Dark particles in baby milk formula
What are they? And what you can do about them.
My daughter is allergic to an ingredient in cow’s milk. She spent three weeks in ICU earlier this year, and so missed a few developmental milestones for an infant.
We were advised by her dietician to have her drink hypoallergenic baby milk formula to get her weight up. Her progress in her recovery has been inspiring.
After her first birthday, we needed to introduce the formula variant for children aged 1 year and above. We noticed black spots in the milk and asked our dietician and pharmacist about it. Information was scant online (at the time or writing) so I thought I’d share what little information we found.
Though we use another brand, we found the information provided by Nestlé enlightening. I’d like to share it with you.
N.B. This is not medical advice and shouldn’t be interpreted as such. This is merely my experience of the information I have found online.
Nestlé
Nestlé published a page on August 15, 2023 concerning black specks or particles found in their Good Start Infant Formula. These particles seem to be overcooked or caramelised specks of formula that are overheated during the manufacturing process. These scorched particles may present as light beige, orange, red, brown or black spots floating around in the milk.
https://www.madewithnestle.ca/help/article/black-specks-good-start-powder
Apparently, when crushed they crumble into powder; when put into hot water, they will dissolve over time.
Nestlé states the following:
There are no harmful effects associated with scorched particles and the formula is still nutritionally complete. Even though the product is safe to consume, it is not how we want you to experience our products.
However, the company does advise that you proceed with caution, alerting them to any concerns you may have about the product. Provide as many details as you can about the product and engage the company where necessary.
My Advice
Seek the professional advice of your dietician, nutritionist, or doctor. Your child’s health is the most important thing in this situation. These specks seem to be part of the manufacturing process.
Ask your pharmacist or retailer about the product you bought from them. It is important that they know if the product is a cause for concern.
Contact the manufacturer if you have more specific questions and make sure to have as much of the product and purchase information available. Kudos to Nestlé for publishing this information. It is sometimes difficult to find information on products that can affect the wellbeing of our family’s health.
Most of all, trust your gut as a parent. If something new or strange catches your attention about the things your child ingests, choose caution every day of the week.
I hope your little ones grow healthy and happy.
✌🏽 Live longer, and may your tribe increase.
