Lynn - About.com User
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that soy formulas are safe and effective for infants, and research shows no hormonal effects in long-term feeding of soy formulas.
For older children like your daughter, soy beverages have been shown to have positive effects on cholesterol levels in overweight children. Consumption of soy beverges may also improve lung function in children and adults who have asthma. Using soy on your daughter's cereal is safe, and soy can be fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
Soy Baby Formula and Phytoestrogens
Source: Giampietro PG, Bruno G, Furcolo G, Casati A, Brunetti E, Spadoni GL, Galli E. "Soy protein formulas in children: no hormonal effects in long-term feeding." J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Feb;17(2):191-6. Smith LJ, Holbrook JT, Wise R, Blumenthal M, Dozor AJ, Mastronarde J, Williams L. "Dietary intake of soy genistein is associated with lung function in patients with asthma." J Asthma. 2004;41(8):833-43.
