Soy

Common names: Soy also is known as soybean and soya.

Efficacy rating:

●●●...Positive clinical trials

Safety rating:

What is Soy?

Legumes such as soy are able to transform free nitrogen from the air into a form they can use to grow. The soybean is an annual plant, with bean pods containing up to 4 oval, yellow to brown seeds.

What is Soy used for?

Soy is commonly used as a source of fiber, protein, and minerals. Clinical trial information indicates that isoflavone compounds in soybeans may improve bone mineral density in osteoporosis as well as treating minor GI problems. In other studies, soy exerted a small effect on total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

In 2,838 BC, Chinese emperor Shung Nang described soybeans as China's most important crop. The plant was introduced to Japan, Europe, and eventually to the United States by the early 1800s. The United States now produces 49% of the world's soybeans. Soy foods have become increasingly popular among health-conscious individuals since the early 1990s. In 2000, approximately 27% of United States consumers reported using soy products at least once a week, nearly double the 1998 figure.

Soybeans are high in nutritional value and contain up to 35% oil, 24% carbohydrate, and 50% protein. Soybeans are rich in minerals and trace elements, including calcium, iron potassium, amino acids, and vitamins, and are a good fiber source.

In some studies, soybeans appear to exert modest anticancer activity. Soy food or isoflavone intake was associated with low risk for endometrial cancer in case control studies. Soy isoflavones have estrogenic, antiandrogenic, and other activities that could prevent prostate cancer or slow its progression. Prostate cancer incidence appears to decrease with increased isoflavone intake.

What is the dosage of Soy?

Standardized soy isoflavone products are available under the names Phyto Soya and Abacor. A large number of clinical trials have been conducted for conditions such as menopause, osteoporosis, breast cancer, and diabetes using daily doses of isoflavones from 40 to 120 mg. However, efficacy in these diseases has not been confirmed. An avocado-soy unsaponafiable fraction has been studied in osteoarthritis at 300 to 600 mg daily.

Is Soy safe?

Contraindications have not been identified.

Generally recognized as safe when used as food. Avoid dosages above those found in food because safety and efficacy are unproven.

None well documented.

Overall tolerance to soybeans is generally good to excellent. Although there are no strong studies, the effects of phytoestrogens found in soy-based infant formulas on brain development and coordination of newborns are a concern.

Toxicity and allergy have been reported.

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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