Survey suggests mothers unaware of health benefits of soy for formula fed babies

Jun 5 2004

According to a recent survey conducted in conjunction with National Soyfoods Month, only one in 10 moms of formula-fed babies are aware that soy can help manage persistent common feeding problems. Generally, the 300 surveyed moms had a positive view of soy, but many felt they had very little information when it came to soy infant formula.

"Breastfeeding is the gold standard in infant nutrition and the best choice for babies and moms," said Ann Coulston, registered dietitian and nutrition consultant at Stanford University School of Medicine. "However, if a mom cannot breastfeed or chooses not to breastfeed, and her infant experiences persistent common feeding problems, clinical research shows that a soy infant formula may help." "When feeding problems arise, I would suggest that parents talk to their pediatricians first," said Coulston. Pediatricians recommend parents be patient because often the feeding problems may be temporary or resolve on their own. "If feeding problems persist for formula-fed infants, I would suggest that parents consider talking to their pediatricians about a soy infant formula as one possible solution," Coulston added. "Clinical studies of infants with feeding problems support that switching from a milk-based infant formula to a soy-based infant formula, can reduce fussiness, gas and spit up in most babies," said Robert Murray, MD, medical affairs director of pediatric nutritionals, Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories. "Instead of searching through numerous formulas for a solution, ask your doctor about trying a soy-based formula, like Isomil(R) Advance(R). Many times a soy formula is easier for babies with delicate stomachs to digest. Isomil Advance, like the other Similac(R) brand formulas, provides all the nutrients an infant needs to grow and develop."

Other key survey findings: 

• The most common feeding problem reported was gassiness. Other common problems reported were fussiness and spit-up.
• Feeding problems improved with age, especially after three months.
• Nearly 30 percent of formula-fed infants use a soy infant formula.
• Pediatricians were mom's number one source of information about soy infant formula.
• 20 percent of moms surveyed made soy foods or beverages part of their own diet.

Penn, Shoen and Berland Associates, a New York market research company, surveyed 300 mothers of formula-fed newborn children (nine months or less). The United Soybean Board and Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories sponsored the survey. Abbott's Ross Products Division The Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories is a longtime leader in the U.S. nutritional marketplace, well known for its leading Similac(R) Advance(R) and Isomil(R) Advance(R) infant formulas, as well as its entire line of other pediatric nutritional products. For more information about Abbott's Ross Products Division, visit http://www.ross.com . For more information about soy infant formula visit http://www.isomiladvance.com .