Does Soybean Isoflavone Have Adverse Effects on Humans?

News source: Rural Development Administration, Suwon, Korea
For further information, see Korea Soybean Digest, v.17(2) pp.9-19., 2003-04-01

Soybean Major Component of Asian Diet

Soybean has been consumed in South Asia as a variety of traditional soyfood products. Epidemiologic evidence suggests that high intake of soy foods may protect human against breast, prostate and colon cancer, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis. Based on many experimental studies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized a health claim related to soy protein consumption. Diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol that includes 25 g of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Possible Negative Effects of Isofavones on Human Health

Recently, however, Doerge and Sheehan expressed concern that while isoflavones, which have effects similar to the female hormone estrogen, may help prevent a range of condition including high cholesterol, they also lead to health problems in animals including alteration in sexual development of fetus, induction of thyroid disorders, increased breast cancer, and brain aging in elderly men.

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