With the exception of allergic reactions, which are relatively rare among adults, there is no evidence that soy protein leads to undesirable effects in healthy individuals, regardless of the amount consumed.1 Nevertheless, it is important to adhere to the two dietary principles of moderation and variation. Therefore, no food should play too large of a role in the diet, regardless of how healthy it may be. Nutrients should come from a variety of different foods. Since relatively few people in Asia consume more than 25 grams of soy protein per day, this amount of soy protein can be viewed as a reasonable intake.2 Twenty-five grams is provided by 2 to 4 servings of traditional soyfoods, which are a recommended protein source in the 2010 edition of the Dietary Guidelines. 3
Featured Expert
Susan Piergeorge
Susan Piergeorge is the nutrition communications specialist at WhiteWave Foods. Her responsibilities include serving as a nutrition spokesperson; developing and managing scientific communications; Full bio >>
References
1. Vierk KA, Koehler KM, Fein SB, Street DA. Prevalence of self-reported food allergy in American adults and use of food labels. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 2007, 119, 1504-10.
2. Messina M, Nagata C, Wu AH. Estimated Asian adult soy protein and isoflavone intakes. Nutr. Cancer. 2006, 55, 1-12.
3. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. 7th Edition, Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, December 2010.
ANSWERED QUESTIONS
Is it possible to consume too much soy protein?
Answered by Susan Piergeorge, MS, RD - February 2, 2012
With the exception of allergic reactions, which are relatively rare among adults, there is no evidence that soy protein leads to undesirable effects in healthy individuals, regardless of the amount consumed.1 Nevertheless, it is important to adhere to the two dietary principles of moderation and variation. Therefore, no food should play too large of a role in the diet, regardless of how healthy it may be. Nutrients should come from a variety of different foods. Since relatively few people in Asia consume more than 25 grams of soy protein per day, this amount of soy protein can be viewed as a reasonable intake.2 Twenty-five grams is provided by 2 to 4 servings of traditional soyfoods, which are a recommended protein source in the 2010 edition of the Dietary Guidelines. 3
Featured Expert
Susan Piergeorge is the nutrition communications specialist at WhiteWave Foods. Her responsibilities include serving as a nutrition spokesperson; developing and managing scientific communications; Full bio >>
References
1. Vierk KA, Koehler KM, Fein SB, Street DA. Prevalence of self-reported food allergy in American adults and use of food labels. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 2007, 119, 1504-10.
2. Messina M, Nagata C, Wu AH. Estimated Asian adult soy protein and isoflavone intakes. Nutr. Cancer. 2006, 55, 1-12.
3. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. 7th Edition, Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, December 2010.