The practice of infant formula not exclusively (IFNE) is not new in the world. It has become a widely accepted and chosen way of fulfilling the baby’s dietary needs.

However, studies have shown that introducing formula milk too early or as a complete substitute for breastfeeding can have severe hazardous health implications on the baby in their childhood and later stages of life.

Health Hazards of IFNE

1. Gastrointestinal Tract Infections

One of the major health hazards of IFNE is gastrointestinal tract infections such as diarrhea, constipation, and gastroenteritis.

Breast milk contains anti-infective agents and immunoglobulins that protect from gastrointestinal infections, but these agents are minimal in infant formula milk. Studies have found that IFNE increases the risk of infections, and disease-causing bacteria that harmful to the baby’s health.

2. Lower Protection of Immune System

Breastfeeding helps the body to develop immunity naturally, which protects the baby from various allergies, infections, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer.

Formula milk does not contain the beneficial antibodies that exist in breast milk to strengthen the growing infant’s immunity. If infants don’t receive milk from their mothers, they are more susceptible to illnesses during their childhood and later life.

3. Risk of Chronic Diseases

Another health hazard of IFNE is that it increases the chances of chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory infections.

Related Article The Risks of IFNE in Early Life

Breastfed infants have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases, while formula-fed infants have a higher risk of developing them. Consequently, infants fed with formula milk may have a risk of chronic diseases at an early age, which can affect their health in their later stages of life.

4. Nutritional Insufficiency

Formula milk does not contain all the essential nutrients required for the baby’s growth and development, such as antibodies, oligosaccharides, human growth factors, and other crucial nutrients.

It also lacks the diverse nutrients that evolve over time that breast milk has to offer to the baby. An infant’s dietary necessities change with age and vary even during breastfeeding. Breast milk is dynamic, changing in composition and amount to meet the growing infant’s dietary requirements.

On the other hand, formula milk remains the same, no matter the growing infant’s dietary needs.

5. Decreased Cognitive Development

Breast milk is rich in nutrients that aid in cognitive development in infants. Compared to breast milk, formula milk has lower levels of fatty acids, which are essential for the development of neural tissues and brain cells.

Inadequate development of brain tissues and brain cells may cause the baby to suffer from cognitive and behavioral issues in their later stages of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IFNE is not entirely free from health hazards for newborns and infants. Parents should be aware of the risks that the child faces when formula milk is introduced too early or is used as an overall replacement for breastfeeding.