Have you ever wondered about soy?  It's promoted as the miracle food that will feed the world while at the same time prevent and cure all manner of diseases.

But what if all you've read about soy is nothing but a multi-million dollar marketing strategy based on scanty facts, half-truths and lies?

Most people remain unaware that soy is known to contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High levels of phytic acid, trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines are all present in soy products.

Phytoestrogens that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone Genistein. Infants exclusively fed soy-based formula have 13,000 to 22,000 times more estrogen compounds in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula, the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day. Premature development of girls has been linked to the use of soy formula, as has the underdevelopment of males. Infant soy formula has been linked to autoimmune thyroid disease.

Soy is linked to infertility, breast cancer, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, and many other disorders.

"Imagine drugs that are known, by years of scientific documentation, to be both carcinogenic and to also cause DNA and chromosome damage being prescribed and administered through the food supply to populations of many countries around the world without the knowledge or consent of the individuals consuming these foods ... with no way to track dosage, individual reactions, or harmful side-effects ... and without any concern for some people’s increased vulnerability to these drugs, such as cancer patients.  It sounds crazy, but that is exactly what is happening around the world when Soy is added to our food supply. Soy contains the scientifically documented carcinogenic and DNA damaging and chromosome damaging natural chemicals genistein and daidzein." - True Health, the magazine of Carotec Inc., Naples, Florida.  May/June 2004.

"(Soyfoods) are not nutrients. They are drugs."
Dr. L. White, Honolulu Aging Study.

How could anyone get away with this?

The answer is simple, given the soy industry is one of the world's most wealthy and powerful multi-billion dollar industries.

"Despite an impressive array of scientific evidence that soy is not a fit food for man nor beast, the soy marketing mastodon has marched through the American market like Sherman through Georgia - and likely doing about as much damage as Sherman's Union Army did.  In our opinion the widespread use of non-fermented soy is part of the chronic disease problem since soy is known to wreak havoc with the human thyroid and other hormone systems."  - True Health, the magazine of Carotec Inc., Naples, Florida.  May/June 2004.

The result is an industry that will systematically steamroll anybody that dares suggest there may be problems with the darling soy.  When we first questioned the safety of soy, a representative of Protein Technologies told us that they had:

"...teams of lawyers to crush dissenters, could buy scientists to give evidence, owned television channels and newspapers, could divert medical schools and could even influence governments..."

This boast has proven all too true, and you'll be shocked to learn that much of what you've read about soy is nothing but a con.

 

Are all Soy Beans bad?

Soybeans are widely known to contain a gamut of natural toxins - and it makes no difference whether they are organic, "Round-Up Ready", or in any number of modern products (see our GUIDANCE page).

The trouble with modern soy products is that fast industrial processing does not equate to historical methods of fermenting "for two summers" or boiling "for the length of an incense". The method of modern get-rich-quick corporations is simply to leave these well-known natural toxins in our products.

"Among the Hawaii "study's" conclusions: that tofu accelerates brain weight loss in aging users, that the more soy you use the more it impacts your mental abilities, that soy acts like a drug, not a food." - True Health, the magazine of Carotec Inc., Naples, Florida.  May/June 2004.

SOY DANGERS:

• High levels of phytic acid in soy reduce assimilation of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Phytic acid in soy is not neutralized by ordinary preparation methods such as soaking, sprouting and long, slow cooking. High phytate diets have caused growth problems in children.
  
  
• Trypsin inhibitors in soy interfere with protein digestion and may cause pancreatic orders. In test animals soy containing trypsin inhibitors caused stunted growth.
  
  
• Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women.
  
  
• Soy phytoestrogens are potent antithyroid agents that cause hypothyroidism and may cause thyroid cancer. In infants, consumption of soy formula has been linked to autoimmune thyroid disease.
  
  
• Vitamin B12 analogs in soy are not absorbed and actually increase the body’s requirement for B12.
  
  
• Soy foods increase the body’s requirement for vitamin D.
  
  
• Fragile proteins are denatured during high temperature processing to make soy protein isolate and textured vegetable protein.
  
  
• Processing of soy protein results in the formation of toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines.
  
  
• Free glutamic acid or MSG, a potent neurotoxin, is formed during soy food processing and added to many soy foods.
  
  
• Soy foods contain high levels of aluminum which is toxic to the nervous system and the kidneys.

SOY INFANT FORMULA — BIRTH CONTROL PILLS FOR BABIES

• Babies fed soy-based formula have 13,000 to 22,000 times more estrogen compounds in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula.
  
  
• Infants exclusively fed soy formula receive the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day.
  
  
• Male infants undergo a “testosterone surge” during the first few months of life, when testosterone levels may be as high as those of an adult male. During this period, baby boys are programmed to express male characteristics after puberty, not only in the development of their sexual organs and other masculine physical traits, but also in setting patterns in the brain characteristic of male behavior.
  
  
• Pediatricians are noticing greater numbers of boys whose physical maturation is delayed, or does not occur at all, including lack of development of the sexual organs. Learning disabilities, especially in male children, have reached epidemic proportions.
  
  
• Soy infant feeding—which floods the bloodstream with female hormones that inhibit testosterone—cannot be ignored as a possible cause for these tragic developments. In animals, soy feeding indicates that phytoestrogens in soy are powerful endocrine disrupters.
  
  
• Almost 15 percent of white girls and 50 percent of African-American girls show signs of puberty such as breast development and pubic hair, before the age of eight. Some girls are showing sexual development before the age of three. Premature development of girls has been linked to the use of soy formula and exposure to environmental estrogens such as PCBs and DDE.
  

FAQ:

Myth: Use of soy as a food dates back many thousands of years.

Truth: Soy was first used as a food during the late Chou dynasty (1134-246 BC), only after the Chinese learned to ferment soy beans to make foods like tempeh, natto and tamari.

 

Myth: Asians consume large amounts of soy foods.

Truth: Average consumption of soy foods in Japan and China is 10 grams (about 2 teaspoons) per day. Asians consume soy foods in small amounts as a condiment, and not as a replacement for animal foods.

 

Myth: Modern soy foods confer the same health benefits as traditionally fermented soy foods.

Truth: Most modern soy foods are not fermented to neutralize toxins in soybeans, and are processed in a way that denatures proteins and increases levels of carcinogens.

 

Myth: Soy foods provide complete protein.

Truth: Like all legumes, soy beans are deficient in sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cystine. In addition, modern processing denatures fragile lysine.

 

Myth: Fermented soy foods can provide vitamin B12 in vegetarian diets.

Truth: The compound that resembles vitamin B12 in soy cannot be used by the human body; in fact, soy foods cause the body to require more B12

 

Myth: Soy formula is safe for infants.

Truth: Soy foods contain trypsin inhibitors that inhibit protein digestion and affect pancreatic function. In test animals, diets high in trypsin inhibitors led to stunted growth and pancreatic disorders. Soy foods increase the body’s requirement for vitamin D, needed for strong bones and normal growth. Phytic acid in soy foods results in reduced bioavailabilty of iron and zinc which are required for the health and development of the brain and nervous system. Soy also lacks cholesterol, likewise essential for the development of the brain and nervous system. Megadoses of phytoestrogens in soy formula have been implicated in the current trend toward increasingly premature sexual development in girls and delayed or retarded sexual development in boys.

 

Myth: Soy foods can prevent osteoporosis.

Truth: Soy foods can cause deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D, both needed for healthy bones. Calcium from bone broths and vitamin D from seafood, lard and organ meats prevent osteoporosis in Asian countries—not soy foods.

 

Myth: Modern soy foods protect against many types of cancer.

Truth: A British government report concluded that there is little evidence that soy foods protect against breast cancer or any other forms of cancer. In fact, soy foods may result in an increased risk of cancer.

 

Myth: Soy foods protect against heart disease.

Truth: In some people, consumption of soy foods will lower cholesterol, but there is no evidence that lowering cholesterol improves one’s risk of having heart disease.

 

Myth: Soy estrogens (isoflavones) are good for you.

Truth: Soy isoflavones are phyto-endocrine disrupters. At dietary levels, they can prevent ovulation and stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Eating as little as 30 grams (about 4 tablespoons) of soy per day can result in hypothyroidism with symptoms of lethargy, constipation, weight gain and fatigue.

 

Myth: Soy foods are safe and beneficial for women to use in their postmenopausal years.

Truth: Soy foods can stimulate the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors and cause thyroid problems. Low thyroid function is associated with difficulties in menopause.

 

Myth: Phytoestrogens in soy foods can enhance mental ability.

Truth: A recent study found that women with the highest levels of estrogen in their blood had the lowest levels of cognitive function; In Japanese Americans tofu consumption in mid-life is associated with the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease in later life.

 

Myth: Soy isoflavones and soy protein isolate have GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status.

Truth: Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) recently withdrew its application to the FDA for GRAS status for soy isoflavones following an outpouring of protest from the scientific community. The FDA never approved GRAS status for soy protein isolate because of concern regarding the presence of toxins and carcinogens in processed soy.

 

Myth: Soy foods are good for your sex life.

Truth: Numerous animal studies show that soy foods cause infertility in animals. Soy consumption enhances hair growth in middle-aged men, indicating lowered testosterone levels. Japanese housewives feed tofu to their husbands frequently when they want to reduce his virility.

 

Myth: Soy beans are good for the environment

Truth: Most soy beans grown in the US are genetically engineered to allow farmers to use large amounts of herbicides.

 

Myth: Soy beans are good for the environment.

Truth: Most soy beans grown in the US are genetically engineered to allow farmers to use large amounts of herbicides.

 

Myth: Soy beans are good for developing nations.

Truth: In third world countries, soybeans replace traditional crops and transfer the value-added of processing from the local population to multinational corporations.

Phytoestrogens & Your Baby

Don't doubt it - phytoestrogens are bad for your baby.

Why expose your baby?

Many parents that fed soy formulas in the 1960's did so after receiving the advice that they were 'better than breast milk'.  Had they known that these products contained phytoestrogens, compounds that are now known to cause thyroid disorders, behavioural and developmental disorders and cancer they would not have even contemplated the use of what was, in hindsight, an experimental product.

Most parents feeding soy formulas still have absolutely no idea that they contain these potent endocrine disrupting compounds, and by not disclosing the presence of phytoestrogens in their products, soy formula manufacturers are in violation of the WHO code of marketing breast-milk substitutes.  For a review on the health concerns raised about soy infant formula, read the Food Commission Briefing Paper written by Dr Mike Fitzpatrick and Sue Dibb.

The message from Soy Online Service is simple.   Breast is best, everything else is greatly inferior.  If your child is lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy protein, there are alternatives to soy.  Soy Online Service advice is do not feed a soy formula under any circumstances.  Why?   Despite knowing for years about the toxic effects of phytoestrogens, soy formula manufacturers have not acted to remove them from their products.  Infants fed soy formulas are still being exposed to unacceptably high levels of phytoestrogens.

