{
  "id": 142284,
  "title": "New study shows the devastating impact high infant formula milk prices are having on families in the UK",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/new-study-shows-the-devastating-impact-high-infant-formula-milk",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-04T19:00:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-08-devastating-impact-high-infant-formula.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new study led by Swansea University has exposed the severe consequences of skyrocketing infant formula prices on UK families. This groundbreaking research, the first of its kind in the UK, reveals families are grappling with unmanageable debt, adopting harmful feeding practices, and facing mental health challenges. Conducted through surveys and interviews with 281 struggling parents, the study found that financial hardship has triggered anxiety, guilt, and isolation among parents. Nearly every participant reported mental health issues, with some feeling regret over having their babies. Professor Amy Brown of Swansea University, who led the study, stated that infant formula prices have risen by up to 45% between 2021 and 2023, with excessive profit margins between 50% and 75%. This issue is exacerbated by the broader cost-of-living crisis, as many families are already struggling. The research highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support, ensuring both those who want to breastfeed and those relying on formula have access to affordable, safe products.",
  "summary": "A new study led by Swansea University has laid bare the devastating impact that soaring infant formula prices are having on the health, finances and mental well-being of UK parents and their children.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}