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Isomil^® 2 Advance^® Nutrition Education Series (Part 3 of 4)
Diarrhoea – Common Concerns

My baby recently had diarrhoea and I followed my GP's advice to feed her soy formula and her diarrhoea stopped the next day. However, the diarrhoea returned after she went back to regular milk. Please advise when I should restart her regular milk formula. Also, is it ok to feed my baby soy formula for up to a year instead of regular cow's milk formula?
– Myat Su Mon, mother of 9-month-old Stephanie

Dear Myat Su Mon,

During an episode of diarrhoea, particularly if it is a profuse episode, babies can become transiently lactose intolerant. This is because the enzyme (lactase) that is responsible for digesting lactose is found on the tips of the intestinal lining (villi), and can be transiently decreased as a result of the diarrhoea. Lactose is the sugar found in mammalian milk. Undigested lactose can cause cramping and flatulence, and is a likely cause why your baby's diarrhoea has recurred when you restarted cow's milk formula.

It may take between a week or two after the symptoms subside completely and for the villi to resume normal lactase function. So, even after the overt symptoms have improved your baby may continue to experience some digestive discomfort. Soy formula does not contain lactose, and this is the reason why soy formula is sometimes given to babies in whom we suspect lactose intolerance. You can continue to feed your baby with soy formula for a week or two after the diarrhoea subsides.

Breast milk is best for babies. However, if for any reason, a baby cannot receive breast milk then cow's milk formula would be an alternative for most babies. Soy formulas may be used instead, particularly if there are reasons such as lactose intolerance and cow's milk protein allergy. It is best to discuss the specific individual reasons with your GP.
– A/Prof Marion Aw

This educational message is the third of our 4-part Nutrition Education Series on "Diarrhoea – Common Concerns" featuring questions sent to Abbott Nutrition's Family website and answered by paediatric nutrition experts.

Our nutrition expert for the week:
Associate Professor Marion Aw
Senior Consultant
Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology,
Hepatology & Liver Transplantation
University Children's Medical Institute
National University Hospital

Singapore mother's No.1 choice* Made with high quality soy protein Supports growth of babies like cow's milk-based formulas do Naturally free of lactose DuoCarb Advantage – 3 times higher carbohydrate absorption than most other formulas to supply energy needed, especially during diarrhoea 1st soy formula with AA & DHA – building blocks of brain and eye development Iron and Taurine – To support overall mental development Choline – To support overall mental functioning Find out more about Isomil® 2 Advance®

References:

* Based on full year 2008 sales value data reported by Nielsen MarketTrack for Infant Milk category, Specialty Segment (LF, HA, Soy, Goat's Milk) in Total Singapore. © 2009, The Nielsen Company.

Related Articles:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

The advice offered by the featured expert should not be misinterpreted to be a recommendation of any product. This feature provides the opinions of specialists and readers should consult their own doctors if they should have further enquiries.
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