Consumer Reports Study on Metals in Baby Formula

Written By Dr. Pia Boben Fenimore

Consumer Reports released a report on March 18th outlining testing of 41 infant formulas, some of which contained contaminants such as arsenic, lead, BPA, acrylamide, and PFAS.

  • There were no formulas that exceeded current allowable standards by the FDA and no formulas have been recalled.

  • Environmental pollutants are pervasive in the food supply, and all the contaminants in CR’s tests have also been previously detected in breast milk, food, and water.

  • In response to the study, the FDA has created a new initiative to further reduce any contaminants in infant formula.

  • Formula remains a safe way to feed your baby and ensure they get the right nutrition. Please talk to your provider if you have any questions, concerns, or would like to discuss formula options for your infant.

Other highlights:

  • “The highest inorganic arsenic level was found in Abbott Nutrition’s EleCare Hypoallergenic, at 19.7 parts per billion (ppb), and the second highest in Similac Alimentum at 15.1 ppb…There are no established limits for arsenic in formula, but for comparison, the Environmental Protection Agency limits arsenic in municipal drinking water to 10 ppb; the FDA has the same limit for bottled water.”

    • Alternative to consider would be Neocate Hypoallergenic

Formulas listed as “top choices” (note, HiPP and Holle are not currently FDA approved as they are imported):

  • Aptamil First Infant Milk

  • Baby's Only Organic Complete Nutrition

  • Bobbie Organic

  • Bobbie Organic Gentle

  • Bubs Stage 1 Easy-digest Goat Milk

  • Bubs Stage 1 Organic Grass Fed

  • Dr. Brown's GentlePro

  • Earth's Best Organic Dairy

  • Enfamil A.R.

  • Enfamil Enspire Optimum

  • Enfamil Gentlease

  • Enfamil NeuroPro

  • Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease

  • HiPP Dutch Organic Stage 1

  • Holle Bio Organic Stage 1

  • Kendamil Whole Milk

  • Kirkland Signature (Costco) ProCare

  • Member's Mark (Sam's Club) Advantage Premium

  • Parent's Choice Advantage Premium

  • Similac Advance

  • Up&Up (Target) Premium

Formulas listed as “worse choices”:

  • Dr. Brown's SoothePro

  • EleCare Hypoallergenic

  • Enfamil Nutramigen

  • Enfamil ProSobee Simply Plant-Based

  • Kabrita Goat Milk-Based

  • PurAmino Hypoallergenic

  • Similac Alimentum

  • Similac NeoSure

  • Similac Total Comfort

  • Up&Up (Target) Soy

Dr. Pia Boben Fenimore
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