Soy formula is a substitute for human breast milk. It is a commercial product based on the proteins found in soybeans. Soy infant formula uses processed soybeans as its source of protein, and comes in powdered or liquid form.[1] Usually lactose-free, soy infant formula contains a different sugar. Infants who are intolerant of cows' milk protein may also be intolerant of soy protein. It differs from human breast milk in a number of ways.[2] Soy protein inhibits the absorption of iron. The soy-based formulas discussed by the World Health Organization reports that soy formula is fortified with iron to compensate for this effect.[3] One naturally occurring plant-based compound found in soy-based infant formula is phytic acid. It is also a strong inhibitor of iron absorption, though it can be removed in processing. It is not known how many manufacturers of soy-based formula incorporate this practice. China and Vietnam have regulated soy-based infant formulas to include NaFeEDTA (sodium-feric ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) to fortify the formula and enhance the absorption of iron by the infant. When iron compounds are added to soy-based infant formula, the iron compound is encapsulated to prevent it from making the formula dark.[4]
- ^ "Promoting Breastfeeding During Pregnancy – Step 3". World Health Organization. 7 August 2017. Archived from the original on 22 August 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2017 – via www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ Walker, Marsha (2011). Breastfeeding management for the clinician : using the evidence. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. ISBN 9780763766511.
- ^ "Preventing and Controlling Iron Defiency Anaemia Through Primary Health Care". The World Health Organization. 1990. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ "JIACI · Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology". Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-08-08. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
