A shortage of infant formula has added to the woes of American parents, already facing the pressures of raising a baby during a pandemic in a country that ranks last for family-friendly policies. . Media reports say that mothers, fathers and other caregivers have had to drive hours to find stores that sell formula milk.
What is behind the scarcity? And how can it be prevented from happening again? Steven Abrams, a leading pediatric health expert at the University of Texas who has advised both the formula industry and the US government on infant nutrition, answers these questions and advises parents who are struggling to get an adequate supply of infant formula.
Why is there a shortage of formula milk now?
Actually, there are two factors that have caused the current shortage. First of all, we have the problem of the supply chain, which has affected all kinds of products since the start of the pandemic. It calmed down a bit, but in early 2022 it got worse.
Then, in February, a major baby formula manufacturing plant in the United States collapsed. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) closed the Abbott Nutrition factory in the state of Michigan. The closure came after Abbott recalled several brands of infant formula, including routine Similac cow’s milk-based formulas, such as Similac Advance, and several special formulas for infants with allergies, such as Similac Alimentum and Similac EleCare.
Actually, there are two factors that have caused the current shortage. First of all, we have the problem of the supply chain, which has affected all kinds of products since the start of the pandemic. It calmed down a bit, but in early 2022 it got worse.
Then, in February, a major baby formula manufacturing plant in the United States collapsed. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) closed the Abbott Nutrition factory in the state of Michigan. The closure came after Abbott recalled several brands of infant formula, including routine Similac cow’s milk-based formulas, such as Similac Advance, and several special formulas for infants with allergies, such as Similac Alimentum and Similac EleCare.
The factory closure had to be made amid an investigation into bacterial infections in relation to powdered formula produced at the plant, and the deaths of at least two babies. The problem is that there is not much redundancy in the production of infant formula in the United States. In other words, there are not enough factories to supply the lack of production when one fails. The Michigan plant is the largest producer in the country, so when a breakdown occurs, it puts a strain on the entire formula distribution system, especially for certain formulas for infants with allergic conditions and metabolic disorders. high-risk.
In the last two weeks the shortage has worsened. I can’t say for sure why this has happened, but I suspect hoarding due to parental anxiety. Stores may limit the amount of formula you can buy, but that doesn’t stop people from buying more online.
In addition, the shortage has received wide publicity in newspapers, on television and in political speeches. All that hype feeds the public sense that the system is failing, leading to more panic buying and hoarding.
Who does the shortage affect?
Most parents feed their infants formula milk at some point to meet their nutritional needs, especially older babies. At birth and in the days immediately following, about 80% of babies in the US receive all of their nutrition through breast milk. But by 6 months, most babies are getting at least some formula. The proportion of one-year-old babies receiving artificial milk is even higher. This is largely the result of social dynamics and pressures: mothers go back to work after giving birth, but do not receive enough support to produce and store sufficient amounts of breast milk.
But the shortage will affect some parents more than others. Not surprisingly, the most affected parents are those with the lowest incomes. In the United States, the federal nutrition program for the poorest women, infants, and children, called WIC, provides formula for most babies in low-income families. But costs have gone up and formula milk has become scarcer.
Some families have to drive two hours to find stores that sell formula milk. Obviously, this will be more difficult for the poorest families, since there are costs involved. Similarly, more affluent parents can buy more expensive formulas, from the so-called elite brands.
Another aspect to take into account is that the shortage affects both normal formula milk and specialized versions. Regular or standard formula is the type most families are familiar with, and about 95% of formula-fed babies in the US receive the standard type. Specialized formula is for babies with unusual needs, due to allergies, damaged intestines, or special nutritional needs. Before the Michigan factory closed, it made most of the specialty infant formula used in the US, making it an absolute crisis for families in need of that kind of formula.
What are the possible consequences of scarcity?
In the first six months, babies should only drink breast milk or formula; anything else given to them will be nutritionally incomplete. Therefore, there is a risk that shortages mean that babies do not receive the nutrition they need to develop. This could cause a number of health problems that would affect their physical growth and brain development.
In addition, there is concern that parents use unsafe alternatives, such as diluting their baby’s formula. People have been known to try to make their own by mixing milk powder or vegan milk with vitamins. Not only are these alternatives not nutritionally complete, they may not be entirely sterile.
After six months, things get a little better when the baby can start eating solid foods. But even then, formula or breast milk is still the main source of nutrition. Therefore, there may still be a risk of nutritional deficiencies, such as iron.
Are there viable alternatives?
Starting at six months of age, and for reasonably short periods of time, parents can feed babies whole cow’s milk and look for iron supplements.
It’s not ideal, and only applies to older babies. For those under six months, cow’s milk is a real problem. It doesn’t have the right protein mix for babies, and it has almost no iron, posing a risk of anemia for younger babies. Cow’s milk also has a mineral imbalance, especially for younger babies.
So what guidance is there for low-income parents?
It is a challenge and I cannot give a magical answer. But food banks and the WIC program have been a crucial lifeline. The WIC program, in particular, has proven very flexible during this shortage. When Abbott had to recall products and then was unable to provide enough non-recalled formulas in states where it was the WIC provider, WIC was able to switch providers and reprogram EBT cards to allow low-income parents to purchase different brands. .
First of all, we need to help families regain confidence in the formula production and supply system. This will prevent problems like hoarding or making homemade formulas.
What can be done to prevent this situation from happening again?
Next, we must study how to ensure that the fall of one plant does not affect the entire system. The federal government can’t stock formula in the same way it could stock oil, because formula has a shelf life. But diversification of infant formula production is a possibility. This would mean making sure that various factories and companies produce the formulas that this country needs. This does not necessarily mean an increase in costs, as competition could drive prices down.
I think the US also needs to look at the country’s breastfeeding support system. Don’t get me wrong, some parents will always need formula. But those who want to breastfeed – you need to do everything you can to support them. That includes better family leave policies, and help for low-income mothers who want to pump and store milk while they work.
This article has been published in ‘
The Conversation‘.
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