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Soy Milk Safety

Soy has become a large component of the human diet in recent decades, a substantial portion of which is consumed in the form of soy milk. Concern over the increased consumption of soy milk stems mostly from the presence of high amounts of phytoestrogens, called isoflavones.

  1. Isoflavones and Estrogen

    • Estrogen is a hormone produced by both men and women, and it serves as the primary female sex hormone. Estrogen and soy isoflavone molecules are structurally very similar.

    Isoflavone Receptor Bonding

    • The similarities between isoflavones and estrogen allow isoflavones to adhere to estrogen receptors in the human body. Isoflavones can either mimic estrogen or block the absorption of estrogen by clogging the receptor.

    Soy and Breast Cancer

    • William Helferich, a food science and human nutrition professr at the University of Illinois, reports that consumption of isoflavones in early life can prevent breast cancer, while consumption of isoflavones in middle to later life can exacerbate cancerous breast tumors.

    Soy and Puberty

    • According to Jill E. Schneider, PhD., of Lehigh University, rats fed soy isoflavone genistein in a laboratory setting experienced early onset puberty. Schneider concluded that more research is necessary to determine soy's effects upon humans.

    Soy and Sperm Count

    • A report in the journal of Human Reproduction on July 23, 2008, described a study in which soy intake was correlated with lowered sperm count, particularly in obese men. However, obese men typically have higher levels of estrogen regardless of soy intake. More research is needed to support or oppose this conclusion.

    Conclusion

    • Research on soy has proven contradictory or inconclusive. According to Dr. Schneider, a complete cessation of soy products --such as soy milk-- is not necessary, but moderation of soy intake is recommended.

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