Feeding an infant almond milk, a plant-based beverage that's deficient in vitamin C, can result in scurvy, researchers from University Hospital La Fe in Valencia, Spain, revealed in a new report. The report was based on the case of an infant who, at the age of 11 months, developed a rare case of scurvy after being fed exclusively with a formula composed mainly of almond milk.
The researchers said the infant was initially fed cow's milk, but he showed an allergic reaction to it when he was two and a half months old. Upon a doctor's recommendation, his diet was switched to an almond milk-based formula, which contained other ingredients including almond flour, sesame powder, brown rice malt and cereal mixture. However, the new formula was deficient in vitamin C.
When the infant turned 11 months old, he was irritable and tired. He "refused to support his legs on a solid surface" and cried even when other people moved his legs for him, the researchers said. X-rays showed fractures in his spine and legs, and signs of thinning of the bones. Laboratory results showed abnormal levels of zinc, ascorbic acid, vitamin D and thyroid-stimulating hormone.
"Clinical, laboratory and radiologic findings along with the nutritional history were suggestive of infantile scurvy, failure to thrive, and vitamin D insufficiency," wrote the researchers.
Scurvy develops when the body is deficient in vitamin C. The body, not being able to synthesize vitamin C on its own, depends on external sources to meet its vitamin C requirements. If left untreated, scurvy will continue to progress and can lead to complications like cerebral hemorrhage, according to Medscape.
Doctors began treating the child with 300 milligrams of vitamin C and 600 IU of vitamin D every day for three months. His almond milk formula was stopped, and he was fed with infant formula, meat, cereals, vegetables and fruits. He showed improvements in his bones after four weeks and the pain in his legs was lessened. After eight weeks of treatment, the baby started walking.
"Pediatricians and parents should be aware that plant-based beverages are not a complete food and they may not replace breastfeeding or infant formula," wrote the researchers.
The study was published in the February issue of the journal Pediatrics.
