Methemoglobinemia (MetHb), or Blue Baby Syndrome, is a blood disorder when an abnormal amount of methemoglobin is produced. Hemoglobin carries oxygen, but doesn’t release it properly to body tissues.
One cause of this issue is when babies, six months or younger, are fed spinach, beets, or carrots that naturally contain nitrates. This can cause their skin to turn blueish, have a headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, and lack energy. This is because their bodies are not developed enough.
Learn more at https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000562.htm.
MetHb is also genetically passed down through families. It could come from both parents, Type 1, or from one parent, Type 2.
