Allina Health pediatrician warns of misinformation amid baby formula shortage

[KSTP-TV News, May 13, 2022] A worsening baby formula shortage is impacting families in Minnesota, and misinformation is swirling on social media, causing confusion.

A recipe for baby formula from the 1960s is circulating on social media as a solution to combat the shortage. Doctors explained that the method is dangerous.

“The formula that you make at home is not going to be as safe and clean as formula that would be made in a factory,” Dr. Anne Valaas-Turner, an Allina Health pediatrician, said.

Valaas-Turner said homemade formula could be contaminated with bacteria that can make a baby very sick.

“It’s also possible that if your baby is getting formula that doesn’t have the right blend of nutrients, that yours maybe would be low on iron or on Vitamin C,” Dr. Valaas-Turner said.