Guideline / position statementindependent cross-checkabstract checked I-LEG-133 standard review
AAP report on soy formula
Use of soy protein-based formulas in infant feeding.
Overview
Bhatia J, Greer F. Pediatrics 2008 · PMID 18450914 · DOI 10.1542/peds.2008-0564
The American Academy of Pediatrics says soy formula has very limited indications and reviews possible effects of its plant oestrogens.
Does the study support the specific claim? Partly · Methodological quality: moderate
Plain-language summary
Study explained simply
- What did the researchers want to find out?
Advise on soy formula.
- How was the study done?
Clinical report.
- How many people, animals or samples were studied?
Not applicable.
- What was actually found?
Limited indications.
- How large was the observed effect?
Not applicable.
- What do the results mean in everyday life?
Use soy formula only on medical advice.
- What are the study's limitations?
Abstract only read.
- What does it say about Elawady's specific claim?
Mixed for C-LEG-10.
- Do the results apply to Germany and Europe?
US.
- What can explicitly not be concluded from this study?
It does not prove harm.
Scientific in-depth review
1. Full reference
- Authors
- Bhatia J, Greer F
- Journal
- Pediatrics
- Year
- 2008
- Identifier
- PMID 18450914 DOI 10.1542/peds.2008-0564
- Verification
- verified – PubMed efetch 2026-10-26 + Crossref works API
- Retracted
- no
- Corrections
- none
- Extent checked
- abstract only
- Conflicts of interest and funding
Not stated in abstract.
2. Research question
What are the indications, contraindications and potential harms of soy protein-based formulas?
3. Study design and population
- Study design
- Guideline / position statement – American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report (Committee on Nutrition)
- Population
Infants
- Country
USA (AAP)
- Period
2008
- Sample size
Not applicable
- Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Not applicable
4. Methods and endpoints
- Exposure / intervention
Soy protein formula
- Comparator
Cow milk formula
- Endpoints
Indications; potential harms
- Statistical methods
Not applicable
5. Actual results
- Results
Abstract: despite very limited indications, soy formulas may account for nearly 25% of the US formula market; the report reviews limited indications and contraindications and potential harmful effects of soy formulas and their phytoestrogens. Specific recommendations were not read (abstract only).
- Absolute risks
Not applicable
- Authors' conclusion
Indications for soy formula are very limited (abstract).
6. Strengths
- Authoritative paediatric body
7. Weaknesses
- Only the abstract was read; recommendations not verified in detail
- 2008
8. Risk of bias
- Orienting tool
- none applicable
- Type of assessment
- simplified assessment (abstract only)
- Full formal assessment
- no
- Overall risk of bias
- not assessable
- Rationale
Expert clinical report.
9. Assessment of the statistical interpretation
Not applicable.
10. Relevance to the specific claim
Consistent with ESPGHAN that soy formula has limited indications; supports the safety note that formula changes need a paediatrician.
11. Independent contrary findings
None.
12. Transferability to Germany and Europe
US guidance.
13. Overall methodological judgement
Supportive context; details not verified.
| Multidimensional assessment | |
|---|---|
| Authenticity of the source | verified |
| Methodological quality | moderate |
| Risk of bias | not assessable |
| Precision of results | not applicable |
| Directness | direct |
| Reproducibility | replicated |
| Consistency with the overall evidence | consistent |
| Regional transferability | moderate |
| Adequacy of the interpretation (by the archive) | not applicable |
14. Open questions
Current AAP position.