Nitrates in Homemade Baby Food
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), nitrate poisoning has been reported after consumption of homemade vegetable baby food. Along with naturally occurring vegetable nitrates, well water can make a baby's formula and homemade food unsafe. In fact, the AAP believes that 40,000 American babies 6 months and younger live in homes that consume nitrate-contaminated water.
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Significance
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents do not prepare baby foods made of carrots, beets, green beans, squash, or spinach for babies under 3 months old because of high nitrate levels. With spinach, naturally high nitrate levels increase further with improper storage.
Types
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Nitrates are naturally occurring nitrogen/ oxygen salt compounds found in vegetables, soil and fertilizers and are ingested through water or vegetables.
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Time Frame
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While adults are not susceptible to nitrate poisoning, children under 3 months old are particularly at risk because of certain bacteria that live in their stomachs the first few months after birth. According to Ohio State University, a baby's stomach begins producing enough hydrochloric acid to kill the bacteria that convert nitrate to nitrite by 3 months, and their digestive system is fully developed by 6 months old.
Prevention/Solution
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Parents should not prepare nitrate-rich vegetables for their infants aged 6 months and younger. There are many non leafy or root vegetables that are safe for infants under 6 months and numerous benefits to making homemade baby food, including more nutritional content, no artificial additives, and inexpensive preparation.
Warning
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Nitrate poisoning can lead to Baby Blue Syndrome, where nitrates hinder a baby's red blood cells from properly transporting oxygen. The cells become deprived of oxygen, the skin turns blue or purple, and the baby may slowly become asphyxiated.
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References
Resources
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Comments
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why would you even give anything to your infant under 6 months old other than breastmilk and formula? Said aap recommends witholding any solids till after 6 months.
