Another small addendum to the buttered nipples post...

Whether or not formula contains cholesterol, and what kind of cholesterol
it contains, depends on the fat sources used. So in Australia/Europe (where
butterfat is cheap and available in quantity)  some babies get lots of
bovine cholesterol and others get none of any kind. Of course the whole
exogenous/endogenous cholesterol issue is much more complex than what's in
the formula, but it's still true that if it's in breastmilk in quantity it
is almost certianly a Bad Thing to get none of any kind. Whether getting
bovine is worse or not we have no evidence. Once again, no comparative
trials of formula for short or long term safety or efficacy...in any but
the grossest terms such as weight gain or bone density (and that fairly
scarce data too.)


Chris, your child may just have wanted more calories, not specifically more
cholesterol. Kids (looked after by carers who see them in great individual
detail day after day and who offer lots of alternatives, not impose limited
menus) have a great ability to recognise what's good and bad for them.
Conversely kids with limited fat tolerance will even avoid chocolate and
such. At present in the Western middle classes, and in communities where
fats and oils are unaffordable, the latter is not so much of a risk as
weaning regimes of too little fat/low caloric density.
Maureen

Maureen Minchin, IBCLC
5 St, George's Rd., Armadale Vic 3143 Australia
tel/fax after March 1: 61.3.95094929 or 95000648