What Is The Difference Between Milk-Based And Soy-Based Infant Formulas?
The protein in milk-based formulas comes from cow’s milk which has been heat treated, making it easy for a baby to digest. The sugar in milk-based formulas is lactose, unless specifically manufactured as lactose-free. Soy-based formulas are milk-free and lactose-free; the protein in these formulas comes from a soybean source that also is easy for a baby to digest. If a baby exhibits signs of lactose intolerance or certain allergic reactions to milk protein, the physician may recommend a soy-based formula to help treat these conditions. A baby with confirmed milk protein-induced colitis could also be sensitive to soy protein so might be given an extensively hydrolyzedsate formula, one in which the protein has been predigested so it will decrease the likelihood of a reaction. Parents who seek a vegetarian-based diet for their healthy infant may want to discuss the use of soy-based formula with the pediatrician.
The protein in milk-based formulas comes from cow’s milk which has been heat treated, making it easy for a baby to digest. The sugar in milk-based formulas is lactose, unless specifically manufactured as lactose-free. Soy-based formulas are milk-free and lactose-free; the protein in these formulas comes from a soybean source that also is easy for a baby to digest. If a baby exhibits signs of lactose intolerance or certain allergic reactions to milk protein, the physician may recommend a soy-based formula to help treat these conditions. A baby with confirmed milk protein-induced colitis could also be sensitive to soy protein so might be given an extensively hydrolyzedsate formula, one in which the protein has been predigested so it will decrease the likelihood of a reaction. Parents who seek a vegetarian-based diet for their healthy infant may want to discuss the use of soy-based formula with the pediatrician.
