Concerns for the use of soy-based formulas in infant nutrition

Soymilk Formula Increases Estrogen and Reduces Testosterone Level in Male Infant White Wistar Rats

“…The increase in estrogen amount will caused the declining in secretion of testosterone from the LH inhibition. 4,7,15 This results same as the study using mature male rats which was given isoflavones isolates, there was a decrease in testosterone level, decline in testis weight, decrease in seminiferous tubulus diameter, and spermatogenesis disorders. 6…”

“…Clinical data mentioned that 0-3% phytoestrogen in the blood plasma of babies consuming soymilk formula is in their active state. 7,8 Although soy isoflavones have a weak estrogenic effects, about 10 2 -10 3 times less potent than endogenous estrogen, but infants who consume soymilk formula have high levels of serum isoflavones. Total isoflavone concentration of soymilk formula for infants was around 32-47mg/L, while in breast milk were only an averange of 5.6 µg/L.…”

“…Isoflavone concentrations in blood plasma about 654-1775 µg/L for 4 months infants with soymilk formula, more higher than those who given breast milk or cow's milk formula. 7,9 Isoflavones concentration circulating inside babies' body given with soy milk formula is 13.000-22.000 times higher than the level of 17-β-estradiol in the blood circulation in the early stage of life, but this cannot give a clear picture of babies' estrogen status. 6 Isoflavones on soymilk formula is relatively weak estrogen, but the amount is substantial.…”

“…Therefore, there is a growing concern that isoflavones can mimic the acts of estradiol or change the metabolism of estradiol, causing modification of processes affected by estradiol. 7,9 The isoflavones can mimic estradiol or alter estradiol and consequently modify processes that are affected by estradiol, such as affecting the reproductive, immune and tiroid system. Hormonal changes especially during the fetus will cause reproductive abnormalities such as decreased sperm count, testicular germ cell cancer, cryptorchidism, and hypospadias.…”

Nutritional Intervention in Infantile Colic: Mini Review

“…23 In 2009, the Canadian Paediatric Society also stated that "physician should consider limiting the use of soy-based formulas to those infants with galactosemia or those who cannot consume dairy-based products for cultural or religious reasons. 24 The use of low-lactose formula in the study by Infante et al 13 caused a significant reduction in the number of infants with excessive gas production, abnormal feeding pattern, and duration of crying, due to the inadequate study design. In contrary, there was no evidence of but those results should be considered carefully effect on excessive crying of lowering the lactose content of the formula milk.…”