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| |    Soy Formula: The Latest Findings by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. Soy formula has been used for many years to feed infants who could not tolerate cow's milk or whose families were vegetarian. Despite its widespread use, however, some experts have questioned its long-term safety. The cause for concern centers on the fact that soy naturally contains a type of phytoestrogens known as isoflavones--some of which are known to block the effects of certain hormones. Experts have wondered whether exposure to soy isoflavones could have a negative effect on the reproductive system, since it is regulated primarily by hormones. Now there's some evidence that those concerns may be unfounded. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has found that soy formula given to babies did not affect their long-term health as adults. The study included 811 infants, 248 of which had been fed soy formula. The other 563 were given cow's milk formula. The babies drank only one or the other type of formula until they were weaned. The participants, who are now between 20 and 34 years of age, were then surveyed about their health once they reached adulthood. The researchers found no significant differences in the reproductive health of the young adults who had been fed soy formula compared with those who had been given cow's milk formula. In both the soy and cow's milk groups, the babies were also subdivided into groups according to gender. No significant differences were found in either the male or female groups for adult height and weight, and the age at which they reached sexual maturity. Additionally, the women showed no significant difference in menstrual history, number of pregnancies, or in the outcome of the pregnancies.
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