Abstract

The objective of this study was conducted to investigate growth and development status of infants fed soy-based formulas over 3 months. The height and weight were measured and Z-scores were calculated by using standard of the same age groups. Their mothers were interviewed using questionnaires including general and environmental characteristics, total food intakes, soy based formula intakes and Ewha infant development screening test. Main results were as follows: 1) Nutrient intake levels of subjects were similar to or more than the level of Korean Recommended Dietary Allowances except for intakes of vitamin E (79.89% RDA), and the average status of nutrient intakes of infants were fairly good. 2) Z-scores of height for age (HAZ) and Z-scores of weight for age (WAZ), Kaup index, WLI and Ewha Infant Developmental Screening Test score of subjects were in the normal growth range. 3) There were no significant differences among soy based formula intake percentile groups in HAZ, WAZ, Kaup index, WLI and Ewha Infant Developmental Screening Test score. 4) Total energy intake was positively correlated with HAZ (p < 0.01), WAZ (p < 0.01), and WLI (p < 0.05) in infants less than 12 month. Also, soy based formula energy intake was positively correlated with HAZ (p < 0.05) in infants less than 12 month. However, energy and soy based formula intake levels of infants over 12 month were not significant among variables. Considering results of this study, infants fed soy-based formulas over 3 months showed normal growth and development status. Further studies are needed to evaluate long-term growth and development in infants fed soy based formulas.

• Keywords: soy-based formulas; growth and development infants