Can soy-based milk formulate be dangerous for babies? According to new research, this product, taken on a long-term basis, could have a detrimental effect on the reproductive system of the little ones, especially females.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousIl milk formulated with soy can it be dangerous for babies? According to new research, this product, taken on a long-term basis, could have a detrimental effect on the reproductive system of the little ones, especially females.
A US research team has found that infants who are fed soy-based formulas exhibit differences in some cells and tissues of the reproductive system, possibly due to exposure to estrogen-like compounds found in this type of milk.
The study, funded and led by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), examined the effect of different types of milk on the development of estrogen-sensitive tissues and hormone levels in male and female infants.
The research sampled 282 children, of which 102 fed exclusively with soy formula, 110 with cow's milk and 70 with mother's milk. The young participants were monitored for 28 weeks (in the case of the males) or for 36 (in the case of the females) to evaluate the maturation index (MI) of the epithelial cells of the urogenital tissue; the uterine, ovarian and testicular volume as well as the breasts and finally the hormonal concentrations.
The results showed that the main differences found were in the girls: compared to those fed with cow's milk, the girls fed the soy formula showed evolutionary changes in response to exposure to estrogen. Vaginal cell MI was higher and uterine volume decreased more slowly in girls fed soy formula.
This would be due to the fact that soy protein contains high amounts of genistein, an estrogen-like isoflavone that can disrupt the body's endocrine system and potentially interfere with normal hormone development, although little is known about its effects in relation to children.
The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, found no significant differences between boys fed cow's milk and those fed soy formula.
The researchers noted that the differences found in the girls were still small and that, at least at the moment, should not cause particular alarm. However, they suggest the need for further research, useful for studying the possible long-term effects of exposure to soy-based milk formulated.
As the experts themselves have pointed out, the best solution is always to encourage breastfeeding as much as possible.
On formulated milk, you may also be interested in:
- Powdered and liquid milk for babies without palm oil (the list and advice of the experts)
- Arsenic and BPA in baby food and formulated milk: the American shock study
- Contaminants in growing baby milk. Is the vaccine better?
On soy, read also:
- Soy: the whole truth. Properties, benefits and why not abuse them
