Errors in formula concentration in an outpatient population

The nutritional content of 133 infant formulas brought by low income urban mothers to a well-child clinic was examined to determine the prevalence of errors in infant formula preparation and to explore factors related to such errors. Infant formula was defined as hyperconcentrated or hypoconcentrated according to increase or decrease in fat concentration of at least 17.5% from the mean value. This definition was derived from the World Health Organization data which show that for infants less than 6 months old, caloric requirements have a standard deviation of 17.5% the mean requirement for age. Findings showed that 11% of the infant formulas were abnormally concentrated, 6% hypoconcentrated and 5% hyperconcentrated. Findings suggest that financial need is a risk factor for dilution of infant formula and that small infant size is a risk factor for hyperconcentration of formula