The Truth About Baby Soy Milk Formula
It is never easy to choose to feed your child powdered formula. It can be hard to decide which type of milk formula to feed them. Some milk formulas have harmful side effects.
Some babies need to switch to powdered formula or supplements because breastmilk is not the best or safest for them. There are a variety of formulas available, so you’ll be able to pick one that’s perfect for your youngster.
The FDA strictly regulates baby formula to ensure that it contains nutrients that are comparable to those found in breast milk. This is important because breastmilk provides important nutrients that help infant growth. To create a formula that meets these requirements, special ingredients are needed.
Most baby formulas are based on cow’s milk. But there are other types of formulas. A popular choice for families who eat plants is the soy-based formula. But some parents choose a soy-free formula instead. Let’s have a look at the reasons for this.
What is Soy-Based Baby Formula?
Soy-based baby formula is a type of baby formula made from protein from soybeans.One of the few non-dairy infant formulae on the market. Some babies have a reaction to the protein in cow’s milk. On the other hand, other families prefer to forego dairy products, necessitating the use of an alternative ingredient. Soy protein has risen to prominence as the most preferred choice. Soy-based formulas now account for a significant portion of the baby formula market.
Choosing a baby milk formula is not always simple. Some parents may choose soy milk because they want to avoid cow’s milk. But there are a few good reasons parents might decide to avoid soy baby formulas.
5 Reasons to Avoid Soy-Based Baby Formula
1. Your Child is Allergic to Soy
If a child does have a soy allergy, you should avoid using soy-based infant formula. Soy is one of the most common allergens in infants, so it’s important to be careful when feeding soy milk formula to your child. If your child has a soy allergy, you may notice symptoms quickly after feeding them soy milk formula.
Soy allergy symptoms include:
- Hives
- Eczema
- Wheezing
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing
- Digestive Issues
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Itchy, watery, or swollen eyes
- Flushing
- Rapid heartbeat
Some of these symptoms may signify that your child has a soy intolerance rather than a soy allergy. While less serious, the symptoms of soy intolerance can be extremely uncomfortable for a little one.
Soy intolerance symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Fussiness
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Rash
If a child has a soy allergy or soy intolerance, you should avoid soy-based baby formula.
2. Your Child Has Other Food Allergies
Many lactose intolerant babies or allergic to cow’s milk have a bad reaction to soy-based baby formula. Soy is not the only thing that could be causing your child problems. New research shows that cow’s milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in infants and young children. Milk allergy symptoms can emerge anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after ingestion, and they can be extremely severe.
Cow’s milk allergy symptoms include:
- Hives or a rash
- Around the mouth, there may be swelling, irritation, or a rash.
- stomach ache
- Gassiness that persists
- Excessive fussiness or insomnia
- Vomiting frequently
- Diarrhea
- Stool with blood in it
Babies can have a milk allergy that affects their respiratory system. This can result in chronic nasal stuffiness, coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulties.
Your doctor may recommend a hydrolyzed protein formula if your infant has a milk allergy or intolerance. Hydrolyzed protein formulas have smaller protein pieces, making them easier for babies who are allergic to regular cow’s milk or soy-based formulas to digest.
If a child has an allergy to corn, soy baby formula should also be avoided. Soy-based baby formulas typically contain corn products as the primary source of carbohydrates. Corn allergy symptoms are similar to those of soy and milk allergies. However, because it can also cause intellectual difficulties and anaphylaxis, this allergy is difficult to detect.
3. Your Child Was Born Premature
Soy baby formula is not recommended for preterm babies. According to research, infants who are fed soy formula are more likely to develop weak bones. Because of the high aluminum content in soy-based products, this is most likely the cause..
Aluminum is a toxic heavy metal that can be harmful to the bones and central nervous system if ingested. This is especially risky for premature newborns who are underweight or have renal insufficiency. Milk protein-based formulas are far more effective than soy-based formulas in maintaining appropriate growth and development in preterm newborns.
4. The High Price
Unfortunately, soy-based baby formulas tend to be more expensive than traditional cow’s milk baby formulas. Suppose you are looking for an affordable formula for your baby. In that case, a cow’s milk protein formula will be the cheapest option.
5. The Presence of GMOs
An organism that has been transformed in any way is known as a GMO. Even though the hazards of genetically modified foods remain unclear, they are not natural. This means they can harm the germs in the body. Babies who are still in the process of growing are especially vulnerable to this.
It affects the immune system, neurological development, the endocrine system, digestive function, and more. In addition, the balance of healthy and bad bacteria in the stomach is important. When genetically modified food is added, it can throw off that delicate balance and cause a lot of bad things. Many parents choose not to put GMOs in their child’s food.
Some parents choose to avoid soy-based baby formula because many soy crops are likely to be genetically modified. However, some soy crops can be tested for GMOs. If you have to use soy-based baby formula, choose a certified organic formula and verified non-GMO.
A Soy-Free Alternative for Babies
Ask your pediatrician for advice on the best soy-based baby formula for your child if you’re not sure. If you are looking for a soy-free and dairy-free formula, there is another option.
Else is developing a new infant formula made of plant-based ingredients. The product will meet all regulatory requirements set by the FDA for infant formulas. It will be free from genetically-modified ingredients, antibiotics, and heavy metals. The formula will also be safe for children with dairy, soy, and corn allergies and intolerances.
This formula contains almonds and buckwheat as its main source of protein instead of milk or soy. Almonds are less allergenic than other types of nuts. If you are worried about your baby having a nut allergy, speak to your pediatrician first before giving your baby this formula.
A Soy-Free Alternative For Toddlers
Else offers a soy-free toddler formula free from genetically-modified ingredients, antibiotics, and heavy metals. It is safe for children with milk, soy, gluten, and corn allergies or intolerances.
Else is made of three plant ingredients: almonds, buckwheat, and tapioca. Almonds are high in protein and a fantastic source of healthful fat. They’re high in antioxidants like vitamin E, which might help you stay healthy.
Buckwheat is a gluten-free carbohydrate rich in fiber and can help with digestion and blood sugar. Tapioca is easy to digest, unlike soy and dairy. It’s high in calcium and iron, which are important nutrients for growing youngsters. The formula is 92 percent made up of these three elements. At the same time, the remaining part includes additional vitamins and minerals that support your child’s growth.
Remember that even non-soy baby formulas can cause allergic reactions when looking for soy-free baby formula. They also might have genetically modified or synthetic ingredients, which might not suit your lifestyle preferences.
Else has a plant-based, clean label, and nutritiously dense formula to provide your child with everything they need to grow and develop.
Visit this website to find out more about if a Soy Formula is safe for your baby and other related topics.
Frequently Asked Questions about Baby Soy Milk Formula
Most healthy babies can drink soy formula without any problems. When it comes to nutrition, soy formula is just as good as other types of formula. People who are vegan or have babies who have galactosemia or lactase deficiencies might want to try this.
Remember that you can start to give your baby soy milk between 6 months and one year old, as long as they are still getting most of their nutrition from breast milk or formula.
For babies over the age of one who are lactose intolerant or allergic to cow’s milk, soy milk may be a good option. When it comes to nutrition for a baby’s developing body, soy milk is a great option.
Some babies may need soy-based formulas if they prefer vegetarian diets or if they have a rare condition that prevents them from digesting lactose in milk.
Soy formula is not usually recommended for babies. Many babies have sensitivities to cow’s milk, and soy can also cause allergic reactions in some infants. Soy formula may be the best choice if your infant has a health concern or if your family follows a plant-based diet. Otherwise, hypoallergenic formulas are often better alternatives.
