The study, of 2,888 infants from birth to age six, revealed that babies who were fed formula instead of breast milk in the first three months had:

• a 30% greater risk of doctor-diagnosed asthma.
• a 43% greater risk of suffering allergies to dust mites, cat fur and grass.
• a 46% greater risk of developing chest wheezes.
• an 80% increase in sleep disturbances due to sleep problems.

A quick check of a range of brands of infant and baby formulas currently on sale in Western Australian pharmacies and supermarkets reveals the following declared phosphorous content (as stated in tables of constituents):

21mg, 26mg, 26mg, 28mg, 28mg, 30mg, 32mg, 34mg, 36mg, 36mg, 37mg, 38mg, 42mg, 46mg, 50mg, 50,mg, 60mg, 65mg, 68mg respectively per 100mL.

Breast milk contains on average around 12 to 15mg of phosphorous per 100mL.

It is apparent that all brands of formula have a much higher phosphorous content than breast milk. In most brands it is at least double and in some it is as much as four to five times higher.

This research team also recognised that a genetic factor is involved. Asthma is the condition most likely to lead to hospitalisation of young children in Western Australia. It is a very significant public health problem; it has long-term adverse effects on quality of life and its incidence among children is increasing.

These research findings, while they do not specifically address the issue of ADD/ADHD, are fully consistent with Hafer's theory.

Reference: "The West Australian" Newspaper, Saturday March 21 1998, p 42