Dangers of Soy Based Infant Formula

As many of you know, my wife and I recently became the proud parents of a little boy. Since he was born a little early, he has had to spend his time in the NICU at our hospital.  A conversation came up a few days back about soy infant formula and being the health fanatic that I am, I immediately was up in arms regarding the topic. Many people do not know or understand the dangers of soy in infant formula so I thought I would link to a very interesting site on the subject.

And for the record, my son does not need formula let alone soy formula. It was mentioned in passing by a nurse only. Just wanted to clarify that.

Possible Effects of Soy Infant Formula
by Sally Fallon, Mary Enig, PhD, & Michael Fitzptrck

POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF PHYTOESTROGENS IN SOY INFANT FORMULASoy formula, which contains phytoestrogens, genistein and daidzein (also called isoflavones) is given to approximately 25% of those US children fed formula. It is estimated that an infant exclusively fed soy formula receives the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day. By contrast, almost no phytoestrogens have been detected in dairy-based infant formula or in human milk, even when the mother consumes soy products. A recent study found that babies fed soy-based formula had 13,000 to 22,000 times more isoflavones in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula. Scientists have known for years that isoflavones in soy products can depress thyroid function, causing autoimmune thyroid disease and even cancer of the thyroid. But what are the effects of soy products on the hormonal development of the infant, both male and female?

You can read the rest of the article here.