Soy: good for cholesterol but to consume in moderation

Soy: good for cholesterol but to consume in moderation

Soy can lower cholesterol levels and does not increase the risk of breast cancer but its consumption should be moderate according to the presentation of Jean-Michel Lecerf, head of the nutrition department of the Pasteur Institute of Lille, Lyonel Rossant, a liberal pediatrician and Gwénaële Joubrel, Scientific Director of the French Association of Traditional Soy Food Manufacturers (Sojaxa) during a roundtable at the Entretiens de Bichat in Paris.

Soy: good for cholesterol but to consume in moderation


Based on scientific studies and particularly on the report "Safety and benefits of phyto-oestrogens brought by food - recommendations" of the French Agency for Food Safety (AFSSA), the three scientists wished to take stock on the nutritional benefits of soy foods. Soy contains isoflavones, polyphenols with low estrogenic activity that gives them the name of "phyto-estrogens".


Based on available toxicology studies, Afssa has recommended a daily intake of 1 mg of isoflavones per kg of body weight per day. "We should consume more than 5 soy products each day to reach this level of input," says the synthesis of the roundtable interviews Bichat.

Afssa confirmed the interest of consuming soy protein (30 g per day) to lower the circulating cholesterol level and concluded that soy isoflavones have a favorable effect on vasotonicity (from a contribution of 45 mg daily). "Studies indicate that the incidence of cardiovascular disease is four times lower in Asian countries where soyfood consumption is high, than in Western countries where it is low," the authors note.

Regarding breast cancer, studies show a protective effect of phyto-oestrogens in Asian women, not transposable to Western women, lack of data. AFSSA concludes, however, that the consumption of soy foods does not increase the risk of breast cancer. In case of a history of breast cancer, Afssa recommends not to exceed the daily intake of 1 mg of isoflavones per kg of body weight per day in women who have had breast cancer.

Regarding infant formulas based on soy protein, the three speakers indicate that their consumption for 40 years in several Western countries has proven their equivalence with formulas based on cow's milk protein. "No adverse effects of soy and / or isoflavones on growth and neuro-endocrine development have been demonstrated in these populations," the report says. However, Afssa's report stated that "infants fed exclusively on soy protein preparations receive up to 40 times too much isoflavone with commercially available products".

The agency recommends limiting phyto-estrogen intake to 1 mg / l of reconstituted preparation "given the current state of knowledge and uncertainties regarding long-term effects". The main strengths of soybeans lie in a high intake of essential amino acids, lipids (mostly unsaturated fatty acids and the absence of cholesterol). Developed historically for people with lactose intolerance or cow protein allergy, soy foods and beverages have also been recommended for people with high cholesterol levels.