Type the words "soy" and "baby" into any search engine and an overwhelming number of articles and websites pop up with misguided information for the masses. The truth is the truth; an estimated 25% of all infants in the states are soy babies.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that soy formulas are safe and effective for infants. The research and studies that people are referring to in all these websites are inconclusive at best, and most are false. So here's the low-down on the situation.
Several years ago, the estrogen-like substance, Genistein, which is found in soybeans, was called into question. Many people in the medical community were concerned about the affects this substance would have on babies. It was thought that Genistein could contribute to developmental problems in some infants. As a result, many media sources started reporting that soy was unsafe for infants.
In reality, studies and findings were inconclusive and basically unsubstantiated. More studies began across the states and a government panel was set up to investigate the accusations. After many months, the government panel concluded that the estrogen like substance found in soy posed no threat to infants.
Then the American Academy of Pediatrics issued the following statement; "in term infants whose nutritional needs are not being met from maternal breast milk or cow-based formulas, isolated soy protein-based formulas are safe and effective alternatives to provide appropriate nutrition for normal growth and development."
Soy based formula has been in use for over forty years and the fact of the matter is that millions of infants have started their lives on soy formula. Many mothers find themselves with crying babies who are found to be lactose intolerant or have an allergy to the cow milk proteins in some baby formulas. Often times babies are not able to break down the calcium in these cow milk formulas, but the soy formulas are formulated with this in mind.
All soy formulas are sucrose free, which means they contain no sugars, and most contain high levels of DHA and ARA supplements. These are the formulated supplements that have similar composition to natural breast milk nutrients. It is also important to mention that only full-term infants should be on soy formula; all premature babies require special diets that only a physician can recommend.
All in all, soy foods are very safe for your children; in fact, after infancy, the FDA recommends that all individuals get their helping of soy products. It's important to keep in mind that infants need soy formula, not soymilk. Soy formula is made especially for infants and has more nutrients than soymilk which can be drunk by older children and adults. So lay your worries to rest; soy formula is just as safe as it ever was and there's no need to worry!
