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Ms. Mary Silva
Specializing in feeding and nutrition.
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Evaporated Milk Formula
QUESTION
Dear Ms. Silva,
I raised my three children on the Pet Milk formula, just like both my sister and I were raised. Now my niece would like the recipe, but I can't remember it. Do you have one? I remember I had to give vitamins with it. Thank you.

— J in Michigan

ANSWER
July 11, 2001
Dear J,
The use of evaporated milk formula is not recommended for babies. This is because the fat is poorly digested by babies and because it has low amounts of iron and vitamin C while having excessive sodium and phosphorous.

This said, evaporated milk formula is a better choice than regular whole milk when breastfeeding is not possible and the cost of infant formula is too much. Babies should be given a supplement containing vitamins A and D if the evaporated milk is not fortified and perhaps vitamin C and iron if they are not eating foods rich in these. In addition, fluoride should be given if the water used in the formula is not fluoridated.

To make the formula add 19-1/2 ounces of water to 13 ounces of evaporated milk and then three tablespoons of sugar (the use of corn syrup is not recommended since it may cause infantile botulism).

— by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D.

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