Hi all,
Kathy D. is right.  Everyone who can, should go to the BMJ site, which is an
outstanding website, and read the article, and submit a response AFTER
reading it.
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/322/7287/0/c
The BMJ has posted every response I have sent (two, I think) on other
topics.  They will post responses that are to the point and contribute
something new to the discussion.  They will never post a tally of how many
readers meant x,y, or z and they will not post anything which could be
considered libelous.
The BMJ consistently publishes the sources of funding for research which is
published in the journal, as well as possible conflicting interests among
the authors.  I don't read many on-line journals but I don't believe this is
common practice.  The BMJ is to be commended for their generous coverage of
the efforts by the infant food industry to influence public health policy at
national and international levels.  IMO the BMJ deserves its good reputation
for trustworthiness and for giving time to issues often ignored by medical
press.

The more people who read the full article, the more there will be who can
counter the sensationalist tabloid coverage of the findings.  It is vital
that we not fly off our handles in reaction to the tabloids.  Instead, hang
on to your broomstick and fly right to the website, read it, and respond,
remember, and redouble your own efforts to spread the very valid criticisms
of this research.  As Heather said, there is enough here to find fault with
even without touching the issue of one author's involvement with industry.
That doesn't mean any of us accept his involvement and we should not
hesitate to make it known whenever relevant.

And as Jack said, it is remarkable that this study is making huge waves
while the whole slew of studies by some of the same authors which
demonstrate the long term benefits of normal infant nutrition have barely
been mentioned.

Rachel Myr
Kristiansand, Norway

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