Soy is a high-quality source of protein that has been receiving attention for its ability to lower cholesterol and reduce risk of certain cancers. Babies may be exposed to soy through infant formula. Soy infant formula is designed to mimic breast milk without the lactose; instead of cow's milk protein, it contains soy protein isolate.
Lactose Free
A pro of soy infant formula is that it is lactose-free. Lactose is a carbohydrate found in both cow's milk and breast milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of soy-based infant formula in infants with hereditary lactase deficiency, a rare disorder characterized by the diminished activity of the enzyme responsible for digesting lactose. In these infants, consuming lactose causes gas, bloating, cramping and diarrhea. Soy infant formula is also recommended for infants with galactosemia, a genetic disorder that affects how the body processes the sugar galactose, a constituent of lactose.
Cow's Milk Free
Soy infant formula is a pro for strict vegans who avoid using and consuming all animal products. All other infant formulas contain cow's milk protein. Soy infant formula may be used as a substitute for cow's milk infant formulas in infants of strict vegan parents.
May Decrease Absorption of Calcium and Phosphorus
A con of soy infant formula is how it affects your baby's ability to absorb calcium and phosphorus. Soy infant formulas contain phytates. Phytates create an insoluble bond with phosphorus and calcium, minimizing its absorption. To counteract the effects of phytates, soy infant formulas contain 20 percent more calcium and phosphorus to help ensure your infant's needs are met. Calcium and phosphorus are essential nutrients for bone health and growth.
Might Have Adverse Effects on Development
Another con of soy-based infant formula is its unknown effects on long-term development. Soy formula contains the isoflavones genistein, daidzein and glycitein. These phytoestrogens act like the hormone estrogen in the body. Because infant formula makes up the bulk of your baby's diet, he may be exposed to high amounts of these phytoestrogens. Through his first year, your infant goes through developmental stages that are sensitive to estrogen. The high intakes of estrogen in soy formula may have an adverse effect on his development. Currently, there are no long-term studies to support this theory. An independent committee of the National Toxicology Program Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction that investigated the effects of soy infant formula on human development concluded that the effects on infant development should be of minimal concern.
References
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Since You Asked -- Soy Infant Formula
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Use of Soy Protein-Based Formulas in Infant Feeding
- National Toxicology Program Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction
- Kids Health: Soy Foods and Health
- University of Kentucky: Lactose Intolerance
- Genetics Home Reference: Galactosemia
