A recent and unusual case has brought attention to the critical importance of appropriate infant nutrition. An 11-month-old baby in Spain was diagnosed with scurvy after being on a diet exclusively consisting of almond milk formula for several months.
Scurvy, often associated with pirates, is a condition resulting from a severe deficiency of vitamin C. Symptoms can include weakness, fragile bones, bruising, fatigue, irritability, and rashes. According to the baby’s case, published in the journal Pediatrics, the child was referred for issues including pathological fractures of the femur, irritability, and failure to thrive.
How Did This Happen?
Reports indicate that the child was initially fed a cow milk-based formula until he reached 2.5 months old. While it’s standard for babies to avoid regular cow’s milk until they are one year old, most formulas are derived from cow’s milk. However, upon developing rashes, the pediatrician recommended switching to an almond-based formula, which the baby consumed around 30 ounces of daily.
In some cases, plant-based formulas can be suitable for babies, but it heavily depends on the other nutrients and foods they are receiving. Unfortunately, this baby didn’t begin trying solid foods—like pureed fruits and vegetables—until six months and refused to eat them. By eight months, he had become less interactive and struggled with sitting up. By the time he was eleven months old and still solely on almond milk formula, he was extremely irritable and cried when his legs were moved. It was then that doctors identified fractures in his femur, leading to the scurvy diagnosis.
Lessons Learned
This situation highlights important lessons for both parents and healthcare providers. Experts from Spain’s Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe de Valencia noted, “When plant-based beverages are the exclusive diet in the first year of life and not consumed as a supplement to formula or breastfeeding, it can result in severe nutritional problems.” The child has since received vitamin C replacement therapy, and three months later, his levels returned to normal, allowing him to start walking.
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In summary, this case serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of balanced nutrition for infants, particularly regarding the inclusion of essential vitamins and minerals. Parents should consult with healthcare providers to ensure their babies receive appropriate dietary guidance.
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