Possible Effects of Phytoestrogens in Soy Infant Formula
by Sally
Fallon, Mary Enig, PhD, & Michael Fitzptrck.
(Source:
http://www.longnaturalhealth.com/library2.asp?A=36)
Soy
formula, which contains phytoestrogens, genistein and daidzein (also
called isoflavones) is given to approximately 25% of those US children
fed formula. It is estimated that an infant exclusively fed soy formula
receives the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills
per day. By contrast, almost no phytoestrogens have been detected in
dairy-based infant formula or in human milk, even when the mother
consumes soy products. A recent study found that babies fed soy-based
formula had 13,000 to 22,000 times more isoflavones in their blood than
babies fed milk-based formula. Scientists have known for years that
isoflavones in soy products can depress thyroid function, causing
autoimmune thyroid disease and even cancer of the thyroid. But what are
the effects of soy products on the hormonal development of the infant,
both male and female?
Male
infants undergo a "testosterone surge" during the first few months of
life, when testosterone levels maybe as high as those of an adult male.
During this period, the infant is programmed to express male
characteristics after puberty, not only in the development of his
sexual organs and other masculine physical traits, but also in setting
patterns in the brain characteristic of male behavior. In monkeys,
deficiency of male hormones impairs the development of spatial
perception-normally more acute in men than in women-of learning ability
and of visual discrimination tasks, such as would be required for
reading. It goes without saying that future patterns of sexual
orientation may also be influenced by the early hormonal
environment.
Pediatricians
are noticing greater numbers of boys whose physical maturation is
delayed, or does not occur at all, including lack of development of the
sexual organs. Learning disabilities, especially in male children, have
reached epidemic proportions. Soy infant feeding-which floods the
bloodstream with female hormones that could inhibit the effects of male
hormones-cannot be ignored as a possible cause for these tragic
developments.
As for
girls, an alarming number are entering puberty much earlier than
normal, according to a recent study reported in the journal Pediatrics.
Investigators found that one percent of all girls now show signs of
puberty, such as breast development or pubic hair, before the age of
three; by age eight, 14.7 percent of Caucasian girls and a whopping
48.3 percent of African-American girls had one or both of these
characteristics. New data indicate that environmental estrogens such as
PCBs and DDE (a breakdown product of DDT) may cause early sexual
development in girls. It is not unreasonable to conclude that huge
amounts of female hormones from infant formula could have similar
effects. The consequences are tragic. Young girls with mature bodies
must cope with feelings and urges that most children are not
well-equipped to handle. And early maturation in girls is frequently a
harbinger for problems with the reproductive system later in life
including failure to menstruate, infertility and breast cancer.
Other
problems that have been anecdotally associated with children of both
sexes who were fed soy-based formula include extreme emotional
behavior, asthma, immune system problems, pituitary insufficiency,
thyroid disorders and irritable bowel syndrome. Obviously, a
well-designed study is urgently needed.
Meanwhile,
there IS an alternative to both soy- and milk-based commercial formula
for mothers unable to breast-feed: Homemade whole foods baby formula.
Recipes are given in Sally Fallon's book 'Nourishing
Traditions,' which can be ordered from NewTrends Publishing
877-707-1776 or newtrendspublishing.com
I highly
recommend Sally's book, it is the best cook book I have ever owned, and
it is filled with all kinds of wonderful health information. -- Timothy
Long
For more
excellent health information on this subject go to
www.westonaprice.org.
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