Researchers have measured the aluminum content of several milk-based and soy-based formulas and found very high levels of aluminum content in each brand. The levels are especially high in soy-based and lactose intolerant substitutes. Levels of up to 700 micrograms per liter were found, which means infants could be ingesting up to 600 micrograms of aluminum per day. Even more concerning, levels are highest in pre-term formulas for premature infants. To compare, these levels are about 40 times higher than the content of breast milk, and much higher than levels allowed in drinking water.
Manufactures are not required to measure or filter aluminum content. It is considered to be a contaminant most likely from equipment used to pasteurize, process, and store formulas. The soybean plant itself is known to absorb aluminum from soils.
A research article from Keele University in Staffordshire demonstrates the vulnerability of infants to early exposure of aluminum. Aluminum has been associated with Alzheimer’s and has been shown to have both an immediate and delayed toxicity in infants.
Dr. Kerry Ferguson