Is soy formula only for allergic children? & bull; hello healthy

Most parents give cow formula milk to support child development. Meanwhile, for children who are allergic to cow's milk, doctors usually advise them to consume soy formula as a nutritional substitute. However, can soy formula only be consumed by children who have allergies to cow's milk protein?

Soya formula can be consumed by children who are not allergic to cow's milk protein

Fulfillment of nutrition is an important part of your little one during their growth and development. Complete nutrition can be obtained from the food or drink they consume. One of them is through milk.

On average, children can get additional nutrition from cow's formula, in addition to receiving nutrition from vegetables and fruits. For children who have allergies to cow's milk protein, parents usually meet their children's needs with soy formula.

It turns out that soy formula is not only for children who are allergic to cow's milk. For example, in certain cases, soy formula can be consumed by children who are raised in a family with a vegetarian diet or a family who has switched to a healthy lifestyle that has started adding vegetable protein consumption to their family's diet.

A study from a journal Pediatrics conducted by Andres and colleagues, comparing two developmental groups of 1-year-old children who were given soy formula and cow formula. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the two administrations.

Children who were given soy formula and cow had the same cognitive development. That way, it can be said that soy formula has the same goodness as giving cow formula milk for your little one's growth and development

Judging from its nutrition, soy formula milk is made from protein isolate which has a protein content of 2.2 to 2.6 g / 100 kcal. This protein is higher than cow's formula. Even so, the little one who consumed the soy formula showed a growth that was equivalent to that of a baby who consumed cow formula.

Know the nutrition and benefits of soy formula for children

The soy formula contains soy protein isolate and other fortified ingredients to complement the nutritional needs of children.

Soya formula has a fairly complete nutritional content, as good as cow's formula. That way your little one can still meet their nutritional needs.

However, not all soy formulas have the same content. Make sure you pay attention to the nutrients contained in soy formula so that your baby's nutritional needs are met. There are several important ingredients that should be included in the soy formula, such as high fiber, prebiotics, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, soy protein isolate, and vitamins and minerals.

The completeness of these ingredients can protect the function of the digestive system, support the ability to think, and support optimal growth and development.

Next, make sure to choose whole soy milk, no low or non-fat, so that your little one doesn't lack energy. Because, toddlers need fat as a source of energy during their growth and development.

There are several benefits that can be obtained when you give high-fiber soy formula milk to children.

Soya formula contains vegetable protein, so it doesn't cause allergies caused by cow's milk protein.
Good fiber content smooths the digestive system of children.
Low in fat and calories. When consumed regularly, it can reduce saturated fat levels, but these benefits are more suitable for adults. While your little one still needs fat for the process of growth and development. Consumption of soy formula helps reduce the risk of obesity in children.
Adopting a healthy diet, such as vegetarianism, as early as possible.

Soya formula milk can be a complementary part of children's nutrition. Please note, for vegetarian families, nutrition can be obtained from a variety of plant foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

If you want to apply this lifestyle to your children as early as possible, it is better to consult with your pediatrician first to get planning recommendations, so that children's nutrition can be received optimally.

When can your little one switch to soy formula?

For parents who want to introduce a healthier lifestyle through consumption of plant-based intake, soy formula can also be given to their little one. This step can be a good introduction to children in living a vegetarian lifestyle in the future.

In addition, soy formula can also be given to children who experience symptoms of allergies to cow's milk protein. The recommendation of soy formula milk can be given at the age of 1 year old children, but cannot be separated from the instructions of the pediatrician. Soya formula is as good as cow's formula, because it is equipped with a variety of important nutrients that are good for supporting child growth and development.

For the dose of infant formula feeding, it needs to be adjusted to the calorie needs of the child based on their age and the recommended dosage of milk products. However, you should consult the dosage of soy formula with your pediatrician to get a more precise dose.