Baby formula contains higher arsenic levels than breast milk

A new study has found that baby formula, that is used to fed infants has more urinary arsenic level than breast milk.

The study conducted by Dartmouth College observed that urinary arsenic was 7.5 times lower for breast-fed than formula-fed infants, and the tap water arsenic concentrations are far exceeded than the powdered formulas, but at majority both the powder and water contributed to arsenic exposure to infants.

Kathryn Cottingham, lead author Professor said that their findings highlighted that breastfeeding can reduce arsenic exposure even at the relatively low levels of arsenic, and this was an important public health benefit of breastfeeding.

The researchers informed that arsenic causes cancers and other diseases, and early-life exposure has been associated with increased fetal mortality, decreased birth weight and diminished cognitive function.

Margaret Karagas, senior author advised families with private wells to have their tap water tested for arsenic.

The study is published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.