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I'm concerned that my baby may have cow's milk allergy. I'm thinking of using Soya milk, is it safe?.
A
Firstly, you must see your
GP if you either suspect a cow’s milk allergy or if the allergy has been
diagnosed by a doctor or paediatrician. This is because your baby will need a
prescription based formula which is hypoallergenic.
The current recommendations by the Paediatric Group of the British
Dietetic Association (2009) are that Soya based formula are no longer recognized
as an appropriate first line treatment for lactose intolerance or cow's milk
protein intolerance (cows milk allergy). This is because research has found
that baby’s who have cows milk allergy may also be allergic to the Soya
protein. This is the case particularly if the cow's milk allergy has first shown
as gastrointestinal symptoms, that is vomiting and diarrhea. There are also
recent concerns of an increased risk of peanut allergy in infants fed soy based
formula.
Additionally Soya milk in
infancy has been linked to prolonged and painful menstruation in women and to
the suppression of testosterone in males. This is due to the phytoestrogens
(plant hormones) in Soya which act like oestrogens or reproductive hormones
found in humans. The introduction phytoestrogens at such early stages of a Childs
development are not fully understood. Thus at present the best course of action
is not to select Soya based formulas to treat cows milk intolerance (allergy)
or lactose intolerance. Do make an appointment to speak with you GP & Health
Visitor to discuss further.
health visitor
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