A recent statement released from Health Canada is warning parents and caregivers to avoid giving infants homemade formulas.
Health Canada strongly recommends breastfeeding and supports it as the most beneficial method of feeding infants for normal growth, health, and development. For babies that cannot be breastfed, or for those parents who choose to use other means of feeding their baby, Health Canada recommends using only commercial infant formula as a substitute.
“Breastfeeding is the normal and unequalled method of feeding infants. Health Canada promotes breastfeeding—exclusively for the first six months, and sustained for up to two years or longer with appropriate complementary feeding—for the nutrition, immunologic protection, growth, and development of infants and toddlers,” reads a statement from the Health Canada Breastfeeding Guide.
Health Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society, and the Dietitians of Canada do not endorse the use of any homemade infant formulas, as they may not provide the proper balance of nutrients that infants need for proper development.
Homemade infant formulas can cause severe malnutrition, and in some cases, potentially fatal illness in babies.
Commercial formulas are recommended as they are safe-guarded by strict safety and nutritional quality assessments and regulations by Health Canada before they can be sold.
Formula companies must provide scientific evidence that their products meet set regulations and support healthy growth in infants. They must also prove that their formulas do not pose chemical or microbiological risks.
In addition, formula companies are required to meet standards for the nutritional content of substance, which includes energy, protein, fats, vitamins, and mineral nutrients. All manufactures, importers, and distributors of infant formulas are responsible for ensuring that their products comply with Canadian legislation.
Parents who are considering using a homemade formula, or would like to view other options, should consult a physician for more information. You can also view the Health Canada Food and Nutritional information page.
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