Soy formula not a good choice for infants at risk of allergies

Main Category: Allergy
Article Date: 20 Jul 2004 - 15:00 PDT


Soy-protein based infant formulas have been used to treat infants who have food allergies or intolerances. This raises the possibility that soy formulas might prevent food allergies in children at high-risk, such as an infant with family history of allergy. A recent review of the available literature, however, concludes that there is no evidence to suggest that soy formulas are any more effective in preventing allergies than formula based on cow's milk. In addition, the research showed that there was more risk of developing allergies if a soy formula was used rather than a hydrolysed protein formula. As a result, soy formulas cannot be recommended for preventing allergies in high-risk infants.

Review title: Soy formula for prevention of allergy and food
intolerance in infants
Reviewers: Osborn DA and Sinn J.

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