Soy-based products might be a good vegan alternative for some adults and even have some good impact on health, but in the case of soy, it’s crucial to be very careful, since it does have some negative impact on both children and adults. Soy-free is among a few alternatives parents have access to when they are looking for alternatives to cow’s milk. If you are looking for organic vegan baby formula that’s both healthy and nutritious, soy formula is not the best option for you, and let’s find out why.
1. Your baby is allergic to soy.
Soy intolerance can cause many short and long-term problems with health that would take a lot of time and energy to deal with. If you or any of the family members are allergic to soy, it’s possible that your newborn might also have the same allergy, so it’s best to check if it’s true. Moreover, whenever you introduce soy products for the first time, it’s crucial to watch your baby to see if there are any signs of allergy shown. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that if your child is allergic to cow’s milk, they might be allergic to soy as well.
2. Soy contains high aluminum and phytate levels.
High aluminum levels can have a negative impact on the baby’s brain and bone mass development, especially if the baby’s birth weight was below 4 pounds. And this is not all. Soy contains a lot of phytates that don’t let the baby absorb the nutrients from food completely. This can cause some serious problems in the future, and it will take longer for your baby’s organism to fully develop.
3. There is a higher risk of reflux.
Reflux is a common problem for most babies, so if it happens once in a while, it doesn’t mean anything bad. However, some babies are at higher risk. Look for signs like vomiting, wheezing, problems with breathing, etc. Babies who are sensitive to milk protein or allergic to it are exposed to a higher risk of having acid reflux, thus, it is better to avoid soy milk as well in this situation.
4. Soy formula-fed had longer and a little bit more painful periods.
There are a few studies that note some effects of soy baby formula that might not be very big, but can still be unpleasant. Girls that were given soy formula later in their life experienced a bit longer menstruation and heavier. More research will be conducted on that topic to determine how strong these side effects can be, but this is definitely something to think about.
5. Soy formulas have more sugar than other types of formulas.
It’s true that some baby formulas contain sugar, but most of the time, it is natural sugar. When it comes to soy formula, you can often find added sugar in the list of ingredients. As a result, the consumption of soy formula can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues. It’s best to go for other alternatives like rice infant formula and others where you can’t find that much sugar.
A few final words
These days, there are so many options to choose from that there is no point in worrying that you won’t be able to find something that is perfect for your child. Just give yourself some time. There is no point in rushing into any decision regarding the right baby formula. Good luck to you, and remember to do your research before buying anything!