Soy formula facts for kids

Soy formula is a special type of milk substitute for babies. It's made from soybeans and is used when a baby can't drink human breast milk or regular cow's milk formula. This formula comes in powder or liquid form.

Most soy formulas don't have lactose, which is a sugar found in cow's milk. Instead, they use a different type of sugar. Sometimes, babies who can't handle cow's milk protein also have trouble with soy protein.

Soy protein can make it harder for the body to take in iron. Because of this, soy formulas often have extra iron added to them. There's also a natural plant chemical in soy called phytic acid that can stop iron from being absorbed. Some companies remove this chemical during processing, but we don't know how many do. Some countries, like China and Vietnam, even require special iron compounds to be added to soy formula to help babies absorb iron better. These iron compounds are often covered in a special coating so they don't change the formula's color.

What's Inside Soy Formula?

Soy formula can contain ingredients that have been genetically modified. It might also have a slightly lower nutritional value compared to other formulas.

Some things found in soy formula include:

• Aluminium: A metal that can be present in small amounts.
• Phytates: These are plant compounds that can affect how the body absorbs minerals.
• Phytoestrogens: These are plant chemicals that act a bit like the hormone estrogen in the body. Scientists are still studying what effects they might have.

Soy formula also has important building blocks called amino acids, like taurine, methionine, and carnitine. It also contains important minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, iron, and zinc. The main protein in soy formula comes from something called soy-isolate, which provides most of the protein.

Why Use Soy Formula?

Even though breastfeeding is usually the best way to feed babies, sometimes it's not possible. In those cases, formula is a good option.

Doctors might suggest soy formula for babies who have certain health conditions, such as:

• Galactosemia: This is a rare condition where a baby can't break down a sugar called galactose, which is found in milk.
• Lactase deficiency: This means a baby's body can't properly digest lactose, the sugar in regular milk.

Soy formula is also used if a baby develops an allergy to cow's milk. Another reason it's sometimes chosen is that it can be less expensive than other types of formula.

A Look Back in Time

Soy-based infant formula has been used for over 100 years! By the late 1800s and early 1900s, it became common to give babies formula in addition to breast milk. Soy formula itself was used as early as 1909.

In the past, some people worried that ingredients in soy formula might affect how babies' bodies develop, especially their reproductive systems. However, many studies have been done, and they have shown that there is no link between drinking soy formula and problems with these body parts or how they work.

Allergies and Other Things to Know

Even though soy formula can be helpful, it's important to know that it can sometimes cause allergies in infants. For example, a condition called chronic food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) has been seen in young babies who were fed soy formula.

Because of concerns, some countries have different rules about soy formula. For instance, France has removed soy-based infant formula from its market. In the United States, about 20% of all infant formula sold is soy-based. In New Zealand, it's around 10%, and in countries like Belgium and the United Kingdom, it's about 5%.