how we have learned about nutrient deficiencies in infancy

While most nutrient recommendations for young infants are based on the amounts and types of nutrients provided by breastmilk, some knowledge of thresholds for and effects of single nutrient deficiency in infants comes from a variety of “mistakes.”

An understanding of the effects of chloride deficiency comes from studies of infants who consumed formulas that were produced incorrectly, with low chloride content. Symptoms included growth failure, lethargy, irritability, anorexia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and weakness. Long-term studies (9 to 10 years later) indicated that the effects of early growth retardation had resolved, cognitive skills appeared normal, but some deficits in language skills were present in some children. (IOM, 2004)