What could happen if water is boiled for more than 1 minute when preparing formula?

Boiling water for an extended period can lead to an increased concentration of minerals and other substances present in the water. When water is boiled, especially for more than one minute, the water evaporates. This evaporation reduces the overall volume of water but does not significantly eliminate minerals or contaminants that may be dissolved in it. As a result, the remaining minerals become more concentrated.

In the context of preparing infant formula, using water with a higher mineral concentration can pose a risk to infants, as their kidneys are not fully developed and may struggle to process excess minerals. This is particularly important when considering the long-term health and nutritional needs of infants.

The other choices, while they may have some relevance in a general context of water quality, do not directly relate to the primary concerns associated with boiling water for too long in the context of formula preparation. For instance, taste may change but is not a significant concern in medical or nutritional guidelines, while concerns about water quality are primarily addressed by ensuring that water is safe to drink before boiling, not by the boiling duration itself. Lastly, nutrient loss typically refers to the ingredients in the formula rather than a pre-preparation step such as boiling water.