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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- With the economy in shambles it seems everyone is cutting costs anyway they can.

Our Fact Finder team learned some mothers in the WIC program are diluting their baby formula to make it last longer.

But Fact Finder discovered diluting the formula is dangerous and even life threatening.

“The dangers of diluting the formula it's from, it can cause water toxication where the baby's getting too much water also poor growth development with the baby.  And it can cause brain and kidney problems also,” says Adair County Heal Department Shelly Behrens R.N.

WIC is a supplement program.  That means mothers participating in the program will have to buy some of their own formula.

But Fact Finder is told some mothers say they can't afford additional formula.

“We refer them to other local agencies that might be able to assist them to get the formula.  If they're on Medicaid or sometimes the special formulas they'll give, they'll be able to get assistance through Medicaid on special formulas or your food stamps,” says Adair County Heal Department Shelly Behrens R.N.

Behrens says it's very important to follow the directions on the back of the formula.

Fact Finder is also told breast feeding is the best option, and of course the cheapest.