neurological development and function. This is particularly concerning in neonates and young infants, who have an underdeveloped blood-brain barrier that may allow greater aluminum passage from blood into brain tissue. Studies have shown that high levels of aluminum exposure in infants can contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders and impair cognitive development. There is excellent data linking the autism epidemic in American children directly to aluminum (as well as cadmium and mercury).[3]
Additionally, aluminum overload can negatively impact bone health. It competes with calcium for absorption, potentially leading to bone demineralization and affecting the growth and health of bones in infants and young children.
Regulatory Limits on Aluminum Exposure:
Despite these concerns, specific regulatory limits for aluminum exposure in infants are not as clearly defined as those for other metals like lead or mercury.
FDA: The FDA has set limits on aluminum concentrations in parenteral nutrition solutions to reduce exposure risks in neonates and infants. These limits are set at no more than 25 micrograms per liter (µg/L) for parenterally administered products.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): The EFSA has proposed a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 1 milligram per kilogram body weight per week for aluminum, acknowledging that infants are particularly at risk due to their immature kidneys and higher relative exposure from dietary sources (including formula).
Guidance for Minimizing Exposure:
Given the potential risks, it is advisable for parents and caregivers to minimize infants’ exposure to aluminum. This can include:
Choosing baby formulas with lower aluminum levels, particularly when formula is a significant part of the diet. This must be advertised and published via a global public policy directive.
Being cautious with the use of aluminum-containing medications and vaccines, discussing with healthcare providers the necessity and timing of such treatments.
Avoiding the use of aluminum cookware or containers, especially with acidic foods, which can increase aluminum leaching.
100% of the formulas tested contained aluminum 1000 times greater (ppm vs ppb) than the other 4 metals tested.
Health Effects of Lead in Babies
In babies, lead exposure can lead to profound and persistent adverse effects. Neurologically, it can cause developmental delays, reduced IQ, behavioral problems, and learning difficulties. Physically, lead exposure has been associated with decreased growth and hearing impairment. Furthermore, at higher levels, lead exposure can affect almost every system in the body, including the nervous and immune systems, and can cause severe gastrointestinal issues.
Recognizing the gravity of lead’s health implications, regulatory agencies have set stringent limits on lead exposure which have not found their way into infant formulas:
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC has indicated that there is no known safe blood lead level in children, and any exposure should be addressed. However, intervention is recommended for children with blood lead levels higher than 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL), though recent research suggests that even lower levels may still have detrimental effects.
EPA: The EPA has set the maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for lead in public drinking water systems at zero, recognizing that no safe level of lead exposure has been identified. However, the action level, at which remediation is required, is set at 15 parts per billion (ppb) in water.
WHO: The WHO also acknowledges that lead exposure is harmful with no apparent safe threshold and advises minimizing lead exposure to the fullest extent possible.
What are the Effects of Toxic Metal Mixtures in Babies
Little research has been done on the detrimental outcomes from the combined impacts of a multitude of toxic metals in babies. One study examined neurobehavioral findings in newborns exposed to a prenatal mixture at low levels and found adverse outcomes. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8835549/)
In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP:https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2021/aap-statement-on-fda-announcement-regarding-toxic-metals-in-baby-and-toddler-food/) commended the FDA on its announcement that formula and baby food would be made as safe as possible.
While the Closer to Action Plan (https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/closer-zero-reducing-childhood-exposure-contaminants-foods) is an excellent document, safeguards are still not yet in place.
Glyphosate and Toxic Metals
Citizen scientists, such as Zen Honeycutt, have demonstrated that glyphosate has also been found in infant formulas shown in research conducted by Moms Across America. A study published by our team member, Dr. Stephanie Seneff, elucidated that aluminum can work synergistically with glyphosate to induce neurological harm.[1]