Why are we so sure that phytoestrogens are bad for your baby? 

And why, when the evidence is plain are regulators not doing more to reduce the risk of exposing developing infants to these potent endocrine disruptors?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently stated that a number of studies are currently addressing the soy-formula/phytoestrogen issue. But this gives precious little direction or peace of mind to those that are currently feeding, or have been fed, a soy formula. So when and how is the phytoestrogen issue likely to be resolved? In reality it could be years before science provides the answers, and perhaps those answers will never come. But if bodies such as the AAP don't know what to make of phytoestrogens, and a real risk is recognised, then the only decision that can be made is a precautionary one.

This is the essence of the ‘precautionary principle’, that is, a bona fide risk of harm that lacks some degree of scientific certainty should not prevent regulators from acting to protect those who are at risk of that harm.

In this instance the precautionary principle would dictate that:

• until phytoestrogens are proven to be safe for infants they should be removed from soy formulas.
• soy formula manufacturers should bear the burden of proving the safety of phytoestrogens.

The fact is that there is strong evidence of real harm being caused to soy formula fed infants by phytoestrogens leaves little room for debate on whether the precautionary principle should apply in this case.

The only ones likely to strongly disagree with the precautionary approach are soy formula manufacturers. In February 1998 the Infant Formula Council issued a statement on phytoestrogens. Like previous statements from infant formula manufacturers, their release was notable for its dismissal of any possible concern and its total failure to address the real issues.

The Infant Formula Council argument began by announcing that studies on infants fed soy formulas ‘have not indicated any evidence of harmful effect’. This statement is nonsense because there have been no studies that have specifically investigated the potential harmful effects that phytoestrogens might have on infants.

This statement is also incorrect. Although there have been no direct investigations of the potential harmful effects of phytoestrogens on infants, other studies provide strong evidence that phytoestrogens in soy formulas do harm infants.

Firstly, the consumption of soy-based formulas was associated with an increased occurrence of premature thelarche in Puerto Rico. In 1982 Pediatric endocrinologists in Puerto Rico reported on an increase in the incidence of breast development in girls younger than eight years of age. Of the 552 diagnosed cases reported between 1978 and 1982, a representative group of 130 were studied in an attempt to identify possible factors that might have contributed to what was considered an epidemic of premature thelarche.

Approximately 68 percent of the cases (85 out of 130) studied experienced the onset of thelarche before they were 18 months old. In these most overt cases, the investigators found a positive statistical association between premature thelarche and the consumption of soy formulas (22 cases), various meat products (10 cases) and a maternal history of ovarian cysts (16 cases).

Despite the probability that phytoestrogens in soy formulas were culpable in the Puerto Rico outbreak and the fact that mounting evidence that the early onset of puberty is increasing in the US (at the same time as soy formula sales reach record levels), there have been no studies to further investigate the link between soy formulas and premature thelarche.

What are the long term risks associated with premature thelarche? There is still debate over whether or not premature thelarche progresses to precocious puberty, but there is evidence from several studies that shows that it does increase the chance of early menarche. A higher incidence of ovarian cysts has also been found in girls that develop breasts at an early age. The earlier the onset of menarche, the greater the lifetime risk of breast cancer, and the early incidence of ovarian cysts is an established risk factor in the later development of ovarian cancer. One can only wonder why the Infant Formula Council don’t consider the Puerto Rico cases of premature thelarche as evidence of harm.

Secondly, like many endocrine disruptors, the soy phytoestrogens can cause thyroid dysfunction in humans. Reports from the late 1950s and early 1960s found that infants fed soy-flour formulas developed goitre, although the goitrogenic factors were not isolated at that time. More recent reports have further identified the actual toxicity of soy to the thyroid and mechanistic investigations have determined that the anti-thyroid factors in soy are the phytoestrogens.

Little doubt can remain that the goitre in infants fed soy formulas was caused by the phytoestrogens. Claims that phytoestrogens have had no effect on the infant endocrine system just don’t wash, unless of course the thyroid is no longer part of the endocrine system. If further evidence is needed that there is genuine cause for concern then it should be noted that malignant goitre has also occurred in experimental animals fed soy even when iodine is present in their diets and there is clear potential for soy isoflavones to cause a range of thyroid disorders in iodine sufficient humans.

It is possible, but unlikely, that the Infant Formula Council are not aware that phytoestrogens cause goitre. The soy industry has known that soy contains goitrogenic agents for over 60 years and for more than 40 years it has been known that these agents are also present in soy formulas. The cases of goitre that were reported in soy formula fed infants in the late 1950's ceased when manufacturers added more iodine to their products. But is the simple addition of more iodine to soy formulas an appropriate way in which to counteract the goitrogenic and anti-thyroid effects of the phytoestrogens?

To answer that question one must understand how the soy phytoestrogens (isoflavones) act on the thyroid. Isoflavonoid, and the related flavonoid, compounds are well known goitrogens and anti-thyroid agents. They typically act against the thyroid by inhibition of thyroid peroxidase (TPO). The soy isoflavones are no exception. They are potent inhibitors of TPO, in fact they are more potent than either of the anti-thyroid drugs PTU or MMI. What is food for thought is that in vitro the isoflavones inhibit TPO catalysed reactions at concentrations that are comparable to those found in the plasma of human infants fed soy formulas.

The fact is that soy formula fed infants appear to be at real risk of long term thyroid damage. If you want to be sure your child will not be at risk of such harm then the message is simple; avoid soy formulas. And just in case you're told that there is no evidence that thyroid soy formulas increase the risk of thyroid disease, consider the fact that a preliminary report has found a significant association between feeding soy formulas and the development of autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD). Although the mechanism by which ATD may occur in infants fed soy formulas was not discussed by the authors, ATD is associated with exposure to estrogens.

So far the only government agency to publicly acknowledge the potential of soy formulas to damage your baby's thyroid is the New Zealand Ministry of Health.  Why not write to your health agencies and ask them to warn parents of the dangers of soy formulas?

 

 

 

Why you shouldn't believe soy formulas manufacturers?

They're just plain dishonest.   Take, for example IDFA (Infant and Dietetic Foods Association) in the UK.  In their 1 September 1999 letter to Jilly Rosser, Editor of Practising Midwife, IDFA's Executive Secretary, Sarah Jacobs, wrote:

"The accusation that soya-based infant formulas have been part of a 'large, uncontrolled and basically unmonitored infant experiment' is untrue.  Soya infant formulas have a long history of use and there is considerable body of evidence based on human research studies and clinical trials to show that they are safe and that infants thrive well on them".

In truth there is no evidence that soy formulas are safe, but Dr Dan Sheehan's statement that infant formula feed has been a 'large, uncontrolled and basically unmonitored infant experiment' is accurate.

IDFA have been guilty of telling porkies about soy formulas previously.  In their 10 January 1995 Press Release 'Phytoestrogens and Soya Infant Formulas' IDFA reported that:

The first two points are outright lies.  The latter point contains an element of truth.  The breast milk of women eating soy products does contain phytoestrogens but the levels are more than 1000 times lower than the levels in soy formulas.  IDFA's attempt to dupe consumers into thinking that infants exposed to soy formulas are only receiving low levels of phytoestrogens, comparable with those found in breast milk is viewed by Soy Online Service in the same light as the "better than breast milk" line that infant formula manufacturers sold consumers in the 1960's.  And all this in the name of infant nutrition!   When will the deliberate deception end?

 

Contact us

If you are concerned that soy formulas may be responsible for a thyroid problem or some other developmental disorder in your baby contact our medical expert; you may also receive free legal advice from Soy Online Service.  Contact:

webmaster@soyonlineservice.co.nz

 

Useful references:

Bisphenol A in infant formula at 'dangerous' levels, says group, 12/6/2007 by Ahmed ElAmin. Bisphenol A (BPA), known as the 'gender bender' chemical, leaches into liquid baby formula from the linings of cans at levels dangerous to infant health, according to new research published yesterday by a US environmental group. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) said the research reveals that Bisphenol-A, used to line nearly all infant formula cans, was found in at levels "far higher" in the product than those that leach from plastic bottles under normal use. EWG had previously estimated that one out of every 16 infants fed ready-to-eat liquid formula are exposed to BPA at doses exceeding those that caused increased aggression and significant changes in testosterone levels in laboratory animals. Read more here

Soya Formula for Infants Should Only Be Administered on Doctor's Advice, Says German Consumer Safety Watchdog, 19-11-07: Infant formula and follow-up formula based on cow’s milk protein or soy protein is for sale in the European Union. Soy formula should only be administered to infants over a longer period when this is necessary on medical grounds. If a mother is unable to breastfeed her baby, she can fall back on infant formula from the drug store or supermarket. Products made from soybean protein and from cow’s milk are on sale. Soybeans contain high concentrations of isoflavones. They should, therefore, only be given to infants over longer periods in exceptional, justified cases. Isoflavones are similar to the female hormone oestrogen; however, they have a far weaker effect. Furthermore, soybeans may also contain higher amounts of the plant component, phytate. Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel, President of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), comments, "Infant formula and follow-up formula made from soy protein should only be administered on medical grounds and then only under medical supervision." Read more here

POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF PHYTOESTROGENS IN SOY INFANT FORMULA Soy formula, which contains phytoestrogens, genistein and daidzein (also called isoflavones) is given to approximately 25% of those US children fed formula. It is estimated that an infant exclusively fed soy formula receives the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day. By contrast, almost no phytoestrogens have been detected in dairy-based infant formula or in human milk, even when the mother consumes soy products. A recent study found that babies fed soy-based formula had 13,000 to 22,000 times more isoflavones in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula. Scientists have known for years that isoflavones in soy products can depress thyroid function, causing autoimmune thyroid disease and even cancer of the thyroid. But what are the effects of soy products on the hormonal development of the infant, both male and female? Read the full article here.

Endocrine disrupters and female reproductive health. McLachlan JA, Simpson E, Martin M.
Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, and Environmental Endocrinology Laboratory, Center for Bioenvironmental Research, Tulane and Xavier Universities, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA. john.mclachlan@tulane.edu There is growing evidence of the impact of estrogenic contaminants in the environment. Studies have shown that male fish in detergent-contaminated water express female characteristics, turtles are sex-reversed by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), male frogs exposed to a common herbicide form multiple ovaries, pseudohermaphroditic offspring are produced by polar bears, and seals in contaminated water have an excess of uterine fibroids. Read more here

News from Soyatech.com - A substance found in soy-based infant formula and over-the-counter dietary supplements affects the development of ovaries and eggs in female infant mice, according to a study conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Syracuse University. Read the article here.

GM: New study shows unborn babies could be harmed - Mortality rate for new-born rats six times higher when mother was fed on a diet of modified soya. Women who eat GM foods while pregnant risk endangering their unborn babies, startling new research suggests. The study - carried out by a leading scientist at the Russian Academy of Sciences - found that more than half of the offspring of rats fed on modified soya died in the first three weeks of life, six times as many as those born to mothers with normal diets. Six times as many were also severely underweight.

