THE ROLE OF SOY ISOLATE PROTEIN FORMULA FOR CHILDREN WITH LACTOSE INTOLERANCE: EVIDENCE-BASED CASE REPORT.

The article focuses on the role of soy isolate protein formula (SIF) in managing lactose intolerance in children, supported by a case report and evidence-based literature review. Lactose intolerance, caused by lactase enzyme deficiency, leads to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and poor weight gain, as illustrated by a 4-month-old infant case. A systematic review of one meta-analysis and two systematic reviews found that SIF is effective and safe in reducing symptoms of lactose intolerance, including diarrhea and colic, while providing comparable nutritional outcomes to cow's milk formula in terms of growth, bone health, and metabolic and neurological functions. The evidence suggests that SIF is a suitable lactose-free alternative for infants with lactose intolerance without adverse effects, though further research in specific populations, such as Indonesian children, is recommended.