Is Soy Formula Harmful for baby ?

Is Soy Formula Harmful?

Can soy-protein based formula be harmful? It is clear that it can be harmful to premature babies, but the American Academy of Pediatrics states that "There is no conclusive evidence from animal, adult human, or infant populations that dietary soy isoflavones may adversely affect human development, reproduction, or endocrine function."

One of the concerns is that phytoestrogens, especially isoflavones, may have estrogen-like activity. There is also some concern that soy products on a child's immune function and thyroid function, although again, the AAP says that research has been done and has shown any risks or long-term adverse effects of drinking soy baby formula.

One last concern is that soy-protein based formula does have a relatively high level of aluminum as compared to breast milk and cow's-milk based formula. This is not thought to be a problem for term infants though, but may lead to reduced bone mineralization in preterm babies.