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- MINISTRY OF HEALTH TO ANZFA
- JUNE 17 1999 FILE P93
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- Issues related to soy infant formula
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- The Ministry's Child Health Chief Adviser has the following
comments/questions for ANZFA in relation to soy infant formula.
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- Warning Statement: We are pleased that ANZFA will be considering
strategies to deter the use of soy-based infant formula.
We note that ANZFA are not proposing to require a warning statement
on product labels. However, we think that the message required
under clause 19(3)(b) for all formulas could be altered slightly
for soy-based formulas, as follows: Soy infant formula should
not be used except on the advice of a health professional.
This provides a stronger message in the case of soy infant formula.
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- Nitrates: As nitrates are present in soy protein, we question
if the water quality guidelines are sufficient to protect infants
feed soy infant formula.
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- Aluminium: We are concerned with the 1.0 mg/L limit proposed
for soy infant formula. The toxicological assessment does
not provide a robust argument demonstrating the safety of the
1.0 mg/L limit. At what level does renal excretion fail
to adequately clear aluminium from the infant body? Some
references suggest that infants may be at risk of aluminium toxicity
at levels above 300 micrograms per litre (see Hawkins et al 1994
J Paed Gastro Nutr 19(4) 377-81).
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- Phytates and infant formula: Given the presence of phytates
in soy formula, have ANZFA considered if there is a need to increase
the levels of certain minerals (such as calcium and iron)?
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- Trypsin inhibitor levels - There is evidence that
trypsin inhibitors are present in soy formula, and that the levels
vary. Given that these compounds have the potential to cause
malabsorption of protein, have ANZFA considered if there is a
need to specify a level or a denaturation process?
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- Iodine: Have ANZFA considered if the level of iodine is high
enough in soy formula, given possible phytoestrogen effects?
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