Feeding soy milk and other non-cow milk beverages like almond milk to our children may be the new health-myth of our generation.
Just like Gluten-free diet , which has no proven advantages in people not suffering from Gluten-sensitive enteropathies (Celiac disease), soy milk and other lactose-free milk substitutes are not the ideal beverage for developing children, unless clinically indicated.
A recent research published in American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition has concluded that ‘noncow milk consumption is associated with lower childhood height.’
They further elaborate that ‘noncow milk contains less protein and fat than cow milk and may not have the same effect on height.‘
‘Cow milk consumption in childhood has been associated with increased height, which is an important measure of children’s growth and development.’It contains whey and casein, which provide complete proteins.It also contains slightly more essential amino acids than soy milk.
Soy milk is a processed food that has roughly half the protein of cow’s milk.It does not contain the nutrients that children need for their growth. It may lead to various vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
It is very high in phytoestrogens, which may have an effect on hormone-related cancers, particularly breast cancer and prostate cancer. While studies of the effects of soy milk and other soy products on cancer have had mixed results, further research is being undertaken.
It has also been linked to thyroid disorder, gynaecomastia (male-breast enlargement) and infertility in males.
If you are suspecting lactose-intolerance in your child, consult your pediatrician and get a confirmed diagnosis.
Please Note : For babies <1 year , Breast milk is the best . Cow milk should be introduced after 1 year of age.
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References:
- http://m.ajcn.nutrition.org/content/early/2017/06/07/ajcn.117.156877.abstract?sid=f20c51b5-f8d3-4f6c-8cb3-8f5b204bf647
- https://nutritionfacts.org/2016/02/23/how-a-gluten-free-diet-can-be-harmful/
- https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/warning-parents-about-dangers-soy-milk-babies
- http://www.livestrong.com/article/521142-does-milk-contain-protein/
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