What is the role of soy protein–based formulas in preventing allergy or managing non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms (such as colic and regurgitation) in infants?

• A. There is no role for soy protein formula in non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms.
• B. Soy formulas prevent allergies.
• C. Soy formulas reduce infant regurgitation.
• D. Soy formulas relieve colic.

Answer: (A)

Soy protein–based formulas do not have a proven role in preventing allergy or in reliably addressing non-specific GI symptoms like colic or regurgitation in infants. Allergy development is influenced by multiple factors, and switching to soy does not reliably prevent atopy. Colic and regurgitation are common, self-limited issues that usually do not respond consistently to changing to a soy-based formula. Therefore, there is no demonstrated role for soy formulas in these situations. If CMPA is a concern, guidelines favor extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid–based formulas rather than standard soy formulas.