| Media
Release
18 December 1998
Ministry of Health advice to parents
about soy baby milk, prepared in light of continuing debate about
the safety of certain natural components of the food, will made
available to family doctors, Plunket nurses and other points of
contact from Monday.
The Ministry has also circulated advice to health
professionals about recent research in the area of soy infant formula.
Ministry spokesman Dr Pat Tuohy said there has
been considerable debate on the effects of phytoestrogens in soy.
While it remains unclear what effect these compounds have on infants,
it was important to inform parents and health professionals about
the debate.
"The Ministry of Health's advice remains
- breast milk is best for infants. Parents who need to find an alternative
are advised to use dairy-based infant formula. If their baby cannot
tolerate dairy products they should seek the advice of a health
specialist on using an alternative infant formula," Dr Tuohy
said.
Any benefits or risks of soy formula for infants
remains unclear and the Ministry continues to support a cautious
approach on their use, he said.
The parent pamphlet will be available from health
professionals from Monday (21 December).
"The Ministry will continue to monitor research
being undertaken in New Zealand and internationally on the health
effects of phytoestrogens," Dr Tuohy said.
Dr Tuohy said at the same time an advisory notice
is being sent to health professionals about soy infant formula and
infants with a particular thyroid problem.
The advisory notice outlines the recommended
approach for health practitioners looking after infants with the
condition - hypo thyroidism - and the need to be aware of a potential
interaction between the treatment for hypo thyroidism and soy infant
formula.
"Hypo-thyroidism in babies is a condition
which is treatable if detected early - all infants are screened
at birth using blood taken from a heel prick. Left untreated it
will cause growth problems and permanent intellectual impairment.
There are around 10 new cases of hypo thyroidism in New Zealand
each year," Dr Tuohy said.
Further research is required to determine whether
there may be any other clinically significant interactions between
phyto-estrogens in soy formula and hormonal function in infants.
"The key message to the public remains that
soy infant formula should be used only in consultation with a health
professional," Dr Tuohy said.
For more information or for a copy of the pamphlet
contact:
Rebecca Wilson, Media Advisor, ph: 04-496-2483,
pager: 026-113-324
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