Don't Skimp on Nutrition in a Bad Economy

Scanning the Web the other day, I noticed an article in a Mississippi newspaper that touched upon a sensitive nutraceutical and the importance of pediatric nutrition.

I think we all agree across America that the economy stinks, and many adults are probably bypassing nutrition and pricey dietary supplements to tighten up the proverbial household belt. I consider myself among people in the know when it comes to making sound nutritional choices (a personal byproduct of my chosen profession), but over the weekend I found myself devouring a fast-food meal at McDonald's that didn't even cost five bucks. And I wasn't alone: the lines were nearly out the McDoor.

While adults may be able to weather mild nutritional skimping, babies cannot.

Getting back to the article, the reporter rehashed recent headlines involving a Florida infant and his mother who diluted her son's baby formula with extra water. The mom, who received free baby formula from the state government WIC program, ran out towards the end of the month.

Luckily, the child survived a near-deadly decision that must never be made when it comes to infant nutrition.

The article really sent this message home when it quoted a nutritional expert from Weill Cornell Medical College, Dr. Barbara Levine:

• Parents must remember infant formula is a nonbreast-fed infant's sole source of nutrition.
• PBM Nutritionals, a supplier of store-brand infant formula found at leading retailers, recommends parents breast-feed or use formula responsibly.

"If money is an issue, parents must understand that store brand infant formulas cost up to half the price of comparable national brands," Levine said. "And the FDA sets the nutritional and quality standards for all infant formulas, so store brand formulas have to meet the same strict guidelines as national brands."

Dr. Levine maintains a nutrition blog focused on omega-3 and B-vitamins at dhaandbvitamins.org and is a strong advocate - as I am - of omega-3 and omega-6 supplementation in infant formulas.

It's a rough economy, but I urge parents to save money on other non-necessities:

• Cable TV Channels
• Cigarettes (Lose the Habit!)
• Eating Out
• Designer Clothing

If you have a baby, don't breastfeed and are struggling (as we all are) financially, state WIC programs offer assistance, as do store brand formula alternatives at mega-stores.

Cutting back on nutrition is not an option, especially when it comes to babies. Remember, your health must come first, so don't skimp on nutrition in a bad economy; try store brand nutritionals, including vitamins and supplements for adults, or cutout other things that won't affect how you - or your baby - look, feel, and thrive.