While having a baby, parents search for some suitable options of food, clothing, furniture, care products that are going to be best and the most beneficial for their little ones. Food is the most important factor that affects a baby’s growth, development and well-being and all people know that well. So, choosing the right diet for your baby is an extremely important process.
Of course, great milk is the most enriching choice that will make a baby thrive. But, when some troubles arise, parents have to find the most suitable alternative to it. And usually, baby formulas come in handy. While looking around the supermarket you can bump into different brands and kinds of formulas with various functions. You’ve definitely heard about soy baby formulas, so, let’s get to know what it is like.
What is soy baby formula?
Soy is quite popular nowadays, and you surely noticed that it’s a common ingredient in vegetarian food. It is made of proteins that come as the alternative to animal milk (cow’s and goat’s). This ingredient is widely usable in baby formulas as well. Therefore, soy formula is a plant based formula for infants that can be suitable for babies who are allergic to animal milk.
Let’s get familiar with soy formulas’ pros and cons
PROS
- It can deal with lactose intolerance
When a baby has some problems with digesting cow’s sugars, soy formulas are recommended by experts. It’s very important to reveal this condition in order not to harm your baby. Plant-based formulas are favorable and helpful in that case. You may also see rice baby formula and others that can deal with lactose intolerance.
2. Health considerations in the long run
Generally, people who constantly eat plant-based products are less likely to have chronic illnesses such as cancer. Maybe, this aspect may play an important role for some parents and they start their babies off right with a healthy diet from the very beginning. But, actually, experts claim that using a soy formula is necessary only for kids with certain health issues.
3. Useful for galactosemia or hereditary lactase deficiency
Some scientists claim that soy formulas are the most appropriate choice for these two conditions. They prevent babies from breaking down the natural sugars in cow’s milk. This way, soy is a good substitute.
4. Soy formula is an alternative for vegan families
There are families that are fully vegan and they aren’t into giving their baby animal-based milk. So instead of cow’s milk they can choose soy formula that will be appropriate for their outlooks. Although, there is one fact that may confuse vegan parents. The vitamin D in most soy formulas is usually sourced from sheep lanolin. But still, soy formula is the closest available option to vegan baby formula.
CONS
- Soy might promote allergies
Some surveys found that even soy and other plant-based formulas won’t entirely ease milk allergies. They are not able to alleviate allergy symptoms in all babies. Even though it may be even worse.
2. It is high in aluminum and phytate levels
Unfortunately, soy contains high levels of aluminum in comparison with breast milk or other formulas. Therefore, consuming soy formulas may have some negative consequences. It can negatively affect a baby’s brain and bone mass development. In addition, soy is high in phytates. Those elements can reduce the baby’s ability to take and process nutrients correctly.
3. It has its hormonal effects
Soy contains phytoestrogens and they act quite similar to estrogens in the human body. So experts suggest that these elements are able to change the reproductive system. Moreover, it also affects the brain, thyroid and immune system.
