Symptomatic hypercalcemia in an infant secondary to excessive consumption of almond milk as a formula alternative

Abstract

A 4‐month‐old previously healthy female presented with persistent nonbloody, nonbilious emesis, decreased urine output, weight loss, fussiness, and lethargy. Serum levels of calcium were increased at 14.1 mg/dL, serum phosphate decreased at 1.6 mg/dL, and serum parathyroid hormone decreased at <4 pg/mL. The patient had been consuming unsweetened almond milk due to inability to find infant formula during a national infant formula shortage. Milk alternatives including almond milk are calorie‐poor, low fat, low protein, and too high in free water and calcium to safely be the primary nutrition source for infants.