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.
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
| 
googlegrou