Nutrition Hotline
By Reed Mangels, Phd, RD
SOY FORMULA
QUESTION: I am no longer able to breast-feed my 5-month old son. We follow a vegan diet, so I would like to use a soy formula. Are all soy formulas vegan?
- A.R., MD
ANSWER: There are four soy-based formulas which are currently marketed in the United States. According to the consumer information departments of the companies producing the formulas, two do not contain any animal products or animal derivatives and two may contain animal products. The two apparently vegan formulas are Prosobee from Mead Johnson and Soyalac (and i-Soyalac) from Loma Linda. Nursoy made by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories contains oleo derived from beef fat. Isomil from Ross Laboratories has vitamins and minerals which could be derived from either an animal or a synthetic source depending on availability. I would encourage you to discuss your choice of an infant formula with your child's health care provider.
In any case, soy milk (such as VitaSoy, Eden Soy, etc.) should not be used to replace breast milk or formula. Soy milks, nut milks, rice milks, and other preparations are not nutritionally adequate for infants.
Human milk is the very best food for babies. While infant formulas are designed to be nutritionally close to human milk, they are still not the same as breast milk. La Leche League International is an invaluable resource for those who have questions about breast-feeding.
LABELING ISSUES AFFECTING VEGETARIANS
The Federal Register, January 6, 1993 has information about some labeling
issues which could affect vegetarians. Any product that has a label which includes
the statement "nondairy" and contains an ingredient derived from cow's milk (such as
casein), must declare in the ingredient list that casein is milk-derived.
Protein hydrolysates, which include proteins from plant and animal sources and from yeast extracts, are used in foods for many reasons including as stabilizers, thickening agents, flavorings, and flavor enhancers. In the past, protein hydrolysates (including those derived from animal sources) were often listed on the label as "flavorings" or "natural flavors" so that consumers were unaware of the source of these ingredients. Now, protein hydrolysates must be listed and include the source (beef, casein, soy, wheat gluten, etc.)
