Establishing healthy eating habits early in life is important. Childhood dietary intake frequently influences eating habits in adulthood and may impact adult risk for chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
Research indicates that soyfoods help to support normal growth and development of children from infancy through adolescence, and the unique nutrient profile of soyfoods can make them a healthy addition to the diets of children of all ages. Before introducing a new food into your child’s diet, always consult your healthcare provider.
As with adults, clinical research shows that soy protein lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in children.1,2 In one study of children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolemia, soyfoods reduced total cholesterol 7.7%and LDL cholesterol by 6.4% under a controlled diet.
References:
1. Robinson R. The fetal origins of adult disease. BMJ. 2001; 322:375-6.
2. Must A et al. Long-term morbidity and mortality of overweight adolescents. N Eng J Med. 1992; 327: 1350-5.
Soyfoods are recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an appropriate source of dietary protein for children, and they are generally well accepted. In one study, preschool children ages 3—6 consumed soy-enhanced lunches as readily as lunches made without soy.1
References:
1. Endres J, Barter S, Theodora P, Welch P. Soy-enhanced lunch acceptance by preschoolers. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003; 103(3): 346-51.
A large retrospective cohort study of 811 men and women who were fed either cow’s milk-based or soy-based infant formula as infants revealed no significant effects on over 30 reproductive and developmental endpoints.1 Researchers concluded that exposure to soy formula does not appear to lead to different general health or reproductive outcomes than exposure to cow’s milk formula. This sentiment is similar to the current position of the American Academy of Pediatrics on the use of soy infant formula, which states “… although studied by numerous investigators in various species, there is no conclusive evidence from animal, adult human, or infant populations that dietary soy isoflavones may adversely affect human development, reproduction, or endocrine function.” 2Before introducing a new food into your child’s diet, always consult your healthcare provider.
References:
1. Strom BL et. al. Exposure to soy-based formula in infancy and endocrinological and reproductive outcomes in young adulthood. JAMA. 2001 Aug 15;286(7):807-14.
2. Bhatia J, Greer F, and the Committee on Nutrition. Use of Soy Protein-Based Formulas in Infant Feeding. Pediatrics. 2008; 121:1062-1068.
