Formula Supplementation of Breastfed Infants: Helpful or Hazardous?

Abstract

Formula supplementation of the breastfed infant is engaged in for numerous reasons, many of which are not evidence based. While clinicians and mothers may view this practice as a benign intervention, there are a number of undesired side effects of which parents and health care providers may be unaware. These side effects can result in adverse outcomes on the maternal milk supply, on the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding, and on the infant’s gut microbiome. Alterations of the neonatal gut environment from formula supplementation can be responsible for mucosal inflammation and disease, autoimmunity disorders, and allergic conditions in childhood and adulthood. Soy infant formula can contain genetically modified ingredients and present a food with lower nutritional quality. Careful assessment and interventions that are designed to produce outcomes of abundant milk production and rapid resolution of breastfeeding problems help preserve the exclusive breastfeeding experience and result in optimal healt...