Healthy Alternatives to Conventional Infant Formula - go here for cow mik, goat-milk, liver, fortified commercial formula, egg yolk and whey-based formula alternatives suggested by Dr Mercola.

Manganese Content of Soy or Rice Beverages is High in Comparison to Infant Formulas - read about the effects of Manganese in our Soy Toxins section.

Soy Products and Infant Leukemia

Artificial baby milks: how safe is soya?

"Two separate studies -- one in animals and the other in humans -- that considered together suggest that a diet high in soybeans and other legumes during pregnancy and breastfeeding may have a subtle but long-term impact on the development of children." writes Dr Mercola. Read the full article here

Read the British Dietetic Associations position on the use of soya protein for infants Here.

New guidelines on infant feeding in the first 12 months of life by Judy More, Royal London Hospital, London. Read More Here

The United Kingdom Chief Medical Officer has warned all doctors that soy-based infant formulas should be used  only in exceptional circumstances, because of a risk to long term Reproductive Health.  Full information on the UK Expert Committee's findings are Here

In their Paediatric Policy, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians Health Policy Unit outlines their policy on the Use of Soy Protein Formula.

The Insider's Guide to Natural Medicine" is also alarmed at the harm soy does to baby's thyroid.  Read their opinion Here.

An article published in Scientific American (2002) suggests soy infant formula may impair the developing immune system.  Read More Here

Natural Life Magazine #68 - Soy Infant Formula Dangerous to Babies, Say Groups

Soy and children's health: a formula for trouble.  Follow this Link to an article published in Environmental Health Perspectives.

The literature is replete with numerous studies showing deleterious effects on multiple organ systems - including the immune system.  For example this letter from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

"For the males, decreased sperm count and enlarged prostates. The treatment altered virtually every aspect of the reproductive system. The place next to the testes, the duct system called the epididymis where the sperm are stored prior to being ejaculated -- it was abnormally small, which could account also for lowered sperm count in the ejaculate. But we know also the testis is making fewer sperm. We see changes in growth rate as well. One of the interesting things is that these very low doses of estrogen increase rates of growth. The animals were actually growing larger than they would have normally. It was really quite a dramatic effect. The females went into puberty early. And we saw changes in behavior, changes in reactivity to the presence of other animals in the environment. Essentially the animals looked to be somewhat hyper-reactive to stimuli. We have, in other words, effects on brain and behavior. We're also seeing changes in liver enzyme activity which determines the way we respond to external chemicals, how fast we clear drugs, how we metabolize drugs.

In other words, in every aspect of physiology that we look for, we see effects. And they're permanent. And the important thing about what I'm talking about is we are only exposing babies to these chemicals for very, very short periods of time in development and the consequences are for the rest of the life of that individual. Once you change the development of an organ there is no way to undo that effect. It's a life sentence -- that's a lifetime consequence. Medical science can't undo the development of organs."  Fredrick Vom Saal, Professor of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri in an interview on estrogenic chemicals in the environment conducted in February 1998 by Doug Hamilton, producer of FRONTLINE's "Fooling With Nature."  Full interview can be found here

For further information on soy protein intolerance, follow this link to eMedicine.com

Canadian Health Coalition say Health Canada are exposing babies to serious risk and recommend that the routine use of soy-based infant formulas must be stopped.

It is already known to medical researchers that thyroid dysfunction in a mother increases the risk of her baby having subnormal thyroid and brain functions.  This report of research at John Hopkins University supports the potential link between isoflavone consumption during pregnancy, thyroid harm and birth defects

There are  links between high soy diets during pregnancy and nursing and eventual developmental changes in children.  Congenital abnormalities of the genital tract are also increasing, and once again soy phytoestrogens may be implicated, according to a study that found a higher incidence of birth defects in male offspring of vegetarian, soy-consuming mothers.

"Excess consumption of soy or other phytoestrogens also might contribute to pseudopuberty."  Soy has been linked as a potential clinical factor in the early onset of puberty termed "Precocious Puberty".  Read more from eMedicine.com.

Read more about the potential effects of soy on Male Reproductive Health published in Endocrinology journal.

Soyonlineservice receives questions about whether soy formulas are causing scoliosis in children. As far as we know there has been no direct research on an association between soy formulas and childhood scoliosis, presumably because the industry has never admitted that it leaves this chemical in its products.  Howerver, the levels of phytic acid in soy protein can run as high as 3% of the volume, and soy protein is 19% of soy formulas. Therefore it is feasible and entirely possible for its depletion to the later onset of scoliosis to result.  Read more about Other Soy Toxins Here.

 

Lactational transfer of the soy isoflavone, genistein, in Sprague-Dawley rats consuming dietary genistein.

Doerge DR, Twaddle NC, Churchwell MI, Newbold RR, Delclos KB.

Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.

Exposures of Sprague-Dawley rats to the soy isoflavone, genistein, throughout the entire lifespan have produced a number of effects on reproductive tissues, immune function, neuroendocrine function and behavior. Our previous studies investigated pharmacokinetics and disposition of genistein during adult and fetal periods and this study describes the internal exposures of post-natal day 10 (PND10) rat pups due to lactational transfer of genistein. Conjugated and aglycone forms of genistein were measured by using LC/MS/MS in serum (PND10) and milk (PND7) from lactating dams consuming a genistein-fortified soy-free diet, and in serum from their pups at a time when milk was the only food source (PND10). This study shows that limited lactational transfer of genistein to rat pups occurs and that internal exposures to the active aglycone form of genistein are generally lower than those measured previously in the fetal period. These results suggest that developmental effects attributable to genistein exposure in our chronic and multi-generation studies are more likely to result from fetal exposures because of the higher levels of the active estrogenic aglycone form of genistein in utero, although the possibility of neonatal responses cannot be excluded.

 

Prof Kenneth Setchell:

Prof Cliff Irvine:

 

The potential adverse effects of soybean phytoestrogens in infant feeding [letter].
Irvine C, Fitzpatrick M, Robertson I, Woodhams D.  N Z Med J 1995 May 24 108:1000 208-9.
Download letter.

 

Dr Dan Sheehan:

Isoflavone content of breast milk and soy formulas: benefits and risks [letter]
Sheehan DM.  Clin Chem 1997 May 43:5 850.

Other work:

Genistein at a concentration present in soy infant formula inhibits Caco-2BBe cell proliferation by causing G2/M cell cycle arrest.
Chen AC, Donovan SM. J Nutr. 2004 Jun;134(6):1303-8.

Thus, a biphasic effect of genistein was seen with a low dose stimulating intestinal cell proliferation through the estrogen receptor, whereas a high dose of genistein inhibited intestinal cell proliferation and altered cell cycle dynamics. A high dose of genistein may potentially compromise intestinal growth.

Full Abstract Here

 

Manipulation of prenatal hormones and dietary phytoestrogens during adulthood alter the sexually dimorphic expression of visual spatial memory.
Lund TD, Lephart ED. BMC Neurosci. 2001;2(1):21. Epub 2001 Dec 18.

Full Abstract Here

 

Hypocalcemic tetany in 'alternative' soy milk nutrition in the first months of life
Anil M, Demirakca S, Dotsch J, Kiess W. Klin Padiatr. 1996 Nov-Dec;208(6):323-6.

A 14 weeks old infant was admitted to the intensive care unit with life-threatening hypocalcemic-hyperphosphatemic spasms. Hypocalcemia-hyperphosphatemia was found to have been caused by feeding a high phosphate/ low calcium soy milk. The daily uptake of calcium was calculated to have been 3.3-6 mmol that of phosphate 30 mmol. The parents strongly believed that soy milk formulas were equivalent to breast milk and cow's milk formulas and lived on a strictly vegetarian diet.

 Vegetarian feeding had led to life-threatening hypocalcemic hyperphosphatemic spasms in the infant. We conclude that malnutrition and false nutritional beliefs have to be included as a potential cause of early hypocalcemia in infants.

Full Abstract Here

 

Read more on milk alternative issues on our Chicken Roost page

 

The phenotype of the aromatase knockout mouse reveals dietary phytoestrogens impact significantly on testis function.
Robertson KM, O'Donnell L, Simpson ER, Jones ME. Endocrinology 2002 Aug;143(8):2913-21

Our study highlights the importance of estrogen in spermatogenesis and shows that relatively low levels of dietary phytoestrogens have a biological effect in the testis.

Full Abstract Here

 

Estrogen and spermatogenesis.
O'Donnell L, Robertson KM, Jones ME, Simpson ER. Endocr Rev 2001 Jun;22(3):289-318

This review highlights the ability of exogenous estrogen exposure to perturb spermatogenesis and male fertility, as well as the emerging physiological role of estrogens in male fertility, suggesting that, in this local context, estrogenic substances should also be considered "male hormones."

Full Abstract Here

 

Premature thelarche in Puerto Rico. A search for environmental factors.
Freni-Titulaer LW, Cordero JF, Haddock L, Lebrón G, Martínez R, Mills JL. Am J Dis Child 1986 Dec 140:12 1263-7.
Abstract
Pediatric endocrinologists in Puerto Rico reported a threefold increase in the number of patients with
premature thelarche seen between 1978 and 1981. A matched-pairs case-control study was conducted to evaluate associations with potential environmental exposures to substances with estrogenic activity, as well as with familial factors. Analysis was performed on 120 pairs, the case subjects of which were selected from those diagnosed between 1978 and 1982. In subjects 2 years of age or older at the onset of thelarche, no significant associations were found. In subjects with onset before 2 years of age, significant positive associations were found with a maternal history of ovarian cysts, consumption of soy-based formula, and consumption of various meat products. A statistically significant negative association was found with consumption of corn products. These statistical associations are probably not sufficient to explain the reported increase because in over 50% of the case subjects there was no exposure to any of the risk factors for which statistical associations were found. Exposure to other substances with possible estrogenic effect, such as waste products from pharmaceutical factories and pesticides, was also excluded as a possible cause. These findings suggest that better diagnosis and reporting, or conceivably the presence of entirely new, unsuspected factors, could account for the reported increase.

 

Developmental effects of dietary phytoestrogens in Sprague-Dawley rats and interactions of genistein and daidzein with rat estrogen receptors alpha and beta in vitro.
Casanova M, You L, Gaido KW, Archibeque-Engle S, Janszen DB, Heck HA. Toxicol Sci 1999 Oct;51(2):236-44

...effects of dietary genistein included a decreased rate of body-weight gain, a markedly increased (2.3-fold) uterine/body weight (U/BW) ratio on postnatal day (pnd) 21, a significant acceleration of puberty among females...

