29.04.2025 12:40
Pediatric Health and Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yakup Çağ stated that counterfeit baby formulas can lead to significant health issues in children. Çağ emphasized, "Always purchase formulas from pharmacies or trusted supermarkets. Be cautious if the box is torn, has deformities, or if the writing is faded. If you notice any differences in color or smell after opening the box, do not use the formula."
Child Health and Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Yakup Çağ, who provides information about the dangers of counterfeit baby formulas on children's health, stated, "The formulas used to support the growth and development of infants require great care in the production and storage processes. Real baby formulas have balanced contents in terms of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential minerals. This balance is not found in counterfeit formulas."
"COUNTERFEIT FORMULAS NEGATIVELY AFFECT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT"
Assoc. Dr. Çağ pointed out that real baby formulas are specially prepared according to the age and needs of infants, and stated that this balance is disrupted in counterfeit products. Assoc. Dr. Çağ said, "Infants fed with such formulas may experience growth and developmental delays. They may not gain sufficient weight, their height may not increase adequately, and they may encounter various health problems. Additionally, deficiencies in essential elements such as iron, zinc, and iodine can lead to problems such as learning difficulties, attention deficit, and regression in cognitive functions."
"ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO INFECTION AND ALLERGY RISKS"
Assoc. Dr. Çağ emphasized that failure to comply with hygiene rules during the production phase can lead to many problems, stating, "This can cause gastrointestinal diseases such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in infants, as well as various infections. Additionally, counterfeit formulas may contain unwanted foreign substances. These substances can cause serious allergic reactions such as itching, wheezing, and even anaphylaxis."
"HEAVY METALS CAN LEAD TO LONG-TERM HEALTH PROBLEMS"
Assoc. Dr. Çağ highlighted that counterfeit formulas can sometimes contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead, stating, "If infants are exposed to such heavy metals for a long time, serious health problems such as regression in cognitive functions and liver and kidney failure may develop."
Providing important advice to parents regarding the selection of reliable formulas, Assoc. Dr. Çağ said, "Always purchase formulas from pharmacies or trusted markets. Be cautious of products with prices that are excessively low compared to market conditions. If there are tears in the box, deformities, or fading in the writings, be careful. Check whether there is approval from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Health. Always examine the serial and lot numbers. If you observe any differences in color or smell after opening the box, do not use the formula. Additionally, if symptoms such as restlessness, vomiting, or diarrhea are observed after the baby consumes the formula, be sure to report the situation to the relevant authorities."