Soy Formula May Stunt the Intestinal Growth in Your Baby

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http://www.mercola.com/2005/jan/12/soy_formula.htm

 

Soy Formula May Stunt the Intestinal Growth in Your Baby

 

Concerns regarding the safety of soy formula were raised after two

studies revealed that the amounts of soy isoflavone genistein, a

chemical found in commercial soy formulas, might inhibit the

intestinal growth in babies.

 

There is a great deal of merit surrounding this concern, particularly

because nearly 25 percent of formula-fed babies in the United States

consume soy formula.

 

Commercial soy formulas contain anywhere from 32 to 45 milligrams of

genistein. These concentration levels exceed the amount found to

affect menstrual cycles in women. Since formula is the only source of

nutrition for infants during their first four to six months of life, a

period in which several critical organ systems are developing,

researchers were motivated to study the possible effects of genistein.

 

Two Soy Studies Show Same Results -- Slowing of Cell Reproduction

 

The first study involving the treatment of intestinal cells in culture

with genistein that included the same amount found in soy formula

showed that the cells ceased to grow. One researcher did point out

that the actions observed in cells in culture might not be the same as

those in infants.

 

The second study was made up of two groups of piglets: one group was

fed cow's milk-based formula and the other was given formula

supplemented with genistein at the amount it is found in soy formula.

 

It was discovered that the piglets given the genisten formula

displayed 50 percent less proliferating cells in the intestine over

the group that was fed solely the cow's milk formula. Because the

metabolism and physiology of newborn pigs is so similar to human

infants, researchers believe these results could be applied to infants.

 

Researchers of the study cautioned that although the soy formulas

might appear to be safe based on some clinical data, these above

studies show that it might not come without side effects.

 

Pediatric Research December 7, 2004. DOI:

10.1203/01.PDR.0000150723.87976.32

 

Science Daily December 27, 2004

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

This latest finding of yet another side effect of soy formula doesn't

surprise me as a previous study involving rats that had genestein

added to their diet developed sexual dysfunctions.

 

Consider these other problems associated with soy formula:

 

* Impairs thyroid function through isoflavones present in the formula

* Increases the risk of behavioral problems

* Exposes infants to up to 2,000 times higher estrogen content

* Contains potentially high concentrations of manganese

 

Soy formula is generally given to infants who aren't breastfeeding and

have trouble taking regular cow milk-based infant formulas. While I am

no fan of these formulas either, they tend to be safer than soy

formula. However, these formulas are derived from pasteurized milk.

 

If you haven't heard by now, pasteurized milk is not good for you or

your baby. Although raw milk is not commercially available, I have

found a truly superior source of " real " organic raw dairy: Organic

Pastures Dairy Company.

 

Never processed, never pasteurized and never homogenized, these raw

dairy products are high in antioxidants, vitamins (including B-12),

all 22 essential amino acids, natural enzymes, natural probiotics and

good fatty acids. Also, none of the individually named cows are ever

given antibiotics, hormones or GMOs -- and only pasture, natural

grains, and approved organic homeopathic methods are used to feed and

care for the cows.

 

It's important to remember to breastfeed your child if possible, as it

is the healthiest source of milk you can give your infant. I believe

very strongly that all soy formula should be avoided and is not fit

for human consumption. Fortunately, you can use raw milk as a better

option for infant formula.

 

Related Articles:

 

How Safe is Soy Infant Formula?

 

Soy Formula Kills Three Babies

 

Australian Pediatric Soy Protein Formula Policy

 

Experts Dispute JAMA Soy Infant Formula Study

 

Soy Milk Is Safe! That Is What the Formula Industry Says

 

The Real Reasons Why Raw Milk is Becoming More Popular