title: Malnutrition associated with a formula of barley water, corn syrup, and whole milk.
abstract: Five infants, age 1 to 7 months, were given a formula of barley water, whole milk, and corn syrup (Karo) or honey. Three patients had subnormal growth, two fit the criteria for failure to thrive, and two demonstrated a microcytic hypochromic anemia. The delayed growth and anemia were corrected by institution of a standard infant formula and nutrient supplementation. The barley water formula provides less than the recommended daily allowance of iron and vitamins A and C. The illnesses of these infants and the deficiencies of the diet illustrate the importance of obtaining a careful dietary history for all infants not receiving standard diets.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006722:Honey; D001467:Hordeum; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007228:Infant Nutrition Disorders / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008892:Milk; D003313:Zea mays