Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Why Has Kennedy Ordered A Review Of Baby Formula? What Every Parent Must Know About Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting a comprehensive review of infant formula ingredients. It was initiated under the guidance of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as part of his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, pledging to overhaul the U.S. food supply.

Behind this action is a mounting concern: although infant formula is still a staple for scores of American families, the science and nutritional criteria used to produce it have not materially changed since 1998. With changing worldwide research on infant nutrition and increasingly anxious parents worrying about contaminants, additives, and ingredient disclosure, this review could not be more timely.

Roughly 75% of U.S. infants are dependent on formula for the first six months, and for nearly 40%, it is the exclusive source of nutrition, as the CDC reports. In spite of world campaigns promoting exclusive breastfeeding, infant formula has emerged as a lifeline for parents who are unable—or unwilling—to breastfeed because of medical concerns, work schedules, or personal preference.

Formula is made to imitate breast milk of human women and usually comes from cow milk or soy. According to present FDA guidelines, every infant formula product is required to have 30 nutrients essential for infants in specific proportions. Yet, the technology of infants' digestion and nutrition requirements has progressed immensely, leading experts to wonder if the standards are yet sufficient.

<h2>Why Is The Government's Pushing for Nutritional Transparency?</h2>

Secretary Kennedy's call to action comes as part of a comprehensive national effort to enhance the U.S. food supply chain. The review is happening in the face of increasing parental distrust and industry trends which indicate that existing rules might not be completely in accordance with recent worldwide research on infant feeding. This effort will take into consideration an array of factors, including:

<ul><li>Nutrient content and bioavailability</li><li>Incidence of contaminants such as heavy metals</li><li>Variations in international nutritional standards</li><li>Possible threats from added sugars and seed oils</li></ul>

There is a planned roundtable discussion where scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers will engage in a debate on infant formula in the U.S. The FDA currently invites public and expert comment until the September 11 deadline.

<h2>What Are The Ingredients in Infant Formula?</h2>

Although the current formula is deemed safe, scientists insist that modern science highlights new nutritional findings not necessarily captured by existing rules. The FDA's 30-list of essential nutrients has not changed much since the 90s—even though studies on breast milk composition have dramatically changed.

Some of the main issues under consideration are:

Iron Content: American formulas generally have more iron content than European ones. Iron is crucial but, like too much of anything, could have unexpected side effects, so a rethinking may be in order.

DHA and HMOs: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are recent additions designed to make formula as much like human milk as possible. Yet these are not necessary in every product.

Added Sugars: Corn syrup solids and glucose are common in certain formulas and can be responsible for early weight gain. Lactose, the natural sugar found in breast milk, is a better option.

Seed Oils: Widely maligned by health activists, seed oils are nevertheless essential to matching the fatty acid profile of breast milk, according to experts.

Bridget Young, an infant nutritionist at the University of Rochester, pressed the point to examine beyond ingredient labels to consider bioavailability—how well the body can absorb and utilize these foods.

Kennedy's bill also seems to be in response to lessons gleaned from the 2022 formula shortage, when contamination of an Abbott plant caused a national shortage. Parents frantically sought to get safe food into their babies, demonstrating how weak and undiversified the U.S. formula supply chain really is.

More compatibility with global standards, analysts contend, would have alleviated the shortage by facilitating faster importation of safe foreign-made brands. Kennedy's proposal seeks to avoid such disruptions by increasing regulatory leeway and strengthening safety protocols.

Some parents have in the last few years opted for European infant formulas, deeming them to be more healthy because of variations in ingredient listings and the degree of labeling transparency. 

Though European and American recipes vary in iron levels or forms of sugar, neither is inherently superior. Each is constructed within a distinct regulatory and cultural context.

Rather than advocating for one over the other, Kennedy's report aims to take the best from both worlds merging U.S. regulation with evidence-driven international nutritional research.

<h2>What Parents Need to Know Before Buying Baby Formula</h2>

While no short-term changes are being implemented to the amount or type of infant formula available on retail shelves, the review is a significant departure from the manner in which the federal government plans to regulate the nutrition of babies.

