Thanks everyone for the information about thickeners.    

At present I am very concerned that those who deal with these products on a
daily basis consider it 'harmless'.  However to be fair, when babies have
swallowing problems it would probably be rare for the mother to present to
them exclusively breastfeeding so their understanding in this situation is
limited I guess.  I am still quite shocked though that the HPs who are
recommending it to a mother don't actually know what they are made from and
any potential risk factors.  

Jennifer do you know anything about guar gum by any chance - it is possible
this is used here rather than corn based thickeners?

Many thanks again for the speedy replies!

Shaughn Leach RM IBCLC DipT
Perth, Western Australia 


-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, 24 June 2008 10:58 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: thickeners

 
"Does anyone on Lactnet have information about the ingredients used in
'thickeners'?   Would like to know what is being introduced to a babies
digestive system when  used, if anyone has any ideas please.  

Shaughn Leach RM IBCLC DipT"


Whenever a protein is "modified", the resultant product usually contains
concerning amounts of 
free glutamic acid (MSG). If you look at AIM, you will see that the levels
of free glutamic acid
(which is a neurotoxin) are much higher in the hydrolized products than in
the original products.
To imply that thickeners pose little risk because the proteins are removed
is extremely
misleading. Corn has become a very dangerous commodity in our food supply,
far from
recognizable by our bodies as food. In my experience, a great many children
"diagnosed" with 
feeding problems need structural work, long before anyone directs them
toward GI and OT 
interventions. 

Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA
Intuitive Parenting Network LLC


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