Dr. Emily A. Carter

As we welcome 2025, the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health (IHHEH - EMR) invites researchers to submit their latest studies in public health, epidemiology, and related scientific fields. We are particularly interested in research that bridges the gap between fundamental science, clinical practice, and field applications, fostering the exchange of transformative ideas and novel discoveries.

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With best regards,

Dr. Emily A. Carter

Editor-in-Chief

Children’s Health: Sour News for Soy Formula?

Author: Julia R. Barrett

Publication: Environmental Health Perspectives

Volume: 113, Issue: 5, Page: A302

DOI: 10.1289/ehp.113-a302b

Background

Phytoestrogens, naturally occurring plant compounds with estrogen-like effects, have been studied primarily in adults. However, the impact of soy-based infant formula, which contains high levels of phytoestrogens, remains largely unexplored beyond general growth and development assessments.

Key Findings

Researchers from the University of Illinois found that the soy phytoestrogen genistein can alter intestinal cell proliferation and migration.
Infants metabolize genistein and retain some active bioavailable forms.
Some experts, like Retha Newbold from NIEHS, argue that soy formula requires more research due to potential developmental effects.

Research Studies

Study 1 (Journal of Nutrition, June 2004)

Human intestinal cells exposed to genistein showed a biphasic response: low doses stimulated growth, while high doses inhibited proliferation and altered cell cycle dynamics.

Study 2 (Pediatric Research, February 2005)

24 piglets were divided into groups receiving different levels of genistein. Although no changes in growth or digestive function were observed, high-genistein piglets had a 50% decrease in intestinal cell proliferation and a 20% decrease in cell migration.

Expert Opinions

Sharon Donovan, a professor of nutrition, notes that while genistein alone shows effects, the impact of whole soy formula remains unclear. Thomas Badger of the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center argues that no widespread issues have been observed among 20 million infants fed soy formula over 25 years.

Conclusion

Despite the widespread use of soy formula without reported developmental issues, concerns remain. Some researchers believe additional studies are needed, as phytoestrogen exposure in animal studies has been linked to cancer risk when administered before puberty.

CDC Report

CDC Report on H5N1 Bird Flu

January 6, 2025 -- CDC is saddened by Louisiana's report that a person previously hospitalized with severe avian influenza A(H5N1) illness ("H5N1 bird flu") has passed away. While tragic, a death from H5N1 bird flu in the United States is not unexpected because of the known potential for infection with these viruses to cause severe illness and death.

As of January 6, 2025, there have been 66 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the United States since 2024 and 67 since 2022. This is the first person in the United States who has died as a result of an H5 infection. Outside the United States, more than 950 cases of H5N1 bird flu have been reported to the World Health Organization; about half of those have resulted in death.

CDC has carefully studied the available information about the person who died in Louisiana and continues to assess that the risk to the general public remains low. Most importantly, no person-to-person transmission has been identified. As with the case in Louisiana, most H5 bird flu infections are related to animal-to-human exposures.

Additionally, there are no concerning virologic changes actively spreading in wild birds, poultry, or cows that would raise the risk to human health. CDC reported previously on its analysis of the viruses isolated from the patient in Louisiana.

However, people with job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds or other animals are at greater risk of infection. For these individuals and others, CDC has developed prevention resources about how to protect yourself.

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