In Asia, folks have been consuming tofu and other soy products for an eternity, or so it seems. But there has been some recent concern about the hormonal content of soy and how it might effect a child’s development.

Well soy lovers can rest assured. Soy does contain phytoestrogens (also known as isoflavones), a hormone with a chemical structure similar to estrogen often found in whole grains, potatoes, dried beans, and apples. But there is no hard scientific evidence that phytoestrogen causes any harm to children or adults.

A study from The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) compared the health profiles of adults who drank soy formula as children, and others who drank milk-based formulas. It showed no significant differences in their general health or reproductive health. In fact, soy contains antioxidants, and studies have shown a link between phytoestrogen intake and lowered cholesterol levels.

Soymilk is actually a great way to get nutrients into kids over a year old with lactose issues. There are some vitamin-fortified soymilk brands on the market that kids love because they taste great.

The downside of soy? It contains phytates, naturally occurring substances also found in whole-grains, legumes, and nuts, that can decrease the absorption of calcium and other minerals.

If your child goes the soy route, be sure to pump up their calcium consumption by getting it into them in other ways.

These foods contain calcium:

• Broccoli

• Cereal

• Yogurt

• Cheese

• Ice cream

• Waffles (made with milk)

• Kale

• Almonds (try almond butter)

If your little one happens to be lactose intolerant, or if you decide to raise your child vegetarian, soy is a great source of protein with many additional dietary benefits.