The review will take a minimum of one year and will require coordination among government, industry, pediatric nutritionists, and consumers. Abrams cautions that this cannot be a cosmetic effort: "No shortcuts are possible. No one white paper or committee report will suffice."

For the moment, health professionals are assuring parents that infant formulas available today are still safe and nutritionally adequate. But the future could bring formulas that are not only safe but even more biologically relevant and designed to the most recent science regarding infant development.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting a comprehensive review of infant formula ingredients. It was initiated under the guidance of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as part of his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, pledging to overhaul the U.S. food supply.Behind this action is a mounting concern: although infant formula is still a staple for scores of American families, the science and nutritional criteria used to produce it have not materially changed since 1998. With changing worldwide research on infant nutrition and increasingly anxious parents worrying about contaminants, additives, and ingredient disclosure, this review could not be more timely.Roughly 75% of U.S. infants are dependent on formula for the first six months, and for nearly 40%, it is the exclusive source of nutrition, as the CDC reports. In spite of world campaigns promoting exclusive breastfeeding, infant formula has emerged as a lifeline for parents who are unable—or unwilling—to breastfeed because of medical concerns, work schedules, or personal preference.Formula is made to imitate breast milk of human women and usually comes from cow milk or soy. According to present FDA guidelines, every infant formula product is required to have 30 nutrients essential for infants in specific proportions. Yet, the technology of infants' digestion and nutrition requirements has progressed immensely, leading experts to wonder if the standards are yet sufficient.Why Is The Government's Pushing for Nutritional Transparency?Secretary Kennedy's call to action comes as part of a comprehensive national effort to enhance the U.S. food supply chain. The review is happening in the face of increasing parental distrust and industry trends which indicate that existing rules might not be completely in accordance with recent worldwide research on infant feeding. This effort will take into consideration an array of factors, including:Nutrient content and bioavailabilityIncidence of contaminants such as heavy metalsVariations in international nutritional standardsPossible threats from added sugars and seed oilsThere is a planned roundtable discussion where scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers will engage in a debate on infant formula in the U.S. The FDA currently invites public and expert comment until the September 11 deadline.What Are The Ingredients in Infant Formula?Although the current formula is deemed safe, scientists insist that modern science highlights new nutritional findings not necessarily captured by existing rules. The FDA's 30-list of essential nutrients has not changed much since the 90s—even though studies on breast milk composition have dramatically changed.Some of the main issues under consideration are:Iron Content: American formulas generally have more iron content than European ones. Iron is crucial but, like too much of anything, could have unexpected side effects, so a rethinking may be in order.DHA and HMOs: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are recent additions designed to make formula as much like human milk as possible. Yet these are not necessary in every product.Added Sugars: Corn syrup solids and glucose are common in certain formulas and can be responsible for early weight gain. Lactose, the natural sugar found in breast milk, is a better option.Seed Oils: Widely maligned by health activists, seed oils are nevertheless essential to matching the fatty acid profile of breast milk, according to experts.Bridget Young, an infant nutritionist at the University of Rochester, pressed the point to examine beyond ingredient labels to consider bioavailability—how well the body can absorb and utilize these foods.Kennedy's bill also seems to be in response to lessons gleaned from the 2022 formula shortage, when contamination of an Abbott plant caused a national shortage. Parents frantically sought to get safe food into their babies, demonstrating how weak and undiversified the U.S. formula supply chain really is.More compatibility with global standards, analysts contend, would have alleviated the shortage by facilitating faster importation of safe foreign-made brands. Kennedy's proposal seeks to avoid such disruptions by increasing regulatory leeway and strengthening safety protocols.Should Parents Be Worried?Some parents have in the last few years opted for European infant formulas, deeming them to be more healthy because of variations in ingredient listings and the degree of labeling transparency. Though European and American recipes vary in iron levels or forms of sugar, neither is inherently superior. Each is constructed within a distinct regulatory and cultural context.Rather than advocating for one over the other, Kennedy's report aims to take the best from both worlds merging U.S. regulation with evidence-driven international nutritional research.What Parents Need to Know Before Buying Baby FormulaWhile no short-term changes are being implemented to the amount or type of infant formula available on retail shelves, the review is a significant departure from the manner in which the federal government plans to regulate the nutrition of babies.The review will take a minimum of one year and will require coordination among government, industry, pediatric nutritionists, and consumers. Abrams cautions that this cannot be a cosmetic effort: "No shortcuts are possible. No one white paper or committee report will suffice."For the moment, health professionals are assuring parents that infant formulas available today are still safe and nutritionally adequate. But the future could bring formulas that are not only safe but even more biologically relevant and designed to the most recent science regarding infant development.

