Newborn girls who consume soy-based formula are more likely to experience "subtle differences" in some reproductive-system cells and tissues, compared to those who use cow-milk formula or are breastfed, researchers say
Newborn girls who consume soy-based formula are more likely to experience "subtle differences" in some reproductive-system cells and tissues, compared to those who use cow-milk formula or are breastfed, researchers say.
Mothers who do not breastfeed have long used soy formula as an alternative to cow-milk formula, often because of concerns about milk allergies, lactose intolerance, or other feeding difficulties.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, soy protein contains high amounts of genistein -- an oestrogen-like compound, which can alter the body's endocrine system and potentially interfere with normal hormonal development, the researchers said.
"Modern soy formula has been used safely for decades. However, our observational study found subtle effects in estrogen-responsive tissues in soy-fed infants, and we don't know if these differences are associated with long-term health effects," said lead author Margaret A. Adgent, from the Vanderbilt University in the US.
Its effect was seen more on girls. Compared to girls fed on cow-milk formula, those fed soy formula had developmental trajectories consistent with responses to oestrogen exposure.
Vaginal cell maturational index was found higher and uterine volume decreased more slowly in soy-fed girls, both of which suggest oestrogen-like responses, the findings published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism showed.
These differences, however, were subtle and not a cause for alarm, but also reflect a need for further research on the long-term effects of soy-based milks.
According to American Academy of Pediatrics, soy formula is indicated for infants with hereditary disorders that make them unable to properly digest milk, such as galactosemia and the rare condition hereditary lactase deficiency.
It also recommends soy formula "in situations in which a vegetarian diet is preferred", but does not recommend soy formula for pre-term infants.
For the study, the team included 283 infant-mother pairs. Out of these 102 infants were exclusively fed on soy formula, 111 on cow-milk formula, and 70 on breast milk. Infant boys were repeatedly measured up to age 28 weeks and infant girls up to age 36 weeks.
Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
