Question
A seven-month-old baby has developed grey-green stool since starting to feed on Yashili brand formula. Other mothers suggest that this may be due to the incomplete absorption of iron in the formula. Is this statement correct? Do we need to change the formula?
Answer
Firstly, it is necessary to confirm whether the baby’s stool is greenish or grey-green, as well as the consistency of the stool, whether it is dry or loose, and the frequency of defecation. If the stool is greenish and loose with an increased frequency of defecation, it may be due to the baby not being adequately fed, leading to hunger-related diarrhea. In this case, attention should be given to increasing the baby’s milk intake. Additionally, abdominal coldness may also cause changes in stool consistency, so it is important to ensure the baby’s abdomen is kept warm. Grey-green stool is usually due to food residue being digested through bile, which is yellow, making the stool acidic. When it comes into contact with air, it occasionally turns green. In such cases, there is generally no need to change the formula.