formulas tested positive for aluminum, lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic. The formulas with all five heavy metals detected are as follows:
  • Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula
  • Enfamil Plant-based Soy Powder Infant Formula (the most contaminated)
  • Similac Total Comfort Infant Formula
  • Up & Up Gentle Premium Powder Infant Formula
  • Up & Up Non-GMO Hypoallergenic Powder Infant Formula
The authors also noted that all the samples they tested were positive for aluminum and lead. Moreover, 35 of the samples tested positive for cadmium, 55 percent tested positive for mercury and 57 percent were positive for arsenic. Four samples had mercury levels that were higher than the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) allowed limit in drinking water. One infant formula, Bubs Goat Milk Infant Formula, showed the highest concentration of aluminum at 41 parts per million. This means it was 4,000 to 40,000 times higher than other metals in the formulas tested. It also exceeds the limits set by the FDA for the maximum safety level of aluminum for an infant formula. The study authors also mentioned that both organic and non-organic infant formulas were found to contain toxic heavy metals. It cited Baby's Only Organic Infant Formula as an example, noting that it contained detectable levels of aluminum and lead – similar to non-organic counterparts. (Related: Learn to make your own infant formula that's far healthier than store-bought processed formula.)

Heavy metals in infant formula can cause lasting damage to babies

The study authors – Zen Honeycutt, Stephanie Seneff and Dr. Michelle Perro – expounded on the significance of their study on their podcast "The New MDS (Mothers, Doctors and Scientists)." They stressed the impact of their study on the health of young children. According to them, these heavy metals can cross the child's blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier doesn't fully develop until children are six months old, putting them at risk of cognitive health issues. They added that chronic exposure to these metals even at low levels can have cumulative effects on infants. These toxic elements could potentially lead to developmental and neurological issues, cancers and chronic diseases that emerge later in life. "Given the [crucial] growth period in infants, even small amounts of toxic metals can have disproportionately large impacts as compared to adults," they wrote. The Defender also mentioned a positive development regarding the issue of heavy metals in infant formulas. U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the Baby Food Safety Act of 2024. The proposal directs the FDA to set maximum allowable limits for heavy metals in baby food, as well as to monitor and set standards for testing the final product. This will also allow the regulator to establish mandatory recalls for food products that don't meet the standards. "Parents want what's best for their children, and they deserve peace of mind knowing the food they purchase for their babies and toddlers is safe," Klobuchar said in a statement about the bill. "This legislation will boost food safety standards and require more complete testing by manufacturers to prevent heavy metals from poisoning our kids." Watch this video about how to make homemade infant formula without heavy metal contaminants. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Report: Toxic heavy metals found in some baby food. Baby formula is a SCAM – here's what you need to know. Parents beware: 30 infant formulas found contaminated with high levels of aluminum. FDA allows unlimited heavy metals in most foods, but now seeks to limit arsenic in rice formulas for infants. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org MomsAcrossAmerica.com Edition.CNN.com Brighteon.com
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