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:
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.
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