Soy Baby Formula Benefits

If you are pregnant or have a newborn baby, you may be wondering about the health benefits of soy baby formula, compared to breastmilk, cow's milk-based formula, or another formula type. Are there health benefits to soy formula over that of other formula, and when should a baby drink soy formula?

According to ScienceDaily, research has shown that soy isoflavones found in soy baby formula may help decrease the likelihood of rotavirus infections. Rotavirus infections are the leading cause of diarrhea in infants. Also, just like cow's milk baby formula, soy baby formula can be an adequate source of nutrition during baby's first year. This may leave some parents wondering if they should use soy baby formula from the start or make the switch to soy baby formula for their infant's health.

While there are health benefits to soy baby formula, that does not mean it is the correct choice for every infant. Each baby has unique medical and nutritional needs. Therefore, any dietary habits should be discussed with the baby's pediatrician. According to MSNHealth and KidsHealth.org, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends soy-based infant formula only in certain circumstances.

Soy baby formula used to be a common alternative for infants who were lactose intolerant, but that is nolonger thecase. There now is lactose-free baby formula, as well as hypoallergenic baby formula. Many babies who have an allergic reaction to cow'smilk will also have an ellergic reaction with soy based formula. In addition, KidsHealth.org states that a high percentage of infants who have severe gastrointestinal problems as a reaction to cow's milk baby formula will likely have similar reactions to soy baby formula.

The AAP actually recommends soy baby formula only to infants who fall into three categories. The benefits of soy baby formula are said to be recommended to infants who have strict vegans as parents. Infants who have true lactose intolerance (not to be confused with a cow's milk allergy) could also benefit from soy baby formula. Although, as mentioned above, there are other options.

The final group of infants that is said to gain health benefits from soy baby formula are those with congenital galactosemia. Babies with this rare condition do not have the enzyme that would turn galactose into glucose. Galactose is found in breast milk, cow's milk, and other dairy products. If too much galactose builds up in the body, it can lead to serious health concerns, including death. Therefore, soy baby formula is recommended for infants who have congenital galactosemia.

The research and information above is not intended as a replacement for discussing a child's health and nutritional needs with a qualified pediatrician. Before starting, switching, or stopping any type of baby formula, the child's pediatrician should always be consulted.

-- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.

Sources:

Personal Experience

http://kidshealth.org/research/soy_update.html

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070906135520.htm

http://health.msn.com/kids-health/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100203653