Is it safe to give my baby corn (Karo) syrup for constipation?
Giving infants corn (Karo) syrup for constipation isn’t recommended. It is true that corn syrup draws more fluid into the intestine, which makes stool less hard. But in excess, corn syrup can cause diarrhea in infants, resulting in water and electrolyte losses. In the past, concern has been raised about whether corn syrup is a source of bacterial spores that produce Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These bacteria are typically harmless to older children and adults. But when ingested by an infant, these bacteria make a toxin that can cause infant botulism. According to a 2006 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, manufacturers of corn syrups can’t guarantee that their products are free of these bacterial spores. However, there have never been any cases of infant botulism directly linked to corn syrup. Still, corn syrup isn’t intended or recommended as a treatment for infant constipation. Treatment of infant constipation varies by age. For infants 2 months or younger, call your
