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Hypoallergenic Formula Vs. Soy Formula

Most pediatricians would agree that breast milk is the safest, healthiest and most nutritious choice for feeding infants. However, some mothers may not be able to breast-feed because of a medical condition, and others may choose not to breast-feed for personal or religious reasons. Whatever the case, if you're planning to formula-feed your baby, it is important to consider all of the available options on the market. The large variety of traditional cow's milk formulas, soy and hypoallergenic formulas can make choosing the right formula tricky.

  1. Why Not Cow's Milk?

    • Some babies are unable to tolerate traditional cow's milk formulas because of a milk protein allergy. Symptoms of a milk protein allergy include diarrhea, vomiting, a rash, or even blood in the stools. In rarer cases, an infant may develop temporary lactose intolerance as a result of an intestinal infection. This may cause depletion of an essential enzyme that breaks down lactose in the stomach. Symptoms of lactose intolerance may include gassiness and bloating. In either case, your doctor may prescribe a lactose-free soy formula or hypoallergenic formula.

    Hypoallergenic Formulas

    • According to the University of Colorado Children's Hospital website, there are two major types of hypoallergenic baby formulas available. The first type contains hydrolyzed milk protein, which means the milk proteins are broken down into much smaller particles so they're easier to digest. The majority of infants with milk allergies can tolerate this type of formula, although some may still have allergic reactions. The other type of hypoallergenic formula is amino-acid based. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and therefore are recognized as the simplest form of protein. If your infant is still having reactions to a hydrolyzed protein formula, your pediatrician may recommend a switch to this simpler formula.

    Soy Formulas

    • Soy formulas are popular in America, making up a quarter of all formula sales, according to the Children's Hospital at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns that 10 percent to 14 percent of infants who have a milk allergy may also have a soy allergy. There are only a few instances in which an infant should be given soy milk formula as an alternative to traditional formula. First, if the infant has been diagnosed with true lactose intolerance and not just a milk protein allergy, soy milk may be the best alternative, as it is lactose-free. Another instance in which soy milk is appropriate is when the child is diagnosed with congenital galactosemia, a condition in which, according to Children's Hospital, the child lacks the enzyme to convert galactose into glucose, causing a buildup of the sugar in the baby's system. Additionally, parents who are strict vegans or vegetarians may feed their baby soy-based formulas because they are meat and dairy free.

    Bottom Line

    • Despite many innovations in the development of infant formulas, the American Academy of Pediatrics maintains that breast milk is the ideal choice for infant nutrition. Nevertheless, breast milk substitutes provide sufficient nutrients to support healthy growth and development. If you suspect your infant may have an allergy, consult your pediatrician about the appropriate alternative formulas for your baby.

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