why has kennedy ordered a review of baby formula? what every parent must know about safety

Aarushi Bhadury

Parents Have A Huge Impact On Their Children's Eating Habits: Study

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Kids love copying their parents, whether it is because they wish to act like grown-up or just wish to feel connected to them. However, what we may not have realized is that the eating habits of our parents can unknowingly seep into our own lifestyle, especially our parents’. 

A father's eating habits can have a big effect on what their children eat, even before those children are born, according to a new study. Men who ate healthy as teenagers were more likely to show good eating habits to their own kids and keep a close eye on what their children consumed. Habits like eating healthy, exercising and other healthy lifestyle choices are something one should teach their child. These findings were shared at a meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Florida. 

Researchers explained that fathers who ate healthier as teenagers were more likely to encourage positive food habits in their children. She noted that these fathers were better at modeling healthy eating—showing good dietary habits themselves—and monitoring how many unhealthy foods, like certain sweets and snacks, their children ate. 

For this study, researchers looked at information from 669 men. These men had filled out questionnaires about their eating habits when they were teenagers. Years later, in 2021 and 2022, when they had children aged 1 to 6, researchers asked them about their kids' diets. The men in the study were initially part of a larger study in the 1990s and 2000s and had completed at least two diet surveys during their teen years. 

The researchers used a common tool called the Healthy Eating Index to score how well the men ate. A higher score meant eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean proteins. It also meant eating less refined grains, salt, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. This tool helped them clearly see the quality of the men's diets. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Teen Diet Quality Varied</span>, with Clear Outcomes </h2>

<ul><li>About 44% of the men had a poor diet.</li><li>Around 40% had their diet quality get worse over time.</li><li>Only 16% had a diet that improved and became healthier as they grew up.</li></ul>

The results showed that men whose diets improved during their teenage years were 90% more likely to show healthy eating habits to their kids as fathers. They were also 60% more likely to keep an eye on what their children ate. 

Because these fathers had healthier habits, their children were much more likely to eat the daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. This difference was especially clear when compared to kids whose dads had unhealthy diets as teenagers. 

The research highlighted that healthy eating habits developed during the teen years don't just help individuals, but also influence how they parent in the future, leading to better nutrition for the next generation. This finding is particularly important given the rising concerns about childhood obesity and poor diets. Investing in good nutrition for teenagers, including boys, can create long-lasting benefits that extend across many generations. 

