Frequently Asked Questions About Soy

Get answers to commonly asked questions about soy.


Is soy protein a complete protein?

Yes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture grades protein quality using a system called the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acids Score (PDCAAS). Soy protein has a PDCAAS score of 1.0, which means it is equivalent to animal protein.

How much soy protein is recommended for daily consumption?

The FDA-approved health claim for soy protein reads "25 grams of soy protein a day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease." Although you should check nutritional labels, there are at least 25 grams of soy protein in four servings of soy foods that display the FDA-approved soy health claim on the front of their package. Many epidemiological studies show positive health benefits from as little as 10-15g soy protein per day.

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How can consumers tell how much soy protein is in a food?

The amount of soy protein in foods varies from as little as 1-2 grams per serving to more than 20 grams per serving. Products that carry the FDA health claim on their front label contain at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving. Always be sure to check the nutritional information on the label to determine the amount of soy protein in a product.

Is there an FDA recommendation for daily isoflavone intake?

Not at this time. The FDA has approved the health claim that "25 grams of soy protein may help reduce the risk of heart disease." To learn more about isoflavone content in food, visit the USDA Web site.

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Is soy milk recommended for infants? Toddlers? Older children?

Yes and no. Soy milk is not intended to be used as an infant formula. Soy-based infant formula is produced according to very strict FDA guidelines and should not be confused with the kind of soy milk that is commonly found in the dairy section of many grocery stores. Soy milks fortified with calcium and vitamin D can be part of a healthy diet for children older than 12 months. Both the USDA's 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and 2000 Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children identify fortified soy milk as a healthy choice. Learn more about soy and lactose intolerance in infants and children. Prior to making selctions of infant formula for infants younger than 12 months, always consult the primary healthcare provider.

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