Sometimes the best of intentions can lead to disastrous results. A recent report emphasizes just how dangerous health food milk alternatives can be for young children.

The first case was a 22 month old who had been breast-fed until 13 months old. Due to his history of chronic eczema and what the parents believed was a milk intolerance, once he was weaned from the breast he was started on “rice milk.” This product was very low in protein. He took in few solids.

When admitted to the hospital, he was suffering from kwashiorkor — severe protein deficiency malnutrition. It’s the type of malnutrition often seen in starving African children. They have generalized swelling, a large abdomen, thin and sparse hair, and skin lesions.

The child was hospitalized and treated with supplements and feeding. One year later the child was fine and developing normally on a regular diet which included milk.

The second baby was healthy until weaned from breast milk at age 10 months. He was started on a soy health food beverage which wasn’t fortified with vitamin D or calcium. He was admitted to the hospital when 17 months old due to weakness and cessation of growth. He had actually regressed in his ability to crawl and roll over.

He was found to have rickets. He was treated with vitamin D and calcium along with a better diet. He improved remarkably and regained his lost growth and strength.