Parents and eating habits

teen diet quality varied

children's eating habits

Helping children eat healthy

teen healthy eat

eating habits and health

Kids love copying their parents, whether it is because they wish to act like grown-up or just wish to feel connected to them. However, what we may not have realized is that the eating habits of our parents can unknowingly seep into our own lifestyle, especially our parents’. A father's eating habits can have a big effect on what their children eat, even before those children are born, according to a new study. Men who ate healthy as teenagers were more likely to show good eating habits to their own kids and keep a close eye on what their children consumed. Habits like eating healthy, exercising and other healthy lifestyle choices are something one should teach their child. These findings were shared at a meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Florida. Teen Habits Shape Future Dads Researchers explained that fathers who ate healthier as teenagers were more likely to encourage positive food habits in their children. She noted that these fathers were better at modeling healthy eating—showing good dietary habits themselves—and monitoring how many unhealthy foods, like certain sweets and snacks, their children ate. For this study, researchers looked at information from 669 men. These men had filled out questionnaires about their eating habits when they were teenagers. Years later, in 2021 and 2022, when they had children aged 1 to 6, researchers asked them about their kids' diets. The men in the study were initially part of a larger study in the 1990s and 2000s and had completed at least two diet surveys during their teen years. The researchers used a common tool called the Healthy Eating Index to score how well the men ate. A higher score meant eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean proteins. It also meant eating less refined grains, salt, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. This tool helped them clearly see the quality of the men's diets. Teen Diet Quality Varied, with Clear Outcomes The study found that as teenagers: About 44% of the men had a poor diet.Around 40% had their diet quality get worse over time.Only 16% had a diet that improved and became healthier as they grew up.The results showed that men whose diets improved during their teenage years were 90% more likely to show healthy eating habits to their kids as fathers. They were also 60% more likely to keep an eye on what their children ate. Healthier Next Generation Because these fathers had healthier habits, their children were much more likely to eat the daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. This difference was especially clear when compared to kids whose dads had unhealthy diets as teenagers. The research highlighted that healthy eating habits developed during the teen years don't just help individuals, but also influence how they parent in the future, leading to better nutrition for the next generation. This finding is particularly important given the rising concerns about childhood obesity and poor diets. Investing in good nutrition for teenagers, including boys, can create long-lasting benefits that extend across many generations. 

parents have a huge impact on their children's eating habits: study

Ishita Roy

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India has made commendable progress in maternal health over the past few years. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) dropped from 130 deaths per 100,000 live births (2014–16) to 97 in 2018–19. Yet, experts argue that now is the time to move beyond just reducing deaths—towards strengthening maternal well-being, long-term recovery, and dignity.

Girish Agarwal, co-founder and COO of Zeno Health, a generic medicine delivery brand, shares, as reported in India Today, how improving access to essential medicines can be the next big step in this journey.

<h4>The Hidden Cost of Nutritional Deficiencies</h4>

Maternal nutrition is often reduced to calorie intake—but that’s only part of the picture. True maternal health depends on access to key micronutrients that support foetal growth, improve maternal immunity, and speed up postpartum recovery.

However, deficiencies remain a significant problem. As per the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21), 52.2% of pregnant women in India are anaemic. This is more than a health statistic; it signals a gap in equitable access to vital care—particularly among low-income and rural households.

These deficiencies are linked to complications such as low birth weight, premature delivery, and chronic fatigue after childbirth. Fortunately, many of these issues can be prevented with consistent access to supplements and timely medical care.

<h4>Moving from Crisis to Continuity</h4>

While antenatal care in India has improved, postnatal care remains uneven—especially in underserved areas. According to a 2023 NITI Aayog report, women in rural regions are almost twice as likely to face complications post-childbirth compared to those in urban settings.

This disparity points to more than just inadequate infrastructure. It highlights the need for sustained and affordable healthcare models that work in real-world conditions—beyond just big cities and well-funded hospitals.

<h4>Generics: A Scalable, Affordable Solution</h4>

One of the most practical ways to close this gap is through high-quality <span>generic medicines</span> and supplements. These can drastically cut costs for families without compromising on efficacy.

However, affordability alone is not enough. Generic medicines must be embedded in a system of trust and accessibility. That means empowering pharmacists, making generics part of regular health conversations, and ensuring last-mile delivery systems that work consistently across geographies.

<h4>Building Trust in What’s Affordable</h4>

There’s a persistent myth that affordable means inferior. To shift this perception, public confidence in generic medicines must be reinforced through transparent communication, pharmacist training, and quality assurance.

Generic medicines shouldn’t be seen as second-best. They can help transform maternal healthcare from a series of emergency interventions to a continuous, proactive care system. With the right support, they offer not just cost savings—but a path to health equity and long-term maternal well-being.

