Ribena juice for unders 3s?

Question

My Dietition reccommended sugar free Ribena when I was pregnant as the high amount of vitimin C with every meal helps to absorb iron.

Which is important even now as I'm nursing and vegetarian.

When my son went onto solids, naturally I shared my healty diet with him..

Over a year later I found out Ribena isn't suitale for under 3s!

Could I have caused him any arm?

And why??

he LOVES Ribena :/

And I've carried on giving im a more diluted version of it,

Am I a bad mum?

Answer 1

No your definatley not a bad mum.  

You were given advice from a professional whom you put your trust into therefore not your fault.  I wouldnt think it has done any harm if he is active and healthy now

Answer 2

The first answer is madness. It's well known that vitamin C improves iron absorption (especially from plant sources). In fact too much can lead to iron overload.

As long as your son has no noticeable problems he should be ok. But regulate his additional vitamin c intake for now. Just get it from foods like broccoli, apples etc.

edit - This is not a spamming board. I don't need the assistance of supplement sellers to tell me how chemistry works.

edit - Okay, and when I appeal against it I'll mention that you are giving quack medical advice to people with children.

Answer 3

maybe it's too acidic for babies and toddlers.....

when my son (now 17) was a baby you could get baby ribena i had a sip of it one time and could not believe how strong it was when mixed as directed.. He hated it anyway.. When he did have juice i gave him either the herbal ones or regular sugar free juice but diluted right down..

I find ribena vile tasting anyway so don't buy it even though my children are no longer babies. If they want blackcurrant juice i get Robinsons sugar fee juice instead......

ask your HV if it's ok for your son.. maybe it's fine when diluted more

Answer 4

Why do you say that Ribena is not suitable for use for babies and toddlers under 36 months?

Babies and toddlers under 36 months have special nutritional requirements. Drinks that are specially designed and marketed for them have to reflect these requirements and the food regulations which govern these products. Ribena is not specially designed and marketed as a drink for babies and toddlers. The on-pack directions for use therefore include the statement:

This drink is not suitable for babies and toddlers under 36 months.

For babies below the age of 12 months we, together with health professionals, suggest that they should only be given water that has been boiled and then cooled, or specially formulated baby drinks.

As a responsible manufacturer, we recommend that Ribena juice drinks are not suitable for toddlers under 36 months. This helps prevent toddlers 'filling-up' on juice drinks and then failing to eat their meals. Balanced nutrition is very important at this time to maintain their growth and development.

All Ribena drinks can be consumed freely by older children (above 3 years) and adults as part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

From Their Website

Answer 5

No your not a bad mum!! I know you only want the best for your child. Speaking from experience though, my auntie gave my cousin ribena when she was little and she had to get all her teeth taken out because it rotted them away. But she had it all day everyday. Why don't you speak to your doctor about it. II'msure a few times a week wont hurt. You could even try watering it down???