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: Soy formula: A safe alternative to milk
based formula
DEAR DR.PAUL: I have a four-month-old baby who has had
problems with gas, spitting up and crying episodes related to
stomach problems. He has been on the soy formula for almost two
weeks now and it has made an unbelievable difference. Can he stay
on soy formula as his only source of nutrition or do I need to
supplement?
PEDIATRICIAN DR.PAUL Answers: I just saw a patient
the other day with the exact same situation. Indeed, the child
did get much better on soy formula and the mother had the pretty
much the same concerns as you.
Before describing soy formulas, let me briefly summarize cow's
milk allergy. In some cases it is very clear cut: the child
receives cow's milk formula and gets an immediate allergic reaction,
such as hives, swelling of the face and difficulty breathing.
In other cases the symptoms are not as clear-cut. The possible
symptoms range from fussiness, to excessive crying or colic,
to vomiting and/or diarrhea, and exzcema. However, once a child
is suspected or proven to have a cow's milk protein allergy,
then, of course, an alternative source of nutrition is needed.
The diagnosis is confirmed either by an allergy test or by trial
with a cow's milk-free formula, depending on the individual
case. In your situation, the allergy was confirmed by a trial
of soy protein formula, so let's go on from there.
Soy-based formulas have been available since 1962, and are the
most widely used alternative to milk-based formulas. Instead
of milk-protein, the protein in these formulas comes from soybeans.
Just like cow's milk-based formulas, soy-based formulas contain
all the necessary nutrients (including iron fortification, adequate
fat and calcium) and calories required for normal growth and
development. From my experience, and from studies, I can tell
you that children grow and develop normally on soy-based formulas
and do not need any additional supplementation, with the possible
exception of fluoride drops depending on the concentration of
fluoride in the drinking water in your area.
Children can remain on soy-based formula for the first two years
of life, or until they outgrow the milk allergy, whichever comes
first. However, if the milk allergy persists, beyond two years
of age there are other milk free alternatives available. The
specifics are based on the individual situation. Practically
speaking, the rest of the diet should be normal (dairy-free
of course), including starting solids by four months of age.
Remember also to use the soy formula when preparing cereal for
your baby.
On a final note, soy-based formula should not be confused with
the kind of soymilk that is commonly found in the dairy section
of many grocery stores. Soy-based formulas are a good substitute
for milk-based formulas and cow's milk generally during the
first two years - but soymilk is not. It's low in calcium, and
hasn't been fortified with other important nutrients that an
infant needs during the important first two years of life.
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