maternal care

parenting

maternal care india

generic medicines

mother health

womens health

India has made commendable progress in maternal health over the past few years. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) dropped from 130 deaths per 100,000 live births (2014–16) to 97 in 2018–19. Yet, experts argue that now is the time to move beyond just reducing deaths—towards strengthening maternal well-being, long-term recovery, and dignity.Girish Agarwal, co-founder and COO of Zeno Health, a generic medicine delivery brand, shares, as reported in India Today, how improving access to essential medicines can be the next big step in this journey.The Hidden Cost of Nutritional DeficienciesMaternal nutrition is often reduced to calorie intake—but that’s only part of the picture. True maternal health depends on access to key micronutrients that support foetal growth, improve maternal immunity, and speed up postpartum recovery.However, deficiencies remain a significant problem. As per the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21), 52.2% of pregnant women in India are anaemic. This is more than a health statistic; it signals a gap in equitable access to vital care—particularly among low-income and rural households.These deficiencies are linked to complications such as low birth weight, premature delivery, and chronic fatigue after childbirth. Fortunately, many of these issues can be prevented with consistent access to supplements and timely medical care.Moving from Crisis to ContinuityWhile antenatal care in India has improved, postnatal care remains uneven—especially in underserved areas. According to a 2023 NITI Aayog report, women in rural regions are almost twice as likely to face complications post-childbirth compared to those in urban settings.This disparity points to more than just inadequate infrastructure. It highlights the need for sustained and affordable healthcare models that work in real-world conditions—beyond just big cities and well-funded hospitals.Generics: A Scalable, Affordable SolutionOne of the most practical ways to close this gap is through high-quality generic medicines and supplements. These can drastically cut costs for families without compromising on efficacy.However, affordability alone is not enough. Generic medicines must be embedded in a system of trust and accessibility. That means empowering pharmacists, making generics part of regular health conversations, and ensuring last-mile delivery systems that work consistently across geographies.Building Trust in What’s AffordableThere’s a persistent myth that affordable means inferior. To shift this perception, public confidence in generic medicines must be reinforced through transparent communication, pharmacist training, and quality assurance.Generic medicines shouldn’t be seen as second-best. They can help transform maternal healthcare from a series of emergency interventions to a continuous, proactive care system. With the right support, they offer not just cost savings—but a path to health equity and long-term maternal well-being.

why generic medicines could be the game-changer in maternal care in india

When The Tables Turn: How Parental Phone Addiction Is Impacting Kids And Changing Family Dynamics

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Not too long ago, it was parents who sighed at their children’s screen time. Now, increasingly, it’s children who plead for their parents to put the phone down. Whether at the dinner table, playground, or during bedtime stories, the modern family dynamic is shifting — and not always for the better.

<h4>From Helicopter to Half-Present <span rel="noindex">Parenting</span></h4>

There’s a name for the phenomenon: “technoference.” Coined by researchers at the University of Wollongong, Australia, the term refers to digital distractions that interfere with family interactions. Their recent review of 21 studies — spanning 10 countries and nearly 15,000 participants — shows how significant this interference has become.

When parents frequently check phones or scroll through social media around young children, the impact can be deep and far-reaching. The review found consistent associations between parental phone use and weaker cognitive skills, more behavior problems, and greater screen dependency in kids. In other words, distracted parenting could be stunting a child’s emotional and intellectual growth.

“When parents frequently engage with screen-based devices in the presence of their children, the children’s efforts to interact or seek attention may be met with delayed, dismissive, shallow, or absent responses,” the researchers noted.

The data is alarming. According to the University of Wollongong study:

<ul><li>Over 70% of parents use their devices during meals or playtime.</li><li>89% check their phones at least once during parent-child interactions every day.</li></ul>

Children with such distracted caregivers are more likely to show anxiety, aggression, withdrawal, and attachment issues.

The issue goes beyond missing out on a moment — it may be shaping a child’s development in subtle but serious ways.

The generational shift is further emphasized by a Common Sense Media survey that highlights how teenagers are increasingly worried about their parents' screen habits — and are even pulling back themselves. According to the 2023 survey:

<ul><li>52% of parents felt they spent too much time on mobile devices (up from 27% in 2016).</li><li>Only 39% of teens felt the same (down from 61%).</li><li>45% of parents now say they feel “addicted” to their phones.</li></ul>

Interestingly, while mutual concern about screen time has grown, actual arguments about it have declined. Parents and teens are fighting less, even as both silently resent the other’s screen habits. As Michael Robb, senior research director at Common Sense Media, put it, “It’s a really weird finding.”

