Human (breast) and cow’s milk-based formulas can be swapped out for soy formulas, which are made from soy protein. Products made from soy are meant for infants younger than 12 months. 12% of the market for infant formula is made up of these items. Benefits Of Soy Formula
Some parents prefer to use baby formula made with soy protein because they think it can aid with colic, gas, or fussiness. Nevertheless, changing baby formulae rarely makes these symptoms go away. Specialists advise parents to wait until a doctor specifies soy formula over breast milk or cow’s milk formula before making the move. Benefits Of Soy Formula
Reasons for Usage
Soy-based infant formula can occasionally be the best feeding option. While the benefits of soy formula for problems like fussiness or eczema have not been established, babies with specific medical issues may benefit from soy-based formula when breast milk is not an option due to a variety of reasons.
For infants in homes who are vegan or vegetarian, or who have any of the following:
- Infants with galactosemia, a disorder in which the sugar galactose cannot be broken down,
- Primary lactase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder in which a newborn is born lacking the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down the sugar lactose.
- Secondary lactase deficit is a transient lactose intolerance that is typically brought on by a gastrointestinal infection.
- House holds with vegetarian or vegan members
Soy formulas aren’t entirely vegan because the vitamin D in them typically comes from lanolin, but they are probably the closest thing we have to a vegan or plant-based newborn formula.
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Different Soy Formulas
You can rest confident that soy formula is equally as effective as other formulas and is widely available wherever baby formula is sold if your pediatrician believes it is necessary for your baby. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates all brands of infant formula, and they are all required to adhere to high standards of nutrition and safety.
Options for soy infant formula include:
- Enfamil ProSobee
- Similac Soy Isomil
- Gerber Good Start Soy
- Parent’s Choice Soy (Walmart’s store brand)
- Earth’s Best Organic Soy Infant Formula
Advice for Changing
If you’re considering switching to soy formula, make sure to first talk about your decision with your child’s pediatrician. They will be able to give you advice regarding your particular situation.
Here are some things to bear in mind as you make the shift to soy formula if your doctor recommends it for your baby:
- Consult your baby’s pediatrician about whether you should switch to the new formula all at once or over time.
- Check the label on the formula: Make sure to accurately measure and combine the ingredients.
- Be sure the new formula doesn’t contain any substances to which your kid is allergic or sensitive.
- Verify the expiration dates on the container.
As you make the change, keep a keen eye out for your child’s reactions to the new formula. If you detect gastrointestinal issues, rashes, or blood in your baby’s stools or vomit, consult a pediatrician right away because these signs could point to an allergy.
Is Soy Formula Safe?
Formulas made with soy milk have FDA approval and provide newborns with the necessary nourishment. However there are certain special issues with soy formula to be aware of.
Phytoestrogens
Particularly those found in soy, phytoestrogens (plant compounds that imitate estrogen) may have estrogen-like effects in humans. Concerns concerning the potential impact of phytoestrogens on processes including immunological and thyroid function as well as sexual development have been voiced by some scientists.
Aluminum
Compared to breast milk and formula made with cow’s milk, soy-protein formula has a relatively high quantity of aluminum. Full-term newborns are thought to be unaffected by this exposure, but preterm infants—especially those with compromised renal function or renal failure—may experience diminished bone mineralization as a result. 2
Babies who are healthy and full-term are not much at risk of aluminum overexposure from soy formula.
Soy milk vs. soy formula
Soy milk and soy formula are completely distinct goods. Soy protein and other additives created especially to suit an infant’s nutritional needs make up soy formula. Conversely, soy milk is prepared from filtered water and soybeans.
It should never be used as a substitute for breast milk or formula for a newborn younger than a year old as it lacks the nutrients needed to meet an infant’s nutritional needs.
Soy milk is occasionally used as an alternative milk option for young children. Because whole milk includes the fat that toddlers need for growth, it is advised for infants between the ages of 12 and 23 months. It’s vital to keep in mind that soy milk only contains 4 grams of fat per serving compared to 8 grams in whole cow’s milk. 12 Make sure to replace any lost fat in other areas of your diet if you do offer your child a reduced-fat milk, such as soy milk.
When to Avoid Formula With Soy
Unless a baby has a rare medical condition or the family is totally vegetarian or vegan, soy formula is not advised. However, there are particular conditions in which soy formula is not advised.
Do not use soy infant formula if:
- Colic or fussiness since the switch probably won’t help
- A soy protein allergy, as many infants who are allergic to soy also have a cow’s milk protein allergy and would benefit better from drinking a formula with extensively digested proteins.
- A significant chance of developing a food allergy, as soy is one of the most prevalent allergens.
- Premature infants, as soy formula can reduce bone mineralization even when infants receive additional calcium.
