Soy in B-24 (Birth to 24 Months) and Soy Formula for Babies
Soy-based products can play a significant role in early childhood development. Soy foods can contribute to the growth and overall health of children, providing essential nutrients such as protein, essential fatty acids, calcium, potassium and folate, when eaten as part of a healthy eating pattern.

Learn about the positive impact soy can have on children and why your clients should consider adding soy foods into their child’s diet.



Soy Formula for Infants
Breastfeeding may be considered the gold standard when it comes to feeding infants, but there are many reasons for not breastfeeding which may or may not be in someone’s control. If your patients are looking for alternative options, soy formula can provide the necessary nutrition during a critical phase of growth and development. 

Is Soy Formula Safe?
One of the primary concerns your clients may have about soy formula is the presence of phytoestrogens, or compounds in soy that mimic the structure of estrogen. Because of these phytoestrogens, many parents believe that soy formula isn’t the best choice. However, an observational cohort study published in 2021 followed 11,535 infants in Korea who consumed soy formula and found no delays of developmental stages, which were measured using indicators such as communication, gross motor, fine motor and problem solving.

In addition, a study in 2008 found little to no difference in growth patterns between babies who consumed dairy formula and babies who consumed soy formula, concluding that soy formula is safe for infants. However, while the study found that soy formula is safe for infants, it only has an advantage over cow milk protein-based formula for infants with galactosemia and hereditary lactase deficiency (rare), or in situations in which a vegetarian diet is preferred. Also, for infants with a cow’s milk allergy, extensively hydrolyzed protein formula is recommended, as 10-14% of these infants will also have a soy protein allergy.

While soy is generally safe for children, it's essential to assess each infant or toddler individually to determine if soy formula is a suitable option, as more research is needed before making broad recommendations.



Soy Allergies in Children
While soy is one of the top nine food allergens, which account for 90% of all allergies in the United States,it is the least common allergen among this particular group of foods. Additionally, around 70% of children outgrow their soy allergy by age ten. Experts recommend advising your clients to introduce allergenic foods, including soy, at six months of age. After that, if soy is tolerated, additional soy foods can be incorporated into their diet.

The Benefits of Soy Foods for Children
Soy foods offer a range of health benefits for children and may even play a role in preventing diseases later in life. Here are some of the potential benefits associated with consuming soy during early childhood and pregnancy.

Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer
A notable benefit of eating soy is its potential role in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Childhood and adolescence are the periods of life when dietary choices have the greatest impact on breast health, and studies show that the intake of soy foods during this time is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer in adulthood.

Prevention of Heart Disease
According to the FDA, 25 grams of soy protein a day, as a part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease. While the FDA announced in October 2017 its intention to revise the existing claim due to data inconsistencies, the potential for soy protein to receive a new ‘qualified’ claim remains under consideration. In addition, although more research is needed, some studies suggest that consuming soy foods can reduce elevated cholesterol levels in children.

Prevention of Osteoporosis
The intake of soy foods may also support bone health. Soy isoflavones have been shown to have a positive effect on bone mineral density, which lays the foundation for stronger bones later in life and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, soy foods like soy milk are often fortified with calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for healthy bone development in children.

Prevention of Diabetes
Consuming soy foods during pregnancy may be associated with a reduced risk of gestational diabetes—a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Children of parents with gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

A birth cohort study following 97,454 pregnant women from Japan, found that high soy and isoflavone consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of gestational diabetes. In addition, consuming natto and miso soup was associated with a lower incidence of gestational diabetes.



Soy Foods and Nutrition
For infants and toddlers in the birth to 24 months age group, protein is a vital nutrient for reducing the risk of obesity and promoting bone development.

Soy foods, such as tofu and soy-based yogurt, offer high-quality protein. They contain all the essential amino acids needed by the human body, making them comparable in quality to animal protein. In addition, soy foods often contain or are fortified with essential nutrients, including calcium, folate, B vitamins and more.

Introducing soy during early childhood can help support the health, development, and well-being of children. Encourage your clients to incorporate this powerhouse ingredient into their family meals with one of our soy-based recipes.