Concerns About Nutritional Formula and Baby's Constipation Issues

Have you heard of Youqiang formula milk?

Have you heard of Youqiang formula milk? My baby is almost 10 months old and has been consuming it for over 6 months.
He has been experiencing constipation, and we are now adding probiotics to address this issue.
Could this be related to the formula milk? Previously, my mother-in-law tried using Ba Bao San to alleviate the constipation, but when she took it, the stools were watery, and when she stopped, the constipation returned, almost like a laxative.
After the recent news about contaminated traditional medicine on television, my husband and mother-in-law had a disagreement, and she stopped using it.
However, if it truly contained lead, could my baby already have lead in his system? Will this affect his future development? Can you help me with this? A worried mother.

Xiao Niu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/12/08

Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition

Hello! I understand your concerns, as we are both mothers.
You can actually consult the Poison Control Center at Veterans General Hospital or the Consumer Foundation to see if they can assist with testing.
Your baby is ten months old; has she started eating solid foods? And is she getting enough fluids? (You can check the relevant nutritional recommendations on the website of the Food and Drug Administration under the Department of Health, Executive Yuan, in the section on Health Knowledge/Lifespan Nutrition.) Is the formula you are using just malt extract? If so, it should not be used as the primary source of nutrition.
Regarding the constipation issue, I recommend taking your baby to see a pediatrician and bringing the formula canister for the doctor or a nutritionist to evaluate the ingredients and nutritional information to determine if it is appropriate.
Sincerely, Dietitian Shih Kuei-Mei, Director of the Nutrition Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2003/12/08

More Info

Dear Concerned Mother,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your baby's nutrition and constipation issues. It's understandable to feel anxious when it comes to your child's health, especially when dealing with dietary choices and their effects on digestion. Let's break down your questions and concerns regarding formula, constipation, and the potential risks associated with certain foods.

First, regarding the formula you mentioned, "Youqiang" (優強), it's essential to understand that not all infant formulas are created equal. While many formulas are designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants, some may contain ingredients that can contribute to constipation. Common culprits include high levels of iron, certain fats, and the presence of palm oil, which can affect the digestibility of the formula. If your baby has been experiencing constipation consistently, it might be worth discussing with your pediatrician whether a different formula could be more suitable.

Constipation in infants can often be linked to their diet. If your baby has been primarily on formula and has recently started solid foods, the transition can sometimes lead to digestive issues. Foods that are low in fiber or high in binding agents can exacerbate constipation. It's crucial to ensure that your baby's diet includes a variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber, such as pureed prunes, pears, and peas, which can help promote regular bowel movements.

You mentioned that you have introduced probiotics (乳酸菌) to help with constipation. Probiotics can be beneficial for gut health and may assist in alleviating constipation. However, it's important to ensure that the specific probiotic strains are appropriate for infants. Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing any new supplements.

Regarding the use of "八寶散" (Eight Treasure Powder), it's essential to approach herbal remedies with caution, especially for infants. While some herbal remedies can be effective, they may also carry risks, including contamination with heavy metals like lead, as you mentioned. If there are concerns about lead exposure, it is crucial to have your child evaluated by a healthcare professional. Lead exposure can have serious long-term effects on a child's development, including cognitive and behavioral issues.

If you suspect that your baby may have been exposed to lead or any harmful substances, it is advisable to consult your pediatrician for appropriate testing and guidance. They can provide you with the necessary steps to ensure your child's health and development are not compromised.

In summary, managing your baby's constipation may require a multifaceted approach, including evaluating the formula, ensuring a fiber-rich diet, and possibly adjusting the use of probiotics or herbal remedies. Always consult with your pediatrician before making significant changes to your baby's diet or introducing new products. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your baby's specific needs and health history.

Remember, your concerns are valid, and seeking professional advice is the best course of action to ensure your baby's health and well-being. Don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further assistance.

Best wishes for you and your little one!

Similar Q&A

Managing Newborn Constipation: Effective Solutions for Parents

My daughter is ten days old and currently receiving specialized care at a postpartum center. Yesterday, the nurse advised me to switch her formula. She is currently drinking S26. The nurse explained that S26 formula can cause thick stools and asked me to observe how my daughter s...

Dr. Zhang Yingwen reply Pediatrics
During infancy, formula should be prepared according to the recommended ratio to avoid excessive concentration, which can burden the kidneys, or overly diluted mixtures that may lead to nutritional deficiencies affecting growth. The text also expresses concern about constipation;...

Understanding Baby's Bowel Issues: Feeding Patterns and Constipation Concerns

Hello, my baby is currently 7 days away from turning 3 months old. Due to work commitments, I have my mother-in-law take care of the baby every other day. She feeds the baby a lot; a 900-gram can of formula is finished in 6 days. I have asked her to feed the baby every 4 hours, b...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
1. Issues with formula preparation can potentially affect bowel movements (if the formula is too diluted, stools may be less frequent; if it is too concentrated, stools may be loose). Feeding too much does not necessarily impact bowel movements. 2. Fixed feeding schedules are n...

Understanding Baby's Nutrition: Addressing Concerns About Diet and Supplements

Hello, Director! Thank you for your detailed response. The baby has vegetable porridge cooked with bone broth twice a day, and it is also mixed with fruits or fruit juice, and the feeding situation is quite good. I have observed that the stool often has two colors: part yellow an...

Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Your baby is over eight months old. In addition to staple foods (rice, porridge, noodles, etc.), vegetables, and fruits, it is also important to include protein sources such as eggs, beans, fish, and meat to provide the necessary nutrients for growth. For dietary recommend...

Assessing Nutritional Intake and Digestive Issues in Preterm Infants

Hello, My daughter was born at 35 weeks with a birth weight of 1980g. Her corrected age is now 10 months. She has started supplementary foods, and her total daily milk intake is approximately 300cc. She receives solid foods three times a day (for example, up to 2 bowls of porri...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
Born at 35 weeks gestation with a birth weight of only 1980g, this infant meets the definition of "intrauterine growth restriction." At a corrected age of 10 months, the height and weight can reach the 15th percentile, indicating that growth may be catching up to that o...