Milk and Soy Based Formulas

The protein found in basic milk- and soy-based infant formulas is made up of intact, complete protein chains. For children with cow milk allergy and soy milk allergy, these protein chains can trigger an allergic reaction and should be avoided.

Soy-Protein-Based Formulas

Soy formulas have a long history of use, not just for allergy to milk but also for lactose intolerance and galactosemia. Historically, soy formula was the only nutrition product available for feeding infants with cow milk allergy.

However, experts now estimate that up to 50% of infants allergic to cow milk protein are also allergic to soy protein.¹ For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants with cow milk allergy should not be given isolated soy-based formula.²

In addition, a leading European pediatric society suggests that:

• Soy-based formulas are not recommended for the initial treatment of food allergy in infants
• Soy-based formulas should not be used in infants with food allergy during the first six months of life
• After the age of six months, soy-based formulas can be used as an alternative nutrient; tolerance to soy protein should first be established by a healthcare professional
• Soy milk may be useful as part of a varied diet for children over the age of one year with cow milk allergy if they are tolerant to soy

European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Recommendations

Related Links

• Cow Milk Allergy (CMA)
• Soy Milk Allergy
• Amino Acid Formulas
• Lactose Intolerance
• Galactosemia

References:

1. Klemola T, et al. Allergy to soy formula and to extensively hydrolyzed whey formula in infants with cow’s milk allergy: a prospective, randomized study with a follow-up to the age of 2 years. J Pediatr. 2002; 140(2):219–224.
    
2. Halpin TC, et al. Colitis, persistent diarrhea and soy protein intolerance. J Pediatr 1977; 91:404-7.
    
3. Bhatia J., et al. Use of soy protein-based formulas in infant feeding. Pediatrics. 2008; 121:5:1062-1068.