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A REPORT by Britain’s Food Standards Agency has raised concerns about the health effects of soya-based infant formula. Although the evidence for harmful effects is not conclusive, it says a handful of recent studies have strengthened the case for avoiding soya formula.

The finding is part of a comprehensive review of the health effects of phytoestrogens. These compounds, found in plants such as soya and lettuce, act in a similar way to the hormone oestrogen. Dietary supplements high in phytoestrogens are also sold in health-food shops.

The report points out that infants fed soya-based formula (about 1 to 2 per…

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