Early programming of brain function through soy protein feeding

Abstract

[0005] The present disclosure is generally directed to methods of improving cognition in an infant. One method comprises administering soy protein to a pregnant woman and administering soy protein to the woman during breastfeeding of the infant. Another method comprises administering soy protein to a pregnant woman and administering soy protein directly to the infant after delivery.

[0006] In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method of improving cognition in an infant. The method comprises administering soy protein to a pregnant woman and administering soy protein to the woman during breastfeeding.

[0007] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method of improving cognition in an infant. The method comprises administering soy protein to a pregnant woman and administering soy protein to the infant after delivery.

[0008] It has been unexpectedly discovered that an improvement in memory and/or cognition in an infant can be achieved by administering soy protein to the infant and/or the infant's mother during early brain development. Specifically, the soy protein may be administered to the infant's mother during pregnancy (i.e., gestation) and breastfeeding, and may also be directly administered to the infant after delivery, for example, by administering an infant and/or nutritional formula comprising soy protein to the infant as an alternative to or in addition to breastfeeding. Following delivery, the soy protein may be administered to the infant until the infant reaches at least about 12 months of age, or until the infant reaches from about 1 year of age to about 5 years of age.