Soy Milk for Infants – Health Benefits & Side-Effects

When it comes to fulfilling the nutritional needs of a baby, breast milk is the best. Doctors commonly don’t recommend offering soy milk for 1 year old. However, in case you are looking for alternate options of breast milk when babies start weaning or if your baby is lactose intolerant, soy milk can be an acceptable substitute.

Also, it is important to know the difference between soy milk and soy-based formula. The soy-based formula may be specially formulated to include nutrients required for the healthy development of the baby, whereas the regular soy milk is usually deficient. In any case, it is advisable to give soy milk to your baby in moderation, as soy milk can trigger an allergic reaction.

What Is Soy Milk?

Soy milk is a high protein plant-based drink made from soybeans. The soybeans are soaked, ground, and then boiled and filtered to produce a creamy white liquid that looks like cow’s milk but differs from it in several ways. Soy milk contains vitamins like thiamine, folate, riboflavin, and Vitamin D, E, and K. Soy milk is low-fat, cholesterol-free and low in sodium. It even does not contain any lactose.

Nutritional Profile of Soy Milk

Let’s take a look at the nutrition profile of soy milk:

Is Soy Milk Good for Infants?

Babies under one year old should not be given soy milk. Breast milk and infant formula can provide all the essential nutrients to them.

Health Benefits of Soy Milk for Infants

Soy milk can be a good choice for babies above one year old who are intolerant to lactose or are allergic to whole cow’s milk. Soy milk is high in proteins, iron, and a variety of vitamins crucial for the healthy development of infants. Soy milk is low in fat, which may help in maintaining healthy body weight in infants. It can further lower the risk of heart issues and child obesity in infants. Because of its high-fibre content, babies consuming soy milk may have a lesser incidence of bowel troubles and diarrhoea.

If a baby is born with galactosemia, an inherited condition in which the body is unable to break down galactose (a simple sugar present in milk), soy milk can be offered. Moreover, drinking fortified soy milk ensures sufficient calcium intake as fortified soy milk has Vitamin D which boosts calcium absorption. Babies who do not find the taste of plain soy milk appealing can opt for soy milk available in different flavours.

How to Select Soy Milk?

It is desirable to opt for the full-fat variety of soy milk for infants as fat is necessary for his proper growth and development. But in case your child is vulnerable to obesity or cardiovascular diseases, it is sensible to opt for the low-fat soymilk.

Also, it is important to check the nutrition fact label and the list of ingredients on the product before purchasing it. You may like to select a formulated soy milk infant formula packed with all the essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins vital for the healthy growth of your child. In case of any doubt, it is wise to consult your doctor.

Soy Milk vs Cow Milk

Soy milk has certain benefits over cow’s milk. Soy milk contains a negligible amount of fat and sugar as compared to cow’s milk. Also, it is cholesterol-free. Further soy milk is a rich source of iron and fibre in contrast to cow’s milk.

But then again cow’s milk offers essential nutrients like Vitamin A and B12 that soy milk doesn’t. Although both drinks contain similar calcium content, soy milk has phytates, a natural compound that can decrease calcium absorption by the body. But the calcium contained in cow’s milk is absorbed more easily.

Cow’s milk has all the ‘good’ fats necessary for an infant’s proper growth. It even provides slightly more protein than soy milk. However, soy milk is also a good source of protein, so it can be used as an alternative to cow milk. But if you are giving soy milk to your baby, ensure that your baby’s diet includes other calcium-rich foods as soy milk has less calcium.

When Should You Avoid Giving Soy Milk to Babies?

You should not give soy milk to your child in the following cases:

• When a baby has an allergy or is susceptible to one.
• Babies diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism should not be given soy-based formula products.
• Babies with milk-induced enterocolitis can also exhibit sensitivity to soy protein. It’s advisable not to feed them soy formula.

Are There Any Harmful Effects of Soy Milk on Babies?

