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Soy : Dosing and Safety
(Page 3 of 4) Dosing The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy. Adults (over 18 years old) High cholesterol: 25 to 50 grams of soy protein taken daily by mouth has been studied in people with high cholesterol. Isoflavone content has ranged from 60 to 90 milligrams per day. Cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels have been reduced in individuals using 28 grams daily of soy protein with a high isoflavone content, or with Abacor®, a brand that contains 26 grams of soy protein. There is limited study of soymilk (400 milliliters daily) in pre-menopausal women, with reported benefits on cholesterol levels. | ||||||||||||||
Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes): Isolated soy protein, such as Supro® (60 grams), soy flour (45 grams), and a range of isoflavone products have been studied. Doses of 50 to 75 milligrams of isoflavones have been used in research. Diarrhea: In infants and young children (2-36 months-old), Hyprovit® formula, Isomil® formula, Nursoy® formula or powder, and Prosobee® formula taken by mouth have been studied. Due to potential safety concerns, a qualified healthcare provider should be consulted regarding the choice of infant formula. In adults, soy-derived diets and intake of soy-polysaccharide/fiber have been studied, although benefits are not clear. Cancer and cancer prevention: Population and laboratory studies have examined levels of dietary soy intake. No specific doses can be recommended at this time. Cardiovascular health: Studies have examined regular intake of dietary soy, or 40 to 80 milligrams of isoflavones taken by mouth daily. Osteoporosis/post-menopausal bone loss: Isoflavones/isoflavone-rich soy (60 to 80 milligrams daily by mouth) and soy protein (for example, 40 grams daily of Supro 675®) have been studied. Gall stones (cholelithiasis): Dietary intake of soy has undergone limited study. Due to limited research in humans, no specific doses can be recommended at this time. Crohn's disease: Due to limited research in humans, no specific doses can be recommended at this time. Cyclic breast pain: A soy protein drink (17 grams of soy protein per 200 milliliters) has undergone limited study. Diabetes: A fermented soybean-derived extract tea, various doses of soy protein (such as Abalon®), and up to 7 grams of daily soya fibers taken by mouth have undergone limited study in humans. High blood pressure: Soymilk (1000 milliliters daily for three months) has undergone limited study. Kidney disease/chronic renal failure: Soy-based diets have undergone limited study in people with kidney diseases such as the nephrotic syndrome. However, soy is a source of dietary protein, and low-protein diets may be more desirable in patients with kidney failure. People with kidney failure should speak with a doctor before making any dietary changes. Obesity: A soy-derived diet has undergone limited study. Cognitive improvement in post menopausal women: (Novasoy, 60 mg total isoflavone equivalents/day) has been studied for 6 weeks. Children (under 18 years old) Diarrhea: In infants and young children (2-36 months-old), Hyprovit® formula, Isomil® formula, Nursoy® formula or powder, and Prosobee® formula taken by mouth have been studied. Due to potential safety concerns, a qualified healthcare provider should be consulted regarding the choice of infant formula. Safety Allergies Soy can act as a food allergen similar to milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, and wheat. The rate of soy allergy in children with positive skin tests has been reported as high as 6%. In limited research, soy has been well tolerated by most children with IgE-associated cow's milk allergy (CMA), although allergic cross-reactivity has occasionally been reported. Rare allergic reactions have been reported in human research, and two subjects withdrew from a cholesterol study due to suspected allergy to soy. In a study involving young adults with asthma, soy beverages were associated with an increased risk of asthma. Asthma-like breathing problems have also been associated with inhaling soybean dust. Side Effects and Warnings Soy has been a dietary staple in many countries for over 5,000 years, and is generally not regarded as having significant long-term toxicity. Limited side effects have been reported in infants, children, and adults. Soy protein taken by mouth has been associated with stomach and intestinal difficulties such as bloating, nausea, and constipation. More serious intestinal side effects have been uncommonly reported in infants fed soy protein formula, including vomiting, diarrhea, growth failure and damage/bleeding of the intestine walls. Soy protein fed to infants recovering from acute gastroenteritis may cause persistent intestinal damage and diarrhea. People who experience intestinal irritation (colitis) from cow's milk may also react to soy formula. Based on human case reports and animal research, decreased thyroid hormone and increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels may occur during the use of soy formula in infants. This includes rare reports of goiter (enlarged neck due to increased thyroid size). Hormone levels have become normal again after stopping soy. Infants fed soy or cow's milk formula may also have higher rates of atopic eczema than infants who are breast-fed. Acute migraine headache has been reported with the use of a soy isoflavone product. Based on animal research, damage to the pancreas may theoretically occur from regularly eating raw soybeans or soy flour/protein powder made from raw, unroasted, or unfermented beans.
About the Author medlineplus.gov |
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