I thought that a list of a few of the hazards of soy formula would be a nice
way to start the day. 25% of all formula sold in the US is soy. Here are a
few tidbits:

1. genetically engineered soy has been found in some soy formulas. These
transgenic ingredients pose the risk of introducing novel toxins, new
allergens, and increased antibiotic resistance in infants. Labeling of GM
ingredients is not required so parents are unaware if their baby is receiving
transgenic food
2. soy can be just as allergenic as cow's milk
3. many soy formulas contain sucrose that contribute to increased dental
caries in babies and young children fed this product
4. infants fed soy have circulating phytoestrogen concentrations that are
13,000-22,000 times higher than normal levels in early life. This level is
high enough to disrupt the normal sex hormone milieu
5. increased consumption of soy formula was associated with an increased
occurrence of premature thelarche in Puerto Rico (breast development in girls
younger than 8 years of age)
6. soy formula contains 35-1500 times the amount of aluminum as breast milk
7. a positive association has been found between feeding babies soy formula
and the development of autoimmune thyroid disease
8. soy formula has been recalled at least 4 times over the past year for
manufacturing errors
9. babies fed soy formula can have a decreased or absent response to their
vaccinations and may need to be re-vaccinated

All of these hazards have been published and have been known for years.
Parents are rarely told about these side effects because we fear instilling
guilt and it is bad for business. Guilt is something one chooses to feel. We
cannot MAKE anyone feel guilty about anything! It's time to blow the whistle
loud and clear and stop depriving parents of their right to make informed
decisions.

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

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