Soy in B-24 (Birth to 24 Months) and Soy Formula for Babies

Soy-based products can play a significant role in the early development of children. Soy foods provide high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, calcium, potassium, and folate. They can contribute to the overall health of children when included as part of a well-balanced diet.

*The information provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your child.

Soy Formula for Infants

Breastfeeding is considered the gold standard for infant feeding, but not all parents can or choose to breastfeed. In such cases, soy formula can provide the necessary nutrition during a critical phase of growth and development.

Is Soy Formula Safe?

One of the primary concerns your clients may have about soy formula is the presence of phytoestrogens, or compounds in soy that are structurally very similar to estrogen. Because of these phytoestrogens, many parents believe that soy formula isn’t the best choice. However, an observational cohort study published in 2021 followed 11,535 infants in Korea who consumed soy formula and found no delays in developmental stages, measured using indicators such as communication, gross motor, fine motor and problem solving.

In addition, a study in 2008 found little to no difference in growth patterns between babies who consumed dairy formula and babies who consumed soy formula, concluding that soy formula is safe for infants. Soy formula is particularly beneficial for:

• Infants with galactosemia or hereditary lactase deficiency, which is extremely rare
• Families following a vegetarian diet

For infants with a cow’s milk allergy, extensively hydrolyzed protein formula is recommended, as 10-14% of these infants are also subject to having a soy protein allergy. Always assess each infant’s needs individually, though, as more research is needed before making broad population-level recommendations.

Soy Allergies in Children

While soy is one of the top nine food allergens, which account for 90% of all allergies in the United States, it is considered the least common allergen among the group. Additionally, around 70% of children outgrow their soy allergy by age ten.

Experts recommend introducing allergenic foods, including soy, at around six months of age. If tolerated, soy foods like tofu, soy yogurt, or soy milk can then be regularly incorporated into their diet.

The Benefits of Soy Foods for Children

Soy foods offer a range of health benefits for children and may even play a role in preventing diseases later in life. Here are some of the potential benefits associated with consuming soy during early childhood and pregnancy:

Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer
A notable benefit of eating soy is its potential role in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Childhood and adolescence are the life stages when dietary choices have the greatest impact on breast health and studies show that soy intake during these periods is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer in adulthood.

Prevention of Heart Disease
According to the FDA, 25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease. While the FDA announced in October 2017 its intention to revise the existing claim due to data inconsistencies, the potential for soy protein to receive a new ‘qualified’ claim remains under consideration. Some studies also suggest soy may help reduce elevated cholesterol in children, though more research is needed on this topic.

Prevention of Osteoporosis
The intake of soy foods may also support bone health. Soy isoflavones have been shown to have a positive effect on bone mineral density, helping to lay the foundation for stronger bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, soy foods like soy milk are often fortified with calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone development in children.

Prevention of Diabetes
Consuming soy foods during pregnancy may be associated with a reduced risk of gestational diabetes—a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Children of parents with gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

A birth cohort study following 97,454 pregnant women from Japan found that high soy and isoflavone consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of gestational diabetes. Consuming natto and miso soup was associated with a lower incidence of gestational diabetes.

Soy Foods and Nutrition
For infants and toddlers in the birth to 24 months age group, protein is a vital nutrient that supports healthy growth, bone development, and reduces obesity risk.

Soy foods, such as tofu and soy-based yogurt, offer high-quality protein, containing all essential amino acids, making them comparable to animal protein. In addition, soy foods often contain or are fortified with essential nutrients, including calcium, folate, and B vitamins.

Introducing soy early can support children’s overall development and well-being. Try our soy-based recipes for kids to make meals that are easy, healthy, and appealing.

Learn more here about the nutrition benefits of soy and the positive impact that it can have on children.