Use of Soy Protein-Based Formulas in Infant Feeding

2008/05/01 by Jatinder Bhatia, Frank R. Greer · 2 citations
Health Professions · Medicine · #Biology #Breastfeeding Practices and Influences #Endocrinology #Estrogen #Food science #Infant Health and Development #Infant formula #Medicine #Pathology #Pediatrics #Phytoestrogen effects and research #Phytoestrogens #Soy bean #Soy milk #Soy protein

paper · doi:10.1542/peds.2008-0564

openalex publication_date 2008/05/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15

Abstract

Soy protein-based formulas have been available for almost 100 years. Since the first use of soy formula as a milk substitute for an infant unable to tolerate a cow milk protein-based formula, the formulation has changed to the current soy protein isolate. Despite very limited indications for its use, soy protein-based formulas in the United States may account for nearly 25% of the formula market. This report reviews the limited indications and contraindications of soy formulas. It will also review the potential harmful effects of soy protein-based formulas and the phytoestrogens contained in these formulas.

Citations

• Soy formula complicates management of congenital hypothyroidism
• Safety of Soy-Based Infant Formulas Containing Isoflavones: The Clinical Evidence
• Exposure to Soy-Based Formula in Infancy and Endocrinological and Reproductive Outcomes in Young Adulthood
• Effects of Soy Protein and Soybean Isoflavones on Thyroid Function in Healthy Adults and Hypothyroid Patients: A Review of the Relevant Literature

Cited by

• Neither soyfoods nor isoflavones warrant classification as endocrine disruptors: a technical review of the observational and clinical data
• Phytoestrogen [wikipedia]

Related

• North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Position Paper
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• Biochemistry and use of soybean isoflavones in functional food development