Soy Unsafe for Children
from: Natural Health Newsletter
-Randall Neustaedter OMD.
Soy beans and soy products are not appropriate foods for infants or
children, not tofu, soy milk, or soy formula, not soy hot dogs,
sausages, soyburgers, or textured vegetable protein. Not ever. Although
soy has been promoted as a health food and an excellent alternative
protein source with numerous health benefits, the proven adverse health
effects of soy on children far outweigh any positive or philosophical
reasons to eat soy products. Soy proponents claim that soy can lower
cholesterol, prevent heart disease and breast cancer, and reduce bone
loss in menopause. Farmers are cautioned not to feed growing domestic
animals a diet high in soy protein. Pigs, whose digestive tracts are
very similar to humans, are allowed only one percent of their feed as
soy because of the risk of adverse effects on digestion and immune
function (Bee, 2000). Soy product consumption has been linked to a long
list of diseases and hormone dysfunctions in children including thyroid
disease, mineral malabsorption, diabetes, and abnormal sexual
development. Here is the evidence that you should not feed your
children soy products. Soy foods depress thyroid function. This
depression of the thyroid gland is capable of inducing a hypothyroid
state, autoimmune thyroid disease, and goiter (swelling of the thyroid
gland). Soybeans contain compounds that inhibit thyroid peroxidase-
(TPO) catalyzed reactions that are essential for the production of
thyroid hormone (Divi, 1997).
Soy formula feeding in infants is associated with thyroid disease. A
review of children with autoimmune thyroid disease showed that these
children had a higher frequency of soy formula feeding in infancy than
their siblings or healthy control children (Fort, 1997).
Soy formula feeding is associated with hormone disruption. A study
conducted in Puerto Rico of children with premature breast development
found an association between the affected children under two years of
age and soy-based formula as well as the consumption of meat products
(Freni-Titulaer, 1986). Phytoestrogens (isoflavones) in soy products
disrupt fertility (Irvine, 1995) and lower testosterone levels (Sharpe,
2002). Some researchers are concerned that soy formula given to infants
can disrupt hormones at a crucial time for the programming of a baby's
reproductive development. The testosterone surge in the first few
months of life programs male infants for puberty and sexual
development. If receptor sites intended for the hormone testosterone
are occupied by soy estrogens, appropriate development may not take
place (Santti, 1998; Winter, 1976).
Soy interferes with calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron absorption.
Phytic acid blocks the uptake of essential minerals in the intestinal
tract, and soy has one of the highest phytic acid levels of any grain
or legume (Reddy, 2002). Only fermentation of soy products in the
preparation of miso, soy sauce, and tempeh removes the phytates
responsible for mineral depletion.
Soy feeding in infancy has been linked to diabetes. When reviewing
the feeding histories of 95 diabetic children, twice as many of the
children with diabetes received soy formula in infancy compared to
children in the control group (Fort, 1986). The American Academy of
Pediatrics advised against the use of soy formula due to the diabetes
risk (AAP, 1994).
Beware of soy additives in processed or packaged foods. Processed
soy goes by several names including textured soy protein, soy protein
isolate (SPI), and soy isoflavones. These ingredients are added to many
health food products and protein supplements. Soy is a primary
ingredient of low-carb diet foods and protein bars. It is added to
prepared frozen meals, ice cream, breads, and canned foods. Read
ingredient list labels and avoid soy fortified foods and these protein
substitutes for your children.
----------
All references can be found in Child Health Guide: Holistic
Pediatrics for Parents, Randall Neustaedter, North Atlantic Books,
2005
See the following article as well in Mothering Magazine
http://www.mothering.com/articles/growing_child/food/soy_story.html
Randall Neustaedter OMD
Classical Medicine Center
1779 Woodside Rd, 201C
Redwood City, CA 94061
+1 650 299-9170
If you have questions or feedback contact me at:
randalln@Cure-Guide.com
To view all previous newsletter articles go to:
www.Cure-Guide.com/Newslette
|
HOME
