Is soy-based infant formula safe?
The amount of phytoestrogens in soy-based baby milk (infant formula) is a lot higher than that in human breast milk. A report on phytoestrogens and health from the Committee on Toxicity reported that it is difficult to draw conclusions on the long-term health effects of soy formula because only one study has examined the long-term health effects, although this study did not find any adverse effects. The report recommended that soy-based infant formulae be fed to infants only when indicated clinically (only use on the advice of your GP or health visitor) (Committee on Toxicity, 2003). Vegetarian diets and teenagers Vegetarianism is becoming more common among teenagers, especially among girls. The National Diet and Nutrition Survey of 4-18 year olds found that 1 in 10 girls aged 15-18 years reported that they were vegan or vegetarian (Gregory et al., 2000). Following a vegetarian diet requires some forward planning to ensure that all of the nutrients needed for rapid growth and developme
