There is controversy whether soy formula can cause constipation. Some sources are suggesting that it can cause constipation while others suggest that it can ease the condition.Dr. Jeffrey W. Hull, an Alabama based pediatrician, believes that soy formulas are not considered a good option for infant feeding, because the infant's colon is not designed to handle stool bulk and the residue that results from milk-based and soy-based formulas
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Constipation in infants is usually due to an abundance of residue left over in the colon after digestion. Breast milk is almost completely absorbed by a baby and leaves no residue. Formula, on the other hand, is less easily digested by a baby and leaves behind more residues in the colon. Because soybeans do produce firmer stool, the soy formula may cause constipation more frequently than dairy formula; however, the constipation is not necessarily the result of soy formula specifically. The constipation could simply be caused by a switch in formulas in general, since each manufacturer has its own recipe and the levels of different elements will be higher or lower compared to others and each child has different adaptability to different formula. A 1998 study done by the American Academy of Pediatrics concluded that "healthy full-term infants should be given soy formula only when medically necessary, but soy formula is still safe and effective when needed."(taken from eHow.com)
Other than that, some people assumed that the iron content in baby formula is responsible for constipation. However, a study was done to determine if it were true of baby formulas. Half of the babies were fed with low iron, half with regular, constipation was reported at the same rate in both groups, proving that for most children, the formula didn’t make the difference. What is known for sure is that iron is essential for growing babies, so to blame the constipation on the iron levels in the formula, and to subsequently discontinue formula as the baby’s main source of nutrition would be counterproductive.
Obviously, a couple of episodes of constipation will not be too concerning, but if you are finding that your baby is regularly straining to empty his bowels, or that his bowel movements are few and far between, you may seek medical advice. Your doctor is the best person to decide the appropriate course of action. Iron is hugely important in a child’s diet so never take it upon yourself to eliminate it in the hopes of relieving a condition whose cause is not truly known.
(taken from babyslumber.com)
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Constipation in infants is usually due to an abundance of residue left over in the colon after digestion. Breast milk is almost completely absorbed by a baby and leaves no residue. Formula, on the other hand, is less easily digested by a baby and leaves behind more residues in the colon. Because soybeans do produce firmer stool, the soy formula may cause constipation more frequently than dairy formula; however, the constipation is not necessarily the result of soy formula specifically. The constipation could simply be caused by a switch in formulas in general, since each manufacturer has its own recipe and the levels of different elements will be higher or lower compared to others and each child has different adaptability to different formula. A 1998 study done by the American Academy of Pediatrics concluded that "healthy full-term infants should be given soy formula only when medically necessary, but soy formula is still safe and effective when needed."(taken from eHow.com)
Other than that, some people assumed that the iron content in baby formula is responsible for constipation. However, a study was done to determine if it were true of baby formulas. Half of the babies were fed with low iron, half with regular, constipation was reported at the same rate in both groups, proving that for most children, the formula didn’t make the difference. What is known for sure is that iron is essential for growing babies, so to blame the constipation on the iron levels in the formula, and to subsequently discontinue formula as the baby’s main source of nutrition would be counterproductive.
Obviously, a couple of episodes of constipation will not be too concerning, but if you are finding that your baby is regularly straining to empty his bowels, or that his bowel movements are few and far between, you may seek medical advice. Your doctor is the best person to decide the appropriate course of action. Iron is hugely important in a child’s diet so never take it upon yourself to eliminate it in the hopes of relieving a condition whose cause is not truly known.
(taken from babyslumber.com)
thanks!!!!
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteIts been almost 3 weeks already my DS constipated ! he's facing probs like hard textured stools and harden stomach frequently.. T.T so hard to solve this prob.. Anyone can help me on this? i need constipation in infant solution or any sort of formula that can help??
ReplyDeleteHi,you can read through and try with the above formula that mentioned. But I would suggest you to bring your kid for exercise or a short walk because it can stimulate the digestion or just fed him more water so that the stool will be soft and able to pass easily
DeleteI have been trying lots of different kinds of traditional remedies are not working. At the end, my kid is in the hospital. Better seek for a proper remedy and dont simply try.
ReplyDeleteHi HalleyLeong, do you heard of Mamil? I had switched to Mamil few months ago as my daughter used to face constipation, it works for me and I can see the different within few days. Mamil contains highest level of DHA and contains NO sugar so it is good for every children. I think you should switch to Mamil because it is proven that the ingredients of Mamil are able to prevent constipation.
ReplyDeleteMamil good la, al my children also drink no constipation prob at all. Previously when 2 years back before switching, sometimes will constipated one.. Mamil indeed is good at preventing children constipation.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Mamil has ingredients which is effective treatment for constipation babies. Like those prebiotics etc... I used it and i find more effective compared to my previous milk powder enfamil. plus its way less sweeter!
ReplyDelete