Health experts strongly advise against giving honey to babies under the age of one due to the potential risk of botulism.
Sonam Kapoor garnered attention when a video of her discussing her decision not to feed honey to her infant son went viral. While some criticized her for not following tradition, others praised her for advocating against the traditional practice of giving honey as a first food due to the risk of botulism in infants under 12 months. Sonam explained her choice to start with apple puree and mentioned her disagreement with a panditji over this matter. She emphasized her discomfort with the old cultural practice and acknowledged that while some mothers may have done it without issues, she preferred a safer approach for her child, Vayu.
While honey is a natural and healthy food for most of us, it can pose a severe health risk to infants. Health experts strongly advise against giving honey to babies under the age of one due to the potential risk of botulism. Botulism is a rare but critical disease caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This article explores why honey should not be given to infants and the importance of adhering to this recommendation.
Botulism is a rare but life-threatening illness that affects the nervous system. The bacteria responsible for botulism produce toxins that can paralyze muscles, including those needed for breathing. Infants are particularly vulnerable to botulism because their digestive systems are not fully developed, making it easier for the bacteria to thrive and produce toxins.
Honey is a potential source of Clostridium botulinum spores. These spores can be present in honey, even if it appears perfectly normal. While they are harmless to older children and adults with developed immune systems, infants lack the ability to effectively fight off these spores.
Botulism spores can germinate and multiply in a baby's immature digestive system, leading to the production of toxins. These toxins can cause muscle weakness, difficulty in swallowing, breathing problems, and, in severe cases, can be fatal. Symptoms may not appear immediately, making diagnosis challenging.
Instead of honey, it's advisable to provide infants with safe and age-appropriate foods. Breast milk or infant formula should be the primary source of nutrition for babies under one year of age. As infants grow and their digestive systems mature, they can gradually introduce solid foods as recommended by healthcare professionals.
Also read: Here's why you should not eat food wrapped in newspaper
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 "Is Sonam Kapoor right about honey being harmful to infant's health?")
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