LLLI
Center for Breastfeeding Information
Journal Abstract of the Month for February 2003
Editorial comment on:
"Infant feeding with soy formula milk: Effects on the testis and
on blood testosterone levels in marmoset monkeys during the period of
neonatal testicular activity." by Richard M. Sharpe et al. Ob
Gyn Survey 2003-2;58(2):120-22
Original paper published in Hum Reprod 2002;17:1692-1703
Infants not breastfed are
often fed powdered milk formula derived from soybean extracts, often
used in the first months of life. Animal studies have been done due
to concerns on the high amount of isoflavenoid phytoestrogens in soy
products. Plant derived products such as soy may be "natural"
but may not be innocuous.
In tests done on Marmoset
monkeys twins, animals received either standard cow milk formula or
soy milk formula after the first 4-5 days of life. Significant differences
were found between the two groups. Leydig cells were increased by almost
75% and the SFM-fed monkeys had a suppression of the testosterone surge.
The authors feel that feeding
human infants a soy product in the early months of life can affect plasma
testosterone levels and testosterone-dependent tissues in ways that
are not yet clear. They concluded that it would be wise to avoid feeding
soy products to infants when alternatives are available.
This article will be categorized
in the following subjects:
Soy Formula, Formula Concerns, Sexuality, Other Species
Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:34:23 UTC 2007.
