Soy - Healthy or not? (Part 2)

Dr Douglas Street, Contributor

The use of soy is indeed a sensitive and controversial topic. The fact is borne out by a recent Letter to the Editor that was written expressing concern about soy use.

When discussing issues of this nature, it is important to maintain balance when examining the evidence available. There are many factors which influence the information published about soy uses - some of which are honourable and some not.

This article cannot publish all the information available on any topic, but there is an attempt to publish reliable, reproducible and concise data on each topic. There will be an attempt to address the concerns expressed.

There is no doubt that soy contains hormone-like substances, but the quantity of these substances has not been reliably shown to have significant effects on male infants (Journal of Paediatrics, May 2008), or male adults for that matter, with moderate use.

Soy is not recommended for all infants, but is an option in certain situations such as lactose intolerance, gastro-enteritis and milk allergy. Milk-based formulas are generally the better option, and intolerance to them can often be addressed by modifying the milk.

Soy does contain substances that may impede the absorption of certain minerals, but again, this has not been shown to have any significant effect on the absorption of these nutrients when used in moderation. In any case, soy products should not used as the sole source of proteins in any diet.

Soy, like so many foods such as eggs, nuts, milk, flour and some fruits, can cause allergies and is to be avoided by persons so affected. Soy products are always processed so as to make them safe for human consumption, some more than others.

Soy has been shown to have many benefits for those that consume it. These benefits include lower blood pressure (Journal article, American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, April 2001); better cholesterol profile (Journal article, American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, April 2001); lower risk of breast cancer (Journal of the American Medical Association, December 2009); reduced risk of fractures in women after menopause (Archives of Internal Medicine, September 2005); reduced hot flashes (News, Reuters Health Information, March 2011); among others.

We have a Jamaican adage that states: "too much of one thing is good for nothing". The same goes for soy as well. When soy is used moderately and appropriately there are many benefits to be had.

Dr Douglas Street is a general practitioner and has private practices at Trinity Medical Centre, Trinity Mall, 3 Barnett Street, Montego Bay, and Omega Medical Centre, Plaza de Negril, Negril. Send feedback to drdougstreet@yahoo.com .