Perspectives on adverse effects of milks and infant formulas used in infant feeding.

Potential adverse effects of infant formulas and breast milk upon growth are discussed. The author's description of failure to thrive in infants receiving a chloride-deficient formula emphasizes that growth can be affected by the deficiency of nutrients such as chloride. Quality control of the manufacture of infant formulas must be monitored to ensure their safety, since they are used as the sole source of infant nutrition. As the incidence of breast feeding increases, its potential hazards must also be recognized by those who monitor the growth of infants.