What is the BEST indication for the use of a soy-based infant formula?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Cow's milk protein allergy
• C. Regurgitation with feeds
• D. Galactosemia

Answer: (D)

Galactosemia requires strict avoidance of galactose and lactose. A soy-based infant formula is lactose-free and does not contain cow’s milk proteins, making it the appropriate choice to provide complete nutrition without galactose for infants with this condition. In contrast, diarrhea is usually managed with hydration and is not determined by formula type; regurgitation is typically addressed with feeding modifications like thickening rather than switching to a soy base; and cow’s milk protein allergy is usually managed with an extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid–based formula, with soy formulas avoided or used cautiously in younger infants due to potential cross-reactivity. So the best indication for a soy-based formula is galactosemia.