Paediatric group position statement on the use of soya protein for infants

Breast feeding should be strongly encouraged as providing the safest, most nutritionally adequate form of feeding for most infants. Dietitians should discourage the use of soya protein in children with atopy or cow's milk allergy in the first six months of life to avoid sensitisation to soya protein and exposure to phytoestrogens while organ systems remain at their most vulnerable. This would include soy infant formula and soya products such as desserts etc. When a soy-based infant formula is used, parents should be informed of current findings relating to phytoestrogens and health and on the clinical need for soy formula. Any parent choosing to refuse soya for their infant should be supported in their decision. More research into the long-term effects of phytoestrogen exposure in infants is needed and into whether any adverse effects are dose related. This position statement will be updated as further evidence becomes available.