Beyond the cognitive and emotional toll on children, parents themselves are affected. Device use before bed, waking up to check phones, and constant alerts are interfering with adult sleep patterns, stress levels, and relationships — leading to a more disconnected home environment.

In experimental settings where researchers interrupted parent-child interactions with phone calls or messages, toddlers responded with visible distress — showing more negative emotions and trying harder to regain attention.

Experts aren’t asking parents to ditch tech altogether — rather, they recommend setting firm boundaries. This includes:

<ul><li>Device-free dinners</li><li>No phones during bedtime routines</li><li>Co-viewing digital content instead of isolating screen use</li><li>Creating “sacred spaces” (like bedrooms) where phones are off-limits</li></ul>

For families hoping to reconnect, these small steps can make a big difference. In a world of infinite scroll, a few uninterrupted minutes with your child could mean everything.

As tech continues to evolve, so must parenting. The challenge is not just managing our children’s screen time — but also managing our own.

screentime parents

parents addicted to phone

netflix parenting

netflix parents

Not too long ago, it was parents who sighed at their children’s screen time. Now, increasingly, it’s children who plead for their parents to put the phone down. Whether at the dinner table, playground, or during bedtime stories, the modern family dynamic is shifting — and not always for the better.From Helicopter to Half-Present ParentingThere’s a name for the phenomenon: “technoference.” Coined by researchers at the University of Wollongong, Australia, the term refers to digital distractions that interfere with family interactions. Their recent review of 21 studies — spanning 10 countries and nearly 15,000 participants — shows how significant this interference has become.When parents frequently check phones or scroll through social media around young children, the impact can be deep and far-reaching. The review found consistent associations between parental phone use and weaker cognitive skills, more behavior problems, and greater screen dependency in kids. In other words, distracted parenting could be stunting a child’s emotional and intellectual growth.“When parents frequently engage with screen-based devices in the presence of their children, the children’s efforts to interact or seek attention may be met with delayed, dismissive, shallow, or absent responses,” the researchers noted.The Numbers Behind the TrendThe data is alarming. According to the University of Wollongong study:Over 70% of parents use their devices during meals or playtime.89% check their phones at least once during parent-child interactions every day.Children with such distracted caregivers are more likely to show anxiety, aggression, withdrawal, and attachment issues.The issue goes beyond missing out on a moment — it may be shaping a child’s development in subtle but serious ways.A Role ReversalThe generational shift is further emphasized by a Common Sense Media survey that highlights how teenagers are increasingly worried about their parents' screen habits — and are even pulling back themselves. According to the 2023 survey:52% of parents felt they spent too much time on mobile devices (up from 27% in 2016).Only 39% of teens felt the same (down from 61%).45% of parents now say they feel “addicted” to their phones.Interestingly, while mutual concern about screen time has grown, actual arguments about it have declined. Parents and teens are fighting less, even as both silently resent the other’s screen habits. As Michael Robb, senior research director at Common Sense Media, put it, “It’s a really weird finding.”Why It MattersBeyond the cognitive and emotional toll on children, parents themselves are affected. Device use before bed, waking up to check phones, and constant alerts are interfering with adult sleep patterns, stress levels, and relationships — leading to a more disconnected home environment.In experimental settings where researchers interrupted parent-child interactions with phone calls or messages, toddlers responded with visible distress — showing more negative emotions and trying harder to regain attention.What Can Be Done?Experts aren’t asking parents to ditch tech altogether — rather, they recommend setting firm boundaries. This includes:Device-free dinnersNo phones during bedtime routinesCo-viewing digital content instead of isolating screen useCreating “sacred spaces” (like bedrooms) where phones are off-limitsFor families hoping to reconnect, these small steps can make a big difference. In a world of infinite scroll, a few uninterrupted minutes with your child could mean everything.As tech continues to evolve, so must parenting. The challenge is not just managing our children’s screen time — but also managing our own.

when the tables turn: how parental phone addiction is impacting kids and changing family dynamics

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