While more people in the United States drink cow's milk, soy has grown in popularity. If you are considering switching from cow to soy, it is important to understand the nutritional content as well as the fundamental differences between the two products in order to make an educated decision.
Origins
Cow milk comes from a cow's mammary gland. As an animal-based food, it provides all of the necessary amino acids the body needs to form proteins. Soy milk is a drink made by soaking, grinding and straining soybeans to produce a potable liquid.
Nutritional Content
A cup of cow's milk contains 8 g of protein and 12 g of carbohydrates. From a recommended daily allowance perspective, a cup contains 30 percent of your needed daily calcium and 50 percent of vitamin B-12 and riboflavin requirements. Manufacturers usually fortify cow's milk with vitamins A and D. A cup of unfortified soy milk contains 7 g of protein and 4 g of carbohydrate. Some manufacturers fortify soy milk with calcium and vitamins D and B-12, so it is important to read labeling carefully.
Why Switch?
Cow's milk contains lactose, an ingredient that can cause gastrointestinal upset and inflammation if you are lactose intolerant. Soy milk is a viable alternative for people who have difficulty with lactose. Because it does not contain animal products, soy milk is also an attractive alternative for vegetarians.
Infant Formulas
Many mothers switch infant formulas from cow to soy because of digestive issues. Because lactose intolerance is rare in infants, it is unlikely that switching from cow to soy will make any difference, and the long-term benefits and drawbacks to soy formula remain unclear. Formula made from cow milk is preferred for mothers who cannot breast-feed, according to Dr. Jatinder Bhatia, a professor of pediatrics at Medical College of Georgia and a lead author of a report on the subject written by the Committee on Nutrition for the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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