Why is cow's milk inappropriate for weaning infants?

- although cow's milk is fine for calves, it is a poor food for babies:

    * Cow's milk contains very little iron, a mineral with several very important functions involving blood formation & growth.
- the use of cow's milk during the first year of life significantly increases the risk of iron deficiency anemia, a condition that can delay mental & physical development.

    * Cow's milk contains very little vitamin C, vitamin E, and copper.
- in some countries, it lacks vitamin D.
- a deficiency of vitamin D may put children at risk for rickets, a disease leading to defective bone growth.

    * Cow's milk contains too much protein, sodium, potassium & chloride.
- excessive amounts of these nutrients may strain baby's kidneys.

    * Cow's milk is high in saturated fat, which is hard for babies to tolerate & may interfere with calcium absorption.

- the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (ESPGAN), have recommended that breast milk or an iron-fortified formula be used during the first year of life.