Breastfeeding moms may wish to know if soy milk is safe for babies or not? The simple answer is that soy milk as a singular source of nourishment for your baby may not be such a good idea as soy milk does not contain all the essential nutrients vital for the healthy growth of a baby. However, giving it to infants below one year should be totally avoided. Some of the disadvantages of soy milk for babies are listed below:

• Studies suggest that soy milk contains phytoestrogens that may trigger oestrogen-like effects in infants, leading to possible health issues like increased risk of breast cancer or prostate cancer later in life. However, research in this field is inconclusive.
• Some babies may be allergic to the protein in soy milk.
• In rare instances, consumption of soy milk can lead to an imbalance in thyroid levels resulting in goitre (abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland).

Tips to Feed Soy Milk to Your Baby

Here are some tips to keep in mind when feeding soy milk to your baby, to ensure that you get the best of its nutrients possible.

1. Calcium Sources

Calcium is essential for the development of strong bones and teeth. As soy milk is low in calcium, it is essential that your baby gets his intake of calcium from some other source. This ensures that he is not deprived of any nutrients.

2. Addition Rather Than Replacement

Instead of solely feeding soy milk to your child, use it in addition to breast milk or cows milk. This makes sure your baby is healthy.

3. Allergy Advice

To ensure your baby is not allergic to soy milk, initially feed him only a small quantity and look out for any side-effects. In case you notice any allergy in your little one, rush him to a doctor as soon as possible.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Detecting milk allergies in babies, although uncommon, is important. Breastfed babies may react to maternal milk intake, while formula-fed ones react to milk proteins in the formula. Signs may include spitting up, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in stool, wheezing, breathing difficulties, coughing, or eye irritation. If you suspect a milk allergy, consult your paediatrician.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Soy Milk for Preparing Baby’s Meal?

Yes, you can use soy milk as an alternative to cow’s milk when preparing meals for your baby. However, it’s important to ensure that soy milk is fortified with nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for a growing baby. Additionally, consult with your paediatrician before making any significant changes to your baby’s diet, especially if they have specific dietary needs or allergies.

2. How Much Soy Milk Should My Infant Consume?

For children aged 12 to 23 months, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest consuming 1⅔ to 2 cups of dairy or dairy alternatives daily. This encompasses milk, yoghurt, cheese, and soy-based products.

Feeding only soy milk to your baby can result in serious nutritional deficiencies in your baby. You may like to use soy milk more as a supplement rather than a replacement for breast milk or whole cow’s milk. If you still wish to offer soy milk to your baby, do supplement his nutrition from other dietary sources for his healthy development. It is sensible to give soy milk in moderation as it may trigger an allergic reaction. In case of any concerns regarding the effects of soy milk on your baby, it is best to seek your doctor’s advice first.

References/Resources:

1. Cow’s Milk and Milk Alternatives; CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/cows-milk-and-milk-alternatives.html

2. Soy Milk; fdc.nal.usda.gov; https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1097542/nutrients

3. Is Soy Milk the Most Nutritious Non-Dairy Milk?; nutritionfacts.org; https://nutritionfacts.org/video/is-soy-milk-the-most-nutritious-non-dairy-milk/

4. Soybeans and soy foods; betterhealth.vic.gov.au; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/soybeans

5. Study Examines Long-Term Health Effects of Soy Infant Formula; agresearchmag.ars.usda.gov; https://agresearchmag.ars.usda.gov/2004/jan/soy

6. Safety of soya-based infant formulas in children; cambridge.org; https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/safety-of-soyabased-infant-formulas-in-children/

7. Soy Allergy; my.clevelandclinic.org; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11320-soy-allergy

8. Lactose Intolerance in Infants & Children: Parent FAQs; healthychildren.org; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Lactose-Intolerance-in-Children.aspx

Also Read:

Goat Milk for Babies
Dairy Products for Babies
Can You Give Your Baby Raw Milk?
Is Packed or Toned Milk Safe for Babies?