Children & Women
Could infant formulas be a risk factor for SIDS?
By Sue Mueller
Jul 6, 2008 - 9:59:22 AM

SUNDAY JULY 6, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- Many epidemiologic studies have associated use of infant formulas with increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

A review study found those who were formula-fed were 2.11 times more likely to suffer SIDS than those who were breastfed.

It has been known that low levels of serotonin could be a risk for SIDS.   What can cause low levels of serotonin?   There are two ways to cause low levels of serotonin. One is to reduce its precursor and the other is to increase its receptor.

Soy-based formulas, one major type of formulas, contain only 60 percent of the serotonin precursor called tryptophan found in human milk.   And at least one study showed consumption of soy-based formulas led to low levels of serotonin in mice, meaning that soy-based formulas could be a risk for SIDS. And supplementation of tryptophan increased the serotonin concentration.

A recent study by Italian researchers found when high levels of serotonin a1 receptor were produced, many mice died from an event similar to SIDS.   High levels of the receptor could result in low levels of free serotonin, which is a known risk factor.

But SIDS is complicated and could be caused by any of many risk factors.