Eur J Pediatr. 2001 Jun; 160(6): 382-4.

Protein malnutrition due to replacement of milk by rice drink.

Massa G, Vanoppen A, Gillis P, Aerssens P, Alliet P, Raes M.

Department of Paediatrics, Virga Jesseziekenhuis, Hasselt, Belgium. guy.massa@planetinternet.be

We present the case of an 8-month-old boy with failure to thrive and hypoalbuminaemia due to protein malnutrition caused by the replacement of milk by a rice drink. All symptoms resolved with an appropriate feeding. CONCLUSION: Rice drinks are no alternatives to infant milk formulas and carry a serious risk for the development of protein malnutrition.