Full Abstract Here

 

Soy isoflavone supplements antagonize reproductive behavior and estrogen receptor alpha- and beta-dependent gene expression in the brain.
Patisaul HB, Dindo M, Whitten PL, Young LJ. Endocrinology 2001 Jul;142(7):2946-52

Supplement treatment also resulted in a significant decrease in receptive behavior in estrogen- and progesterone-primed females. The observed disruption of sexual receptivity by the isoflavone supplement is probably due to antiestrogenic effects observed in the brain.

Full Abstract Here

 

Effect of estradiol and soy phytoestrogens on choline acetyltransferase and nerve growth factor mRNAs in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of female rats.
Pan Y, Anthony M, Clarkson TB.  Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1999 Jun;221(2):118-25

Our data suggest that soy phytoestrogens may function as estrogen agonists in regulating ChAT and NGF mRNAs in the brain of female rats.

Full Abstract Here

 

Influence of perinatal genistein exposure on the development of MNU-induced mammary carcinoma in female Sprague-Dawley rats.
Yang J, Nakagawa H, Tsuta K, Tsubura A. Cancer Lett 2000 Feb 28;149(1-2):171-9

Genistein treatment during the perinatal period resulted in lower body weight and lower relative uterine-ovarian weight at 35 days, and a prolonged estrus cycle with a long estrus phase at 12-16 weeks.

Thus, perinatal genistein is an endocrine disrupter and increases the multiplicity of MNU-induced mammary carcinoma in rats.

Full Abstract Here

 

Neurobehavioral actions of coumestrol and related isoflavonoids in rodents.
Whitten PL, Patisaul HB, Young LJ. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2002 Jan-Feb;24(1):47-54

Treatment of rat dams with a 100-ppm coumestrol diet from birth to postnatal day (PND) 21 induced premature anovulation in female offspring, and treatment from birth to PND 10 suppressed sexual behavior in male offspring.

Full Abstract Here

 

Cross-species and interassay comparisons of phytoestrogen action.
Whitten PL, Patisaul HB. Environ Health Perspect 2001 Mar;109 Suppl 1:5-20

In vivo data show that phytoestrogens have a wide range of biologic effects at doses and plasma concentrations seen with normal human diets. Significant in vivoresponses have been observed in animal and human tests for bone, breast, ovary, pituitary, vasculature, prostate, and serum lipids. The doses reported to be biologically active in humans (0.4--10 mg/kg body weight/day) are lower than the doses generally reported to be active in rodents (10--100 mg/kg body weight/day), although some studies have reported rodent responses at lower doses.

Full Abstract Here

 

Placental transfer of the soy isoflavone genistein following dietary and gavage administration to Sprague Dawley rats.
Doerge DR, Churchwell MI, Chang HC, Newbold RR, Delclos KB. Reprod Toxicol 2001 Mar-Apr;15(2):105-10

These studies show that genistein aglycone crosses the rat placenta and can reach fetal brain from maternal serum genistein levels that are relevant to those observed in humans.

Full Abstract Here

 

Mass spectrometric determination of Genistein tissue distribution in diet-exposed Sprague-Dawley rats.
Chang HC, Churchwell MI, Delclos KB, Newbold RR, Doerge DR. J Nutr 2000 Aug;130(8):1963-70

Endocrine-responsive tissues including brain, liver, mammary, ovary, prostate, testis, thyroid and uterus showed significant dose-dependent increases in total genistein concentration.

Full Abstract Here

 

Genistein exerts estrogen-like effects in male mouse reproductive tract.
Strauss L, Makela S, Joshi S, Huhtaniemi I, Santti R. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1998 Sep 25;144(1-2):83-93

...genistein (2.5 mg s.c./kg of body weight/day for 9 days) reduced testicular and serum testosterone concentrations, pituitary LH-content and prostate weight.

These results suggest that in adult males, genistein induces the typical estrogenic effects in doses comparable to those present in soy-based diets.

Full Abstract Here

 

Maternal exposure to genistein during pregnancy increases carcinogen-induced mammary tumorigenesis in female rat offspring.

Hilakivi-Clarke L, Cho E, Onojafe I, Raygada M, Clarke R. Oncol Rep 1999 Sep-Oct;6(5):1089-95

A high estrogenic environment in utero may increase subsequent breast cancer risk.

Our results suggest that a maternal exposure to subcutaneous administration of genistein can increase mammary tumorigenesis in the offspring, mimicking the effects of in utero estrogenic exposures. Further, increased ER protein levels and reduced PKC activity in the mammary gland may be involved in increasing susceptibility to carcinogen-induced mammary tumorigenesis in rats exposed to genistein in utero.

Full Abstract Here

 

Effects of dietary genistein exposure during development on male and female CD (Sprague-Dawley) rats.
Delclos KB, Bucci TJ, Lomax LG, Latendresse JR, Warbritton A, Weis CC, Newbold RR. Reprod Toxicol 2001 Nov;15(6):647-63

Human exposure to genistein is predominantly through consumption of soy products, including soy-based infant formula and dietary supplements.

Body weight and feed consumption of the treated dams prior to parturition showed a decreasing trend with a significant reduction at the highest dose. Litter birth weight was depressed in the 1250 ppm dose group, and pups of both sexes in that dose group had significantly decreased body weights relative to controls at the time of sacrifice. The most pronounced organ weight effects in the pups were decreased ventral prostate weight in males at the 1250 ppm dose and a trend toward higher pituitary gland to body weight ratios in both sexes. Histopathologic examination of female pups revealed ductal/alveolar hyperplasia of the mammary glands at 250 to 1250 ppm. Ductal/alveolar hyperplasia and hypertrophy also occurred in males, with significant effects seen at 25 ppm and above. Abnormal cellular maturation in the vagina was observed at 625 and 1250 ppm, and abnormal ovarian antral follicles were observed at 1250 ppm. In males, aberrant or delayed spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules relative to controls was observed at 1250 ppm. There was a deficit of sperm in the epididymis at 625 and 1250 ppm relative to controls, although testicular spermatid head counts and epididymal spermatozoa counts did not show significant differences from controls at these doses. Both sexes showed an increase in the incidence and/or severity of renal tubal mineralization at doses of 250 ppm and above.

Dietary genistein thus produced effects in multiple estrogen-sensitive tissues in males and females that are generally consistent with its estrogenic activity. These effects occurred within exposure ranges achievable in humans.

Full Abstract Here

 

Use of soy-based infant formulas and soy/isoflavone supplements has aroused concern because of potential estrogenic effects of the soy isoflavones genistein and daidzein.

...genistein produced suppression of humoral immunity.

Genistein injected at 8 mg/kg per day produced serum genistein levels comparable to those reported in soy-fed human infants, and this dose caused significant thymic and immune changes in mice.

Critically, dietary genistein at concentrations that produced serum genistein levels substantially less than those in soy-fed infants produced marked thymic atrophy. These results raise the possibility that serum genistein concentrations found in soy-fed infants may be capable of producing thymic and immune abnormalities, as suggested by previous reports of immune impairments in soy-fed human infants.

Full Abstract Here

What are they? Soy & DES Thyroid Male Health Baby Health Birth Defects Your Pets Infertility Menopause Cancer Diabetes Immune function Cognitive Function Soy Politics     Guidance     SoS: What to do Doses simplified Regulatory Guide Links & Downloads     Links Downloads Publications Testimonies Scientific Abstracts Big Ugly Bull Award       See Also: Our Guidance on Soy usage

DOSES SIMPLIFIED For Adults A glass a day melts the thyroid away.  From USA Womans World, Mar 16 2001.  AVOIDING SOY .... as little as 30mg of soy isoflavones--the amount in 5-8 ounces of soy milk - have been proven to suppress thyroid function.  "The isoflavones in soy act like a hormone in the body. And in many women, especially those who eat large amounts of concentrated soy powder or take isoflavone supplments, this disturbs the body's hormonal balance, triggering or worsening thyroid problems," explains Dr. Larian Gillespie, author of "The Goddess Diet". Some experts are even calling for the makers of soy products to remove these antithyroid isoflavones from their products.   For Infants In simple terms.  The dose in soy baby formulas means an infant gets the dose-equivalent of an adult woman taking up to ten pills a day. Or, a baby in its first year gets a total antifertility dose of 100 Pill-equivalents.  Swiss Federal Health Service , 100 g soy protein = Contraceptive Pill   For Males Testosterone Reduction Nagata and colleagues have reported an inverse association between soy product intake and serum hormone concentrations in Japanese men. Research has demonstrated that chemical compounds can have a number of other effects .The isoflavone dose was 22mg/day. Two glasses of soy milk can contain up to 100mg of isoflavones   For Women Disruption of the Menstrual Cycle ( a harbinger of potential fertility problems) was caused by 45 mg/day for only 30 days. That is less than the quantity of isoflavones in two glasses of soy milk.   Irregular cycles are also a risk factor for breast cancer. Further information from Dr Michael Bolger, Manager of RIsk Assessment at the USFDA CF, SAN, September 1997 (excerpts from original tables). PHYTOESTROGENS - ORAL HAZARD Phytoestrogen Species Effect Daidzein/Genistein Cheetah Vennoclusive disease     Reproductive failure Daidzein Mouse Uterine hypertrophy Genistein Mouse Infertility   Rat Testicular atrophy Phytoestrogen Human Increased Menstrual cycle delays     Feminisation (Bourbon)   PHYTOESTROGEN – DOSE/RESPONSE Compound Species Dose Effect Daidzein/Genistein Cheetah 45 ppm Impaired reproduction Genistein Mouse 20 ppm Uterine Hypertrophy

There's plenty yet that you didn't know about soy!

Soy contains several naturally occurring compounds that are toxic to humans and animals.  The soy industry frequently refers to these toxins as anti-nutrients, which implies that they somehow act to prevent the body getting the complete nutrition it needs from a food.  The soy toxins (such as phytic acid) can certainly act in this manner, but they also have the ability to target specific organs, cells and enzyme pathways and their effects can be devastating.

The soy toxins that Soy Online Service have concerns about are protease inhibitors, phytic acid, soy lectins (or haemagglutins), nitrosamines, manganese concentrations and the mysterious soyatoxin.  Nitrosamines are not naturally occurring in soybeans but form during the processing of products such as isolated soy protein (ISP).

As with any toxin there will be a dose at which negative effects are not observed.  Soy Online Services have examined the scientific data on the soy toxins and have uncovered several alarming truths:

	There is no legislation to protect consumers from soy toxins in raw soy products.
	With the possible exception of soy lecithin, all soy products, no matter how well treated, contain low to moderate levels of soy toxins; processing cannot remove them all of any of them.
	The soy industry has little in the way of quality control to protect consumers from exposure to inadequately treated soy products.

Protease Inhibitors

Perhaps the best known of the soy toxins are the protease inhibitors (also referred to as trypsin inhibitors) which, as the name suggests, are able to inhibit the action of proteases (including trypsin) which are enzymes that are involved in the process of dismantling proteins for use by the body.

