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Possible Effects of Phytoestrogens in Soy Infant 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. 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. As for girls, an alarming number are entering puberty much earlier than normal. Other problems anecdotally associated with children of both sexes fed soy-based formula include extreme emotional behavior, asthma, immune system problems, pituitary insufficiency, thyroid disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome. Meanwhile, there IS an alternative to both soy- and milk-based commercial formula for mothers unable to breast-feed: homemade whole foods baby formula.