Now I'm really confused - An addition to my honey question?

Question

Ok, on this website, it says that corn syrup along with honey is also potentially dangerous and could lead to botulism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botulism

If that's true, then why do _some_ people/pediatricians say it's okay to use Karo syrup for constipation? Karo syrup is a corn syrup.

I know some people don't agree to the whole Karo syrup thing, but I have given my son Karo in the past - doctors recommendation. (I know, I know, dr's aren't always right.)

So is Karo also bad for a baby?

Answer 1

Talk to your doc but don't get all worried. All the rules about what is safe/unsafe for children will change in 5 years anyway right? lol.

Answer 2

My understanding is that the risk from Karo is theoretical -- there has never been a known case of botulism from Karo syrup, but it's possible for the syrup to harbor the botulism spores.

But it's mostly a risk/benefit calculation.  Many doctors will decide that the remote risk of harm from the syrup is outwieghed, in that particular case, by the benefits of relieving constipation. (The same sort  of risk/benefit analysis that will lead them to recommend cereal in a bottle to treat severe reflux, even with the known risks associated with cereal-in--a-bottle.)  

Other doctors (and moms) decide that the risk is too great, and will look for other, safer methods of dealing with constipation in an infant.

Answer 3

here's my take...if the Doctor recommended it discuss you research with him/her and ask if there is an alternative to Karo syrup.

honestly though EVERYTHING is bad for babies these days...they didn't have this type of research even 20 years ago, and all those babies turned out fine didn't they? so much new research makes new moms go nuts trying to figure out what's okay and what's not.

Answer 4

Hi ;) those are dangerous for babies, yes. You should ask your doctor or pharmacist what would be good for your baby, they know better then wikipedia ;) not saying that to judge... it's just you'll be better off that way.

Answer 5

I am glad you asked this question. My friends doctor just advised her to give her two month old corn syrup for constipation as well. He is a fairly young doctor, so I was surprised he told her this. She used it and it worked great and all, but still. Maybe the chances of botulism is small. ( I know, why take the chance though)

Answer 6

Heres a website to clear this up.  I know I got the same thing from the WIC office when my baby's ped told me to use Karo - They were all like "Doesn't she know that its harmful?" So I did a little research myself and this is what I came up with.

http://www.drgreene.org/blank.cfm?print=...

"... You can relax. In the past, Karo syrup did contain botulism spores, but hasn't for years now. They changed to a new manufacturing process because of just those concerns -- even though no botulism cases were ever proven to come from the spores in Karo syrup (unlike honey, which should not be used in babies). A lot of people heard the alerts about *Karo syrup in the 90's, but never heard the quieter, less flashy, changed recommendations that followed, so the warnings will still circulate around the net for years to come...."

Answer 7

I know tons of babies that had Karo Syrup but in their bottles, and they are all just fine. I have never done it only because I use a little water with her constipation, but don't worry about it. He's fine now isn't he? Your doc. gave you the okay to do it anyways so don't freak. Good Luck

Answer 8

I don't remember which is which but, from my understanding, one is riskier than the other.  I want to say the light is okay but the dark is not.  It's not nearly as risky as honey though.

Aidan got his hands on some honey nut cheerios when he was around Johnny's age and he was fine so regarding your last question, try not to worry!