Spinach Baby Food Nitrates

Only pick the fresh spinach leaves and wash them thoroughly.

Spinach baby food nitrates. Spinach and especially raw spinach also contains high levels of nitrates which if consumed too regularly can negatively affect oxygen levels in your baby s blood. And baby food isn t the only dietary source of nitrates. Most of the. Because the intake of naturally occurring nitrates from foods such as green beans carrots squash spinach and beets can be as high as or higher than that from well water these foods should be avoided.

For spinach its nitrate levels may actually increase with improper storage so i m more cautious with offering it before 8 10 months of age. Consult your doctor for advice then check. How to prepare spinach for baby food. Purchase organic spinach to prepare and serve or freeze immediately.

Jarred commercial baby food carrots and other jarred commercial baby food vegetables have nitrates too. Initially feed it to your baby as a puree but in the 12th month add some vegetables. For this reason some doctors suggest waiting until your baby is 12 months old to introduce spinach along with beets and other veggies high in nitrates. It is therefore advisable to consult your medical practitioner before introducing spinach to your baby.

Many salad greens and leafy vegetables such as spinach and arugula contain high levels of nitrates these controversial but naturally occurring compounds can be converted into nitrites and further into carcinogenic nitrosamines but they may also provide some interesting health benefits. While there are likely some nitrates in baby foods made from root vegetables and leafy greens homemade baby food does not pose a danger. In fact the most common cause of methemoglobinemia in babies including those older than 6 months of age is the ingestion of infant formula made with nitrate containing well water. Nitrates and commercial baby foods is commercial baby food nitrate free.

Note however that some pediatricians recommend feeding your baby commercially produced spinach puree instead of fresh due to high levels of nitrates. So a baby can eat spinach at age 10 12 months. Risks and benefits published. On this page you will learn about introducing spinach to babies and find great spinach baby food recipe ideas too.

The nutrition facts for 3 5 ounces 100 grams of raw spinach are calories. Spinach is an oxalate food as well as a nitrate food so for babies under the age of 8 months eating homemade spinach in moderation if at all is a good idea see below for information about homemade spinach.