In the rat, high levels of exposure to protease inhibitors (such as that found in raw soy flour) cause pancreatic cancer whereas moderate levels cause the rat pancreas to be more susceptible to cancer-causing agents.  The validity of the rat model to humans has been questioned and the USFDA have examined the effects of protease inhibitors on the Cebus monkey (JP Harwood et al., Adv Exp Med Biol 1986 199: 223-37).

The parameters of the Cebus Monkey study were as follows:

Group	Number of monkeys	Dietary Protein	Trypsin Inhibitor (mg/g of diet)
1	8	Lactalbumin	0.12
2	10	Soy Isolate	0.54
3	6	Casein	0.08
4	2	Soy Concentrate	2.41

After five years of chronic ingestion to low levels of trypsin inhibitors, there was no discernible pancreatic damage effect in monkeys from groups 1-3.  However, one monkey in group 4 exhibited moderate diffuse acinar atrophy, moderate diffuse interstitial fibrosis and moderate chronic pancreatitis in all three sections of tissue examined.  Minimal lymphoid hyperplasia was noted in the other group 4 monkey.

Therefore, there is good reason to question claims that low levels of soy protease inhibitors pose no threat to human health.  Such a statement has even been made by the USFDA in response to a health claim petition by Protein Technologies.  The USFDA reported that:

'Concerns have been raised in the past about exposure to trypsin inhibitors contained in soybeans because these compounds had been found to stimulate pancreatic hyperplasia and hypertrophy in animals. These concerns have been allayed because heat treatment removes most of the activity of these proteases. In addition, recent studies have questioned the applicability of the animal models, which differ from humans in the type of diet, sensitivity of the pancreas to trypsin inhibitors, and the anatomic sites of pancreatic cell proliferation and have found low rates of cancer in populations with dietary patterns that include soy foods' (FR 63, 217:62977-63015, 1998).

This statement brought an angry response from Professor Irvin Leiner, the foremost expert on protease inhibitors.  In his reply to the FDA Liener wrote:

'"The impression one gets from reading this section is that that there is little cause for concern as far as the human exposure to soybean trypsin inhibitors is concerned.... In the interests of a balanced treatment of the subject, I trust you will give due consideration to the opposing view that the soybean trypsin inhibitors do in fact pose a potential risk to humans when soy protein is incorporated into the diet."

So, if there is valid concern about low levels of protease inhibitors in soy foods, what about exposures to levels higher higher than those in the Cebus monkey study?  Is there any chance that such exposures could occur in human diets?

Soy Online Service has noted that there is considerable variability in the levels of protease inhibitors in commercially available foods and that there is little to protect consumers from exposure to high levels of protease inhibitors.  For example, a study entitled 'Trypsin inhibitor levels in soy-based infant formulas and commercial soy protein isolates and concentrates (RW Peace et al., 1992, Food Res Int, 25: 137-141) found that trypsin inhibitor levels were as high as 2.72 mg/g in ready to feed soy formulas and 7.30 mg/g in soy protein concentrate.

Since there is no established acceptable levels of protease inhibitors in foods and no protection from short-term high level (acute) exposures or long term low level (chronic) exposures, Soy Online Service offer the following advice:

Don't feed your baby or infant a soy formula; there are alternatives! Avoid the direct consumption of raw or partially processed soy products such as soy flour or soy protein concentrate.  Traditionally fermented soy foods are relatively free of protease inhibitors. When preparing your own soy foods, such as boiled or roasted soybeans or soy milk, ensure that they are adequately heated.  The traditional Chinese method for preparing soybeans was a time consuming job that was left to monks.  It involved soaking the beans first and then boiling them twice over 'the full length of an incense'.

Phytates

The term phytate refers to several compounds that are based on phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate).  It is the presence of multiple phosphates in phytates that makes them effective chelating agents, i.e. they have the ability to bind to certain metal ions.  Obviously if metals are bound up in a phytate-complex, they are less available to the body ( i.e. less bioavailable) for nutritive purposes.

Phytates are particularly adept at binding metals in their so-called divalent state, metal ions such as calcium (Ca²⁺), copper (Cu²⁺), iron (Fe²⁺), manganese (Mn²⁺) and zinc (Zn²⁺).

Soybeans contain very high levels of phytate and their are numerous reports of reduced bioavailablity of various metals from foods containing soy; this has particular significance for vegetarians and infants fed soy-formulas.

Vegetarians, particularly young women vegetarians, need to be aware that soy products affect their iron and zinc requirements and it has been recommended that they utilise strategies that minimise the intake of dietary phytate.

The effects of phytate in soy-formulas are a great concern.  The iron and zinc requirements of developing infants are well documented, particularly those that relate to cognitive function.  There is no question that infants fed soy-formulas are at greater risk of reduced uptake of various essential minerals compared with breast-fed infants or infants fed other formulas.

	Copper bioavailability is significantly lower in rhesus monkeys fed low-phytate soy formula from 2 to 4 months.
	Iron absorption in infants is approximately doubled by the removal of phytate from soy formula; a similar effect is observed by doubling the ascorbic acid content of a soy formula.
	Manganese absorption is also doubled by the removal of phytate from soy formula, but increasing the ascorbic acid content of a soy formula containing the native amount of phytic acid did not improve manganese absorption.
	Zinc bioavailability from soy formulas is also reduced by phytate.  In rhesus monkeys, zinc absorption was 2.0 times greater from monkey milk compared with soy formula, 2.2 times greater from whey-predominant formula compared with soy formula and 1.7 times greater from casein-predominant formula compared with soy formula.  Zinc absorption from dephytinized soy formula was approximately the same as that from casein-predominant formula.

Soy formulas are typically over-supplemented with minerals and vitamins to account for the deficiencies caused by phytate, but it is evident that this does not take care of the problems.  Removal of phytate from soy formulas is altogether a better solution but manufactures have not shown any inclination do this. Why not?  Phytate removal will cost $$$ and it seems to us that soy formula manufacturers consider economics to be more important than the well being of infants.

 

Bioavailability of zinc in milk and soy protein-based infant formulas.
Momcilovic B, Belonje B, Giroux A, Shah BG. J Nutr. 1976 Jul;106(7):913-7.

Thus, to provide equivalent amounts of available zinc, the total zinc content of the soy protein-based formula would need to be at least 20% higher than that of the formula containing milk protein.

Full Abstract Here

 

Manganese

The soybean plant has the ability to absorb manganese from the soil and concentrate it to an extent that soy-based infant formulas can contain as much as 200 times the level of manganese found in natural breast milk.  In babies, excess manganese that cannot be metabolised is stored in body organs.  Around eight percent of the excess manganese in the diet is stored in the brain in close proximity to the dopamine-bearing neurons responsible, in part, for adolescent neurological development. 

The implications are that the one in eight infants raised on soy formula during the first six months of life may be at risk of brain and behavioural disorders that do not become evident until adolescence.   The following three articles discuss the issue of manganese toxicity further:

 

Is soy-based infant formula brain damaging?  Press Release written by David Goodman, Ph.D.  

 

ADD-ing it up: soy infant formula, ADD/ADHD and manganese toxicity

Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD, CCN, 2162 Candelero Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: +1 505 984 2093
Email: wholenutrifionist@earthlink.com
Website: http://www.thewholesoystory.com

Abstract
Manganese is an essential trace mineral, but high levels are neurotoxic to newborns. Infants fed soy infant formula ingest as much as 80 times more manganese per day than those who are breast fed. Although healthy toddlers, children and adults exposed to excess manganese can usually eliminate most of it, infants cannot because their immature livers are not fully functional. At the same time, their growing brains and other organs are highly susceptible to damage from neurotoxins. This article reviews research showing that neonates exposed to the high levels of manganese present in soy formula are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental abnormalities, including an impaired ability to make the neurotransmitter dopamine and damage to the substantia nigra, caudate, putamen and globus pallidus areas of the brain. These findings suggest that soy infant formula is a likely contributor to the epidemic of ADD/ADHD and other cognitive and behavioral disorders.

This paper is a slightly revised and updated version of Chapter 21 from my book The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America’s Favorite Health Food (Publisher: NewTrends Publishing, Inc. (March 10, 2005); ISBN: 0967089751). © Copyright 2005 Pearblossom Private School, Inc.—Publishing Division. All rights reserved.

 

"How safe is soy infant formula?".

 

Manganese content of soy or rice beverages is high in comparison to infant formulas.

Cockell KA, Bonacci G, Belonje B.

Nutrition Research Division, Bureau of Nutritional Sciences, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. kevin_cockell@hc-sc.gc.ca

OBJECTIVE: Well-meaning but inadequately informed parents may perceive plant-based beverages such as soy beverages (S or rice beverages (R as an alternative to infant formula. Manganese (Mn) is an essential mineral nutrient found at high levels in plants such as soy and rice. Excessive Mn exposure increases the risk of adverse neurological effects. METHODS: We analysed, by atomic absorption spectrometry, the Mn content of 36 SB, 5 RB, 6 evaporated milks (EM), 14 soy-based infant formulas (SF) and 16 milk-based infant formulas (MF), obtained from commercial outlets in Ottawa, Canada. RESULTS: SB had the highest levels of Mn (16.5 +/- 8.6 micro g/g dry wt, mean +/- s.d.), followed by RB (9.9 +/- 1.7 micro g/g dry wt). Mn levels of individual SB/RB ranged from 2 to 17 times the mean Mn content of SF (2.4 +/- 0.7 micro g/g dry wt) and 7 to 56 times that of MF (0.70 +/- 0.35 micro g/g dry wt). EM contained very little Mn (0.02 +/- 0.03 micro g/g dry wt). Calculated mean Mn intakes from SB/RB by infants up to 6 months of age, assuming complete substitution of these products (0.78 L/day), approached the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for 1-3 year olds (no UL for Mn is available for infants under 1 year of age). Expressed as micro g Mn/100 kcal, SB/RB exceeded the range derived from ULs and typical energy intakes of 1-3 year olds. CONCLUSIONS: SB/RB should not be fed to infants because they are nutritionally inadequate and contain Mn at levels which may present an increased risk of adverse neurological effects if used as a sole source of nutrition.

 

Aluminium

Aluminum and bone disorders: with specific reference to aluminum contamination of infant nutrients.
Koo WW, Kaplan LA. J Am Coll Nutr. 1988 Jun;7(3):199-214.

Enteral nutrients including human and whole cow milk have low Al, whereas highly processed infant formulas with multiple additives, such as soy formula, preterm infant formula, and formulas for specific disorders are heavily contaminated with Al.

However, even with normal renal function, only 30-60% of an Al load from parenteral nutrition is excreted in the urine, resulting in tissue accumulation of Al.

To minimize tissue burden, Al content of infant nutrients should be similar to "background" levels, i.e., similar to whole milk (less than 50 micrograms/L).

Full Abstract Here

 

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B 12 deficiency has been recognised as a serious result of soy consumption for many years. For instance JJ Rackis discusses it in January 1974 in "Biological and Physiological Factors in Soybeans' in the J. Am. Oil Chemists Soc, pp 161", and Irvin E Liener examines it in 1994 in "Implications of Anti-Nutritional Components in Soybean Foods in Soybean" in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

There is a simple explanation of some of the physical effects that can result from a deficiency of this important nutrient at.  "Vegans Deficient in Nutrients".

If the Moorhead trial judge had known this, would these people now be serving a jail term for the death of their child?

Read about the Seventh Day Adventist Moorheads Here and Here.

 

Vitamin B1 Deficiency

Soy is deficient in Vitamin B1.     In extreme cases...as in the one below,where it seems the formula maker ( a Heinz subsidiary) omitted to fortify the formula with Vitamin B1 to compensate for the nutritional risks of consuming too much soy.

THREE BABIES HOSPITALIZED WITH BERIBERI
Three infants between the ages of five months and a year were hospitalized in Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva last night, for fear that they, too, may have been inflicted with the Remedia-B1 syndrome.  The number of hospitalized babies in the Remedia case is now eight; 17 instances have been discovered, and three babies have died, including one who died six months ago.  The condition of three babies in Schneider Children's Hospital has improved, although a fourth is still unconscious. 

The Health Ministry issued instructions last night for all parents who have fed their babies Remedia's soy-based milk substitute in the past two months to take them for check-ups.  The country's health funds will distribute free Vitamin B1 syrup to babies who need it.

The Health Ministry now assumes that the mysterious disease is nothing other than beriberi, a severe thiamine (B1) deficiency, which some feel is a "third world" disease.   Beriberi has become very rare in the western world because most foods are vitamin-enriched.  However, it can occur in breast-fed infants when the mother has an inadequate intake of thiamine, in infants fed formulas with inadequate thiamine supplements, and in developing countries with limited diets based largely on milled rice.

The Remedia formula is not poisonous, but it does not contain the all-important Vitamin B1 - contrary to the list of ingredients on the package.  The formula was changed several months ago, but the list of ingredients did not reflect the new composition.  Not only did the stock of Remedia's competitor Materna jump 41% yesterday, but the State Prosecution is now considering a criminal investigation against the directors of Remedia.

 

Other Toxins

Letter to FDA CONSUMER magazine www.fda.gov/fdac/departs/2000/400_ltrs.html August 2000

The FDA Consumer article on soy spoke of the possible risks of plant estrogens, but made no mention of the carcinogenic effects of protease inhibitors found in soy. McGuinness et al. report rats fed raw soya flour develop cancer of the pancreas ("The effects of long-term feeding of soya flour on the rat pancreas," Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 1980; 15:497-502). They say that preheating the flour protected the animals, but others have said that the high heat required (130 degrees Celsius) to deactivate the carcinogenic trypsin inhibitors in soya flour denatures the soy proteins to the point that they become virtually useless. If this is so, one either chooses less heating, resulting in more surviving trypsin inhibitors, or more heating, resulting in useless protein.

William Jarvis, Ph.D.

Department of Health Promotion and Education

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda, Calif.

 

Soyatoxin

The soy industry funds millions of dollars of research each year; what chance is there for the discoverers of soyatoxin to get funding to continue their work?

 

The History of Soy

Learn the truth about the historical use of soy

Just how much soy did Asians eat?

In short, not that much, and contrary to what the industry may claim soy has never been a staple in Asia. A study of the history of soy use in Asia shows that it was used by the poor during times of extreme food shortage, and only then the soybeans were carefully prepared (e.g. by lengthy fermentation) to destroy the soy toxins. Yes, the Asians understood soy alright!

Many vegetarians in the USA, and Europe and Australasia would think nothing of consuming 8 ounces (about 220 grams) of tofu and a couple of glasses of soy milk per day, two or three times a week. But this is well in excess of what Asians typically consume; they generally use small portions of soy to complement their meal. It should also be noted that soy is not the main source of dietary protein and that a regime of calcium-set tofu and soy milk bears little resemblance to the soy consumed traditionally in Asia.

Perhaps the best survey of what types/quantities of soy eaten in Asia comes from data from a validated, semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire that surveyed 1242 men and 3596 women who participated in an annual health check-up program in Takayama City, Japan. This survey identified that the soy products consumed were tofu (plain, fried, deep-fried, or dried), miso, fermented soybeans, soy milk, and boiled soybeans. The estimated amount of soy protein consumed from these sources was 8.00 ± 4.95 g/day for men and 6.88 ± 4.06 g/day for women (Nagata C, Takatsuka N, Kurisu Y, Shimizu H; J Nutr 1998, 128:209-13).

According to KC Chang, editor of Food in Chinese Culture, the total caloric intake due to soy in the Chinese diet in the 1930's was only 1.5%, compared with 65% for pork.

For more information on the traditional use of soy products contact the Weston A Price Foundation.

The chief concern we have about the consumption of large amounts of soy is that there is a risk of mega-dosing on isoflavones. If soy consumers follow the advice of Protein Technologies International (manufacturers of isolated soy protein) and consume 100 grams of soy protein per day, their daily genistein intake could easily exceed 200 milligrams per day. This level of genistein intake should definitely be avoided. For comparison, it should be noted that Japanese males consume, on average, less than 10 milligrams of genistein per day (Fukutake M, Takahashi M, Ishida K, Kawamura H, Sugimura T, Wakabayashi K; Food Chem Toxicol 1996, 34:457-61).

 

What about the traditional use of soy in infant feeding?

Ever heard the industry line that 'soy formulas must be safe because Asian infants have been eating soy for centuries'. Just another piece of false advertising, a little like the claims that 'soy formulas are better than breast milk' that many parents that have fed soy formulas testify to.

And to set the record straight, soy was seldom used in infant feeding in Asia.

Ernest Tso is credited with the development of the first soy milk diet that was able to sustain an infant for the first eight months of life. Writing in the Chinese Journal of Physiology in 1928, Tso noted that 'soybean milk is a native food used in certain parts of the country as a morning beverage but it is little used as part of the diet for children. Its nutritive properties as a food for young infants are practically unknown'.

Eight years later Tso's comments were still valid. Writing in the 1930's, Dr RA Guy of the Department of Public Health of the Peiping Union Medical College found it 'pertinent to note that we have never found soybean milk naturally used by Peiping women to feed their children. This beverage is not made in the home in Peiping, but is sold by street vendors, as a hot, very weak solution of soybean protein and is usually drunk by old people in place of tea. The milk, as reinforced for the feeding of young infants, is rather tedious and difficult to prepare. As dispensed recently by the various health stations, it is in demand, but is just as artificial in this community as cow's milk' (Guy RA. Chinese Med J. 1936; 50:434-442).

In a later publication, Guy reported on the use of soybean milk as a food for infants. The whole purpose of this report was to comment on the possible use of soy milk to address the problem of feeding those infants without sufficient maternal milk in a country where cow's milk was not native. He again noted that although a weak soy milk or 'tou fu chiang' was 'sold hot in Peking by street vendors and was taken by old people in place of tea', that 'contrary to Western notions' it was not usual to feed soy milk to infants (Guy RA and Yeh KS. Chinese Med J. 1938; 54:1-30).

It seems those same Western notions that made Asians out to be greater soy consumers than they were are still prevalent. Why is that? Asia is a huge market for the soy industry and the soy industry efforts to convince Asians that their ancestors ate much more soy than they actually did are purely profit driven. We view the attempts of the soy industry to re-write the history books with the contempt it deserves.

Soy Politics

"Soya: The Quiet Conquest"

Follow this link to a 1994 revelation on the way soy has infiltrated your food, your government and has captured well wishers in food safety regulatory agencies everywhere.

 

Who Funds Soy Research and Why?

$4 Million in Research Grants to Examine Soy Health Benefits.  The soybean checkoff's Soy Health Research Program solicits research proposals to study soy consumption and its impact on the prevention of osteoporosis, breast cancer, prostate cancer and the health benefits of isoflavones, a component of soy protein. Scientists submit research proposal applications to USB and, if their applications are selected, USB awards a $10,000 grant to scientists to help defray the cost of preparing the proposal submission to the NIH. In 2000, the very first year of the program, it yielded a $1.2 million NIH grant. Since then, an additional $4 million has been secured.

Multiple millions of dollars are spent on soy research each year.  Most State Soybean Boards fund their own research programmes (e.g., Arkansas Soybean Board which spent US$1.1 Million in research in 1998-1999) but the grants offered are insignificant when compared with that of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA Soybean Promotion and Research Program was established by the Soybean Promotion and Research Order and is authorised by the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act [7 U.S.C. 6301-6311]. The Act was passed as part of the 1990 Farm Bill. It authorized the establishment of a national soybean promotion, research, and consumer information program. The program became effective on July 9, 1991, when the Order was published. Assessments began September 1, 1991.

Of course there's nothing wrong with research, but Soy Online Service think that the motivation for research should be the honest search for scientific truth (remember the good old days!!).  The vast majority of current USDA and industry funded soy research is obscenely slanted toward the benefits of soy.   And, what do you know?  Soy cures cancer!  Little surprise soy consumption is up, the soy magnates are laughing all the way to the bank and the US economy also gets a nice little boost.

Well the facts are that if you believe the industry message about how great soy is then you are just another sucker.  Soy Online Service views the soy industry as the worst type of scum on the face of the earth; happy to promote dubious health claims and take your money, while at the same time endangering more than a million soy formula fed babies each year.

 

Don't upset the Soybean Cart

Soy Online Service first encountered the politics of soy when we addressed the New Zealand Ministry of Health over concerns about the phytoestrogen content of soy formulas for infants.  An internal memo from the Chief Toxicologist to the Minister of Health (and ex Prime Minister, Jenny Shipley) indicated a high level of concern for the health of infants fed soy formulas but stating that:

'if the dose was high enough over a sufficient length of time, such toxicants could cause significant adverse health effects including growth depression, immunosuppression, abnormal responses to hormonal stimulation and cancer'.

However, the memo also noted that the concerns we had raised had potential for 'mischief, especially in the media' and that 'soybeans are big business, especially in the United States and is a traded item on international commodity markets''.  An earlier memo clearly stated the New Zealand government's desire to 'regain control' of the situation. 

This was in 1994 and rather than 'risk damaging an industry' the New Zealand Ministry of Health lied to the public about the risks associated with feeding soy formulas.  Despite mounting evidence to the contrary, and continual questioning in Parliament, the Ministry of Health maintained the lies by continuing to state that there 'was no evidence of harm' and 'no substance to our concerns'.  But in November 1998 came a dramatic about-face.  One can only wonder at the power of multi-national interests when Ministers of the New Zealand government would condone the breaking of consumer protection laws that they in their oaths of office swore to uphold."

 

Quote from "The Cholesterol Conspiracy" by Dr Russell L. Smith.

Both the public and clinical physicians have simultaneously been swamped by an ever-growing tidal wave of exaggerations, distortions and even fabrications of the facts.  The media blitz has been so successful that nearly everyone is now thoroughly brainwashed.

In fact, it is nothing less than astonishing that this juggernaut has grown larger, richer and more powerful as the mountainous negative findings accumulated.  How can this happen? If you control the money and the media, negative findings are little more than irritants because the public will never hear about them.  It is a version of George Orwell's Newspeak.

The reader should be aware that such a state-of-affairs is by no means unique.  It has occurred in every branch of science for as long as anyone cares to remember.  But it is particularly devastating in medicine where billions of dollars are spent worthlessly and millions of lives are lost prematurely because research funding agencies have disregarded masses of scientific findings and fraudulently used public monies to disseminate dogma and propaganda.

Hitler did it.  He was not the first but he did it quite successfully.  It being the big lie.  He and his cohorts told it often enough, and with official state backing, so that just about everyone involved believed it.  And if you thought it could never happen again - outside of politicians, that is - you were mistaken.  What is even worse, the big lie may well kill millions of people without ever interfering with their rights, their beliefs or their backgrounds.

Introduction to SoyOnlineService Spreading the truth about soy. Soy Online Service is a small group of private citizens with a mission to inform the public of the truth about soy.  We have no membership as such and are not sponsored by industry or any other group, in fact our research is funded out of our own pockets.  We do not seek the destruction of the soy industry or to stop people eating soy.  We have no desire to stop you being Vegan or to cause you to switch to dairy products.  Rather we seek to expose the deceit of the major soy companies and to uncover the truth about soy products.  We do this by providing you with factual material that you can read for yourself, so that in the future you can make an informed choice about what you eat. You are probably well acquainted with all the wonderful things soy is purported to do for you.  That's because the multi-million dollar soy marketing machine has done its job on you.   But are you aware that there is a darker side of soy? For instance did you know that soy contains several types of natural toxins?  The soy industry has known about them for years.  If you were to ask the soy industry about the soy toxins you'd most likely be told that:   conventional methods of processing destroys these toxins. When pressed with evidence that all soy products still contain these toxins you'll likely be informed that:   there is no evidence that these toxins are harmful to animals or humans. And when you ask about the scores of research papers that do show evidence of harm the answer will probably be something like:   in fact, the soy toxins will prevent and cure all manner of diseases. The health claims of the soy industry have one purpose and one purpose alone - to sell more soy!  That's why you'll only hear about the benefits of soy from the industry, but we think all consumers deserve the right to make an informed choice about what they are eating and feeding to their children, their household pets and their livestock. We have found a wealth of evidence that the soy toxins cause both acute and chronic effects in both animals and humans.  The industry refers to the soy toxins as 'anti-nutrients' but, in fact, they are classed with environmental toxins and they are present in every food product that contains soy. As often occurs in cases of environmental poisoning, Soy Online Services first became aware of the toxicity of soy because of its effects on animals.  The harm that soy causes animals has been known for decades, but this fact currently appears to be ignored by manufacturers of animal feeds who are ever eager to utilise cheap sources of protein in their products. The use of new generation bird feeds that contained soy coincided with thousands of bird deaths and disorders.  These effects were widespread and were reported by many of New Zealand's leading parrot breeders. Among the effects seen by these bird breeders were:   beak and bone deformities.   goitre.   immune system disorders.   infertility.   premature maturation. The most startling was the latter.  For example, male Crimson Rosellas (large Australian parrots) are green when juveniles and red when adults (as shown in Figure 1).   In the wild the adult plumage develops from about the age of 12 to 18 months.   But bird breeders were finding that their birds 'coloured-up' after just a few months, a fact that wasn't missed by one bird food manufacturer who actually used this fact in promotional material (Figure 2). Fig 1: Juvenile (green) and adult (red) Crimson Rosellas Fig 2: Juvenile Crimson Rosella with adult plumage   All very nice to have baby birds with adult plumage you might think.   The problem was that the growth acceleration experienced by the birds also meant they their lifespan was often drastically shortened. Bird breeders noted that a common factor in the diets of affected parrots was soy protein.  But could the effects seen in parrots be explained by the presence of the soy toxins? Soy is high in phytate, which reduces mineral bioavailability.  Upset the delicate mineral balance in a parrot's diets and bone and beak disorders are the result. Soybeans contain high levels of phytoestrogens.  Although investigators didn't know it at the time, the compounds are powerful immune-suppressants, potent goitrogens (the goitrogenic effects of soy products are even discussed at length in the text 'Diseases of Caged Birds' - TFH Publications, 1988) and as the name suggests, able to elicit estrogenic effects.  Strong candidates then as the cause of the infertility and premature maturation.  Early investigators were familiar with the writings of Rachel Carson who penned 'our fate is connected with the animals'.  If the fate of birds fed soy protein was growth disorders, thyroid problems, infertility and tumour growth, they asked 'what about infants fed soy formulas and adults consuming large amounts of soy?' And so began our investigation. We know the soy industry hasn't enjoyed what we've found, but you deserve to know what we have learnt about the effects of phytoestrogens and other soy toxins.

• Butter, the number one health food
• Vital role of high cholesterol foods
• Dangers of modern soy foods and soy infant formula
• The conspiracy to promote vegetable oils and hydrogenated fats
• Foods that help babies grow up smart and strong
• Old fashioned foods that give limitless energy and vibrant health
• The unfortunate consequences of modern farming methods

An articulate communicator, Sally Fallon blends culinary expertise with a finely honed capacity to cut through to the truth about our eating habits and their consequences. Her full-spectrum nutritional cookbook, Nourishing Traditions (www.newtrendspublishing.com), shows through research and recipes how the wise food choices and preparation methods of isolated traditional cultures promoted vigorous good health, longevity and freedom from dental problems and mental disorders. She serves as the founding president of the Weston A. Price Foundation (www.westonaprice.org).

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The Trouble with Tofu- Once hailed as a wonder food, soya is now at the centre of a furious debate, blamed for a wealth of health problems and vilified as an environmental pest, reports Jolanta Chudy. Read the article here. Source: United Arab Emirates Airline inFlight Magazine.

Making Waves - This article from WorldNetDaily discusses feminizaton and male homosexuality as a side effect of plant estrogens in soy. "There's a slow poison out there that's severely damaging our children and threatening to tear apart our culture. The ironic part is, it's a "health food," one of our most popular." Jim Rutz's controversial article "the Trouble with Soy" has caused a huge reaction, and has prompted 5 follow up articles, the latest of which can be read here.

"Please Be Cautious With Soya" -an article summarising some of the dangers of soya - Read the article here.

THE BLOOM IS OFF SOY
An accurate and simple explanation of soy toxicity from Daily Health News. Read the article here.

SOY UNSAFE FOR CHILDREN
-Randall Neustaedter OMD. Soy beans and soy products are not appropriate foods for infants or children, not tofu, soy milk, or soy formula, not soy hot dogs, sausages, soyburgers, or textured vegetable protein. Not ever. Although soy has been promoted as a health food and an excellent alternative protein source with numerous health benefits, the proven adverse health effects of soy on children far outweigh any positive or philosophical reasons to eat soy products. Soy proponents claim that soy can lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease and breast cancer, and reduce bone loss in menopause. Farmers are cautioned not to feed growing domestic animals a diet high in soy protein. Pigs, whose digestive tracts are very similar to humans, are allowed only one percent of their feed as soy because of the risk of adverse effects on digestion and immune function (Bee, 2000). Soy product consumption has been linked to a long list of diseases and hormone dysfunctions in children including thyroid disease, mineral malabsorption, diabetes, and abnormal sexual development. Here is the evidence that you should not feed your children soy products. Soy foods depress thyroid function. This depression of the thyroid gland is capable of inducing a hypothyroid state, autoimmune thyroid disease, and goiter (swelling of the thyroid gland). Soybeans contain compounds that inhibit thyroid peroxidase- (TPO) catalyzed reactions that are essential for the production of thyroid hormone (Divi, 1997). Read the whole story here.

UNBRIDLED POWER
U.S. soy processing industry applies all their venom and power to have a federal laboratory that displeases them shut down and the staff disbanded. Read the article here.

A reader of "Wise Traditions", the renowned magazine of the Weston A. Price Foundation, recounts her experience of the effects of soy on a feline population. her report is typical of the effects of isoflavones (estrogenic soy toxins). Download the published letter here.

The Simple Soya Truth - by by Patrick Quanten MD. "I hope that once you have finished reading this article you will never ever make an issue out of soya. I have finally given in to putting down the available information on the subject as I am astonished at the continuing ignorance within the population. One would have hoped that by now the message had filtered through to the masses, but it just shows how powerful the advertising machine is and how little attention our specialist advisers are giving to research that should have fundamentally changed their views many years ago."
Why did we get told to use soya, which is alien to the Western diet, in the first place?
The answer as to "why?", is simply money. The basis on which we were sold this scam is health, but the motivation is profit. A growing allergy problem against dairy produce within Western Society, coupled with mad cows disease and an increasing distrust of the farming and dairy industry, left our dieticians floundering. They became a willing target for an "alternate" protein source. Soya was just that. On top of that, scientists quickly discovered that soya contained two isoflavones, which they promoted for everything from menopausal relief to cancer protection. Health areas that were desperate for new ideas and suggestions of help showed how vulnerable the sufferer is, and proved a gold mine for the unscrupulous exploiter. Read this entrie article here.

http://www.wholesoystory.com/ Dr Daniels book "The Whole Soy Story" is now available.

creativehealth.netfirms.com/soyindex.shtml. Creative Health Soy information.

www.wrightnewsletter.com. Informative Nutrition & Healing web page by Dr Jonathan Wright.

Myths & Truths about Soy Food

Soy:  The Miracle Food Or Pandora's Box?

Do Soy Foods Negatively Affect Your Thyroid? A look at the Downside of Soy by Mary Shomon.

The Shadow of Soy, by Sean Carson.

www.doctorsaredangerous.com/soy_chapter2/Soy_Page_1.html  Make sure you read the free chapter for Elaine Hollingsworths book "Take Control of Your Health".

"Lifestyle Magazine". Article puMothering" Issue 124, May/June 2004 n 2002 edition of this popular New Zealand Quarterly.

Natural Life Magazine #68 - Soy Infant Formula Dangerous to Babies, Say Groups

Is Soy Bad For You?  New research links the 'health' food to thyroid disorders.

A number of informative articles have been published in the MarketPlace Newsletter, Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Follow these links to the articles. Spotlight on soy - new research, new concerns, Isoflavones pack a punch of unknown strength, Soy infant formula: What's in that bottle?,  Soy processing both ancient and modern.  These articles are the work of Barbara Gerber, a free-lance writer and editor who lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They were written expressly for The MarketPlace News, the newsletter of The MarketPlace, an independent natural grocery not afraid to take risks.  If you wish to use these articles we ask that you do the following in good faith: Attribute them correctly and, if you excerpt them, please take nothing out of context.

"Two separate studies -- one in animals and the other in humans -- that considered together suggest that a diet high in soybeans and other legumes during pregnancy and breastfeeding may have a subtle but long-term impact on the development of children." writes Dr Mercola. Read the full article here

www.mercola.com/article/soy/ Then go to Index for SOY for More links

The dangers of soy are also outlined on Islamonline.

Wingspread Statement. Soy is an endocrine disruptor.  Rachel's commentary on "Wingspread"

1999 Soy Symposium Abstracts

www.nutrition4health.org/NOHAnews/NNF01SoyBeatrice.htm "The Downside of Soy", By noted food writer Beatrice Trum Hunter

Food Commission Briefing Paper by Dr Mike Fitzpatrick and Sue Dibb.

Soy Foods Have Downside For Health Of Infants, Adults by Susan Star Paddock.

Thyroid Problems Mis-Diagnosed As Depression by Susan Star Paddock.

www.gi.alaska.edu/ScienceForum/ASF8/856.html Soy diets are simultaneously killing and preventing endangered cheetahs from breeding.

www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/files/PSEBM01.doc Dosing Babies with Isoflavones

thedoctorwithin.com/index_fr.php?page=articles/magic_bean.php The Magic Bean? Soy-tainly not!

www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1881.htm# Pseudo Puberty by the American Endocrine Society [** See page 4 re soy and ambiguous genitalia]

thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/library/weekly/aa083099.htm "Soy and the Thyroid"

www.nexusmagazine.com/soydangers.html April/May 2000 "Tragedy & Hype" by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig

www.i-a-r-t.com/articles/soyprotein.html href="http://www.i-a-r-t.com/articles/soyprotein.html"> "Panacea or Poison?" By Don Matesz

www.testosterone.net/articles/185soy.html Weight Lifters Want to Get it Up

http://www.moonlighthealth.com/library2.asp?A=36 Dangers of Soy Formulas

www.moonlighthealth.com/library2.asp?A=44 Dr M G Fitzpatrick..Submission to US FDA

www.nogreaterjoy.org/Articles/Oct Dec 2001 Newsletter Soy Alert by Debi Pearl.htm
Soy Alert by Christian author Debi Pearl

Alternative health guru Dr Jonathan Wright slams soy consumption.

www.rogerkyoung.com/soybean.html "Soybean is Bad"

www.totalityofbeing.com/id58.htm Wholeistic Health Attack on Soy

www.johnleemd.net/articles/soy-01.html Dr John Lee "Go Easy on Soy Foods".

www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/articles/pink%20pills.htm "From Pink Pills to Phytoestrogens" by Award Winning Journalist Camille Guy

www.businessweek.com/2000/00_51/b3712218.htm "The Dark Side of Soy"

www.abcnews.go.com/onair/2020/2020_000609_soy_feature.html "The Other Side of Soy"

www.mercola.com/2001/jun/30/soy_fda.htm "FDA Scientists Protest Soy Approval"

www.nytimes.com/library/dining/012600soy-hth.html "Doubts Cloud Rosy News on Soy"

www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/downloads/Rural%20News.GIF "Poisoned Protein"

www.truthaboutsoy.com/ "Learn the Truth About Soy"

www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A61649-2001Jan29?language=printer "You have to be Soy Careful"

www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/files/Phillimore.htm "Soya; Cure or Curse?"

199.97.97.16/contWriter/yhd7/2001/05/13/medic/7105-0168-pat_nytimes.html "A Second Look at Soy Foods"

cbshealthwatch.medscape.com/cx/viewarticle/221150_print. "Making Sense Out of Soy"

www.oxford.net/~tishy/soy.html "Soy Scepticism"

quick100.hypermart.net Health News NZ

quick100.hypermart.net/health.html

Hot Off the Press Eating Soy Can Decrease Your Fertility Women who eat soya may spoil sperm's chances.  Tests indicate such foods may make it harder to get pregnant.  Yet another article that warns of the risks to human fertility of consuming soy products.  This article is not an isolated report with more evidence to be found here Plant chemical may harm male fertility - study and here Soya warning to would-be mothers.  In fact there is now almost enough scientific evidence available to fill an entire web site about the impacts of soy products on human fertility, we have virtually done this on our  Infertility and Male Health pages.  Humans are not alone with these problems with many animals and our Pets also affected.  Combine these fertility related impacts with the risks associated with Birth Defects.... Dr Kaayla Daniel speaks about "The Whole Soy Story".  Read an exclusive along with insights into soy on Dr Mercolas web site Here.  More information Here.  If you are interested in purchasing a copy the The Whole Story, please visit Dr Daniels own web site at www.thewholesoystory.com/index.php.  The web site contains free excepts from the book, endorsements and a section covering frequently asked questions. Leading thyroid expert, Mary Shomon writes of dangers to the thyroid.  Read more here Soy's Thyroid Dangers: A Look at the Dangers of Soy to the Health of Your Thyroid   by Mary J. Shomon The New York Daily News has a penetrating article on the thyroid damage that soy can cause.  Read more Here Hidden soy in fast foods have been linked to cutting men's fertility.  Read more Here They hailed it as a wonderfood.  Soya not only destroys forests and small farmers - it can also be bad for your health.  Read an article posted by Anthony Barnett in The Observer, Sunday November 7, 2004 The huge rise in allergic reactions to soy is in line with the increasing use of soy products in processed foods during the 1990s, and should be regarded as a major public health concern.  Read more about the hidden dangers of soy allergens Here Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America's Favorite Health Food $100 MILLION TO GO TO VICTIMS OF BABY-FORMULA TRAGEDY Arutz-7 News: Sunday, August 1, 2004 Humana, the German parent company of baby-formula distributor Remedia, has agreed to pay $100 million to the 17 families of children who died or whose health suffered as a result of a vitamin-deficient soy-based baby formula. Israel's Channel 2 television station reported that the damages would be the largest ever paid in Israel's history.  A scandal erupted last November following the deaths of two babies and serious harm to 15 more, as well as less serious consequences to many others. The babies suffered because the formula was missing a critical vitamin, B1. Humana said it had removed the vitamin in the mistaken assumption that the soy-base of the formula provided sufficient amounts of the nutrient.  The 17 families whose infants died or were left with permanent disabilities will now receive compensation. In response to the announced settlement, the families stated that the money is less significant than the harm that was done. They said they must be assured that they will receive all the care required during the lives of their children. Plant sterols may affect absorption of vitamin E, beta-carotene Artificial baby milks: how safe is soya? Research indicates soy isoflavones may have an effect on the adrenal cortex.  Abstract Here. A search of the U. S. Food and Drug Administrations Poisonous Plants Database for Soy came up with 200 results.  See for yourself Here. Read the British Dietetic Associations position on the use of soya protein for infants Here. Possible Legal Action On Medical Problems Caused By Soy Testosterone Magazine interviews renowned dietitian Kaayla Daniels on the dangers and shady politics of soy. The Soy Report at the Electric Nutrition website electrical-nutrition.net/cgi-bin/htmlos.cgi/005.2.2972118715512050700  deals with the risks from soy products and the shady politics that have allowed soy protein o enter the food chain despite its failure to be approved as a human foodstuff New research confirms the risk of soy foods to mens' fertility once again. The United Kingdom Chief Medical Officer has warned all doctors that soy-based infant formulas should be used  only in exceptional circumstances, because of a risk to long term Reproductive Health Full information on the UK Expert Committee's findings are Here If You're Suffering From a Medical Problem Caused by Soy, you May Now be Able to Take Legal Action! More on the Mercola Website. www.wholesoystory.com/ A new book written by Kaayla Daniel. Creative Health have recently produced an excellent website full of information on the dangers of soy. creativehealth.netfirms.com/poison/soyindex.shtml A new Big Ugly Bull Award, January 2004 has been awarded to the United Soybean Board for their continuing health claims over the benefits of soy. Israeli infants harmed, some fatally, by soy infant formula. Dr Daniel M Sheehan of the US National Center for Toxicological Research wrote an academic article several years ago describing the use of soy formulas as "an unmonitored and uncontrolled human experiment". This would mean they contravene international medical conventions forbidding experiments on humans.  What happened in Israel is, we are told, the result of Humana (A Heinz subsidiary) omitting vitamin B1 and then increasing the soy content to compensate...an "uncontrolled experiment " indeed. Dr I G C Robertson, Senior Toxicologist at the Auckland School of Medicine, wrote in 1994 that soy is so toxic that soy formulas required unnecessary juggling. His opinion......he could "see no good reason to feed it to a baby"  Israeli health officials are investigating whether a soy based baby formula has caused three infants to die and 17 others to be hospitalized with a brain illness.  Read More Here.  More on this story Here. Studies suggest a link between drinking soy milk as an infant and the development of peanut allergies later in life.  Read More Here n 2003 Dr P.G. Tuohy of the New Zealand Ministry of Health reviewed information available on soy infant formula and phytoestrogens in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health.  Quotes from the abstract include: Infants consuming soy formula have high levels of circulating isoflavones. These are an order of magnitude greater than the levels of isoflavones which have been shown to produce physiological effects in adult women consuming a high soy diet. Against this generally positive view there is an increasing number of recent reports that suggest that in experimental animals, phytoestrogens have adverse effects with respect to carcinogenesis, reproductive function, immune function, and thyroid disease. Despite the absence of adequate scientific research that quantifies the level of risk to infants, most would argue for a precautionary approach to be taken in situations where there are potential developmental effects from the consumption of pharmacologically active compounds in infancy and childhood. Full Abstract Here As you can see from the abstract alone, Dr Tuohy states that there is an "absence of adequate scientific research that quantifies the level of risk to infants..." and advocates a PRECAUTIONARY approach to soy infant formula.  Surely a PRECAUTIONARY  approach to this issue is not to feed our children these chemicals that may have adverse effects on their lives at all, until they have been proven otherwise! Again, to paraphrase Dr Tuohy "there is an increasing number of recent reports that suggest that in experimental animals, phytoestrogens have adverse effects with respect to carcinogenesis, reproductive function,  immune function,  and thyroid disease." The evidence of potentially adverse effects is increasing despite the overwhelmingly disproportionate funding opportunities towards research into positive effects of soy products (refer Here and Here). We believe regulatory agencies should advocate the PRECAUTIONARY approach and completely ban the consumption of these products by infants until the substances causing the types of adverse effects outlined by soyonlineservice have either been removed or proven completely safe for human consumption. After all, soyonlineservice   was urging a precautionary approach in the New Zealand Medical Journal in 1995 "It would be prudent for general supermarket sales to be stopped and information to be given to physicians" Neither happened and therefore for over eight years countless babies have been put