After the United States, a shortage of hydrolyzed formulas designed for infants with intolerance to bovine proteins spread to Canada. In Quebec, where consumption of this hypoallergenic milk is higher than in the rest of the country, you now need a prescription to get it.
Because of this shortage, the Association des pédiatres du Québec informs health professionals of the importance of reserving this type of infant formula for babies who are seriously intolerant.
Interviewed on the show 15-18, its president, Dr. Marie-Claude Roy, explains that various factors lead to this deficiency. As elsewhere, pandemics and labor shortages have been a major contribution to the disruption of supply chains.
In February, an American group Abbott’s factory had to close in the United States, which had a huge impact on the production of some milk formulas. A lack that created an air of panic at America’s highest level of power.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced the establishment of the airlift and the use of legislation from the Cold War to try to solve the shortage.
In Quebec, where hydrolyzed preparations are the most consumed, the Ministry of Health and Social Services is looking for suppliers in Europe to fill the shortage.
These preparations are intended for infants with intolerance to certain proteins present in cow’s milk. This can result in pain and blood in the stools of babies, who then struggle to gain weight. So we must find a solution so that they can eat.
” We take the proteins and we hydrolyze them, we cut them into smaller pieces. This makes the milk digestion system smooth. There is no allergic reaction in the digestive tract that causes symptoms in the baby. “
First to those who need it
Many babies who rely on hydrolyzed formula may miss it. Therefore, they should be reserved for those who need them the most, Dr. stressed. Roy.
The president of the Association des pédiatres du Québec therefore bet to a better use of these formulas.
She advises parents whose children need these preparations to contact their pharmacist and doctor. There are strategic reserves and there are also other alternatives, such as soy -based infant milk formulas, that can be used.he pointed out.
Source: Radio-Canada
