if baby is starting solids...

[frabjous]

I came across this little bit of advice for babies starting on solids in a mothering support group here in my hometown, and I was wondering if there is any merit to it:

"Don't give beets, spinach, collards or turnip greens to babies under one
year of age due to high concentrations of naturally-occurring nitrates which
can reduce the baby's hemoglobin."

Does anybody know if this is true?

Thanks!

[celtic-womble]

Never heard that. DS is quite a spinach fan, both home made and in baby food jars, and his blood is just fine. I think the only reason not to give babies beets is that they stain everything and cause freaky bright red poo ;)

[vegma]

I have heard that spinach, chard and beets in particular are high in oxalic (sp?) acid which can inhibit the absorption of calcium, and I believe, iron. I avoided spinach like the plague after reading this, but now I incorporate it into our diet "occasionally" because ds loves it in smoothies. Our green leafies of choice are kale and collard greens, but I think the issue is with all of them and the trick is eating enough quantity and variety! :) JMO!