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Soy formula and isoflavones and the developing intestine.
Sharon M Donovan1, Aline Andres, Rose Ann Mathai
1Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA. sdonovan@illinois.edu
Nutrition Reviews
|November 13, 2009
Summary
Soy infant formulas contain isoflavones that impact infant gut development. These compounds, particularly genistein, show antiviral properties, potentially reducing rotavirus (RV) infection severity in infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal nutrition
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Soy-based infant formulas (SF) are widely used for infant nutrition.
- SF contain isoflavones, compounds with known effects on cell proliferation.
- The impact of isoflavones on the developing infant intestine is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of soy isoflavones and SF on intestinal development.
- To determine the influence of soy isoflavones on rotavirus (RV) infectivity.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo studies using piglets to assess genistein's effect on intestinal cell proliferation.
- Evaluation of isoflavone mix and genistin's antiviral activity against RV.
Main Results:
- Genistein reduced intestinal cell proliferation in piglets without altering enzyme activity or nutrient transport.
- A mix of isoflavones, as found in SF, or genistin alone inhibited RV infectivity by 40-60%.
Conclusions:
- Soy isoflavones are bioactive in the neonatal intestine.
- These compounds may offer a protective effect against rotavirus (RV) infections, potentially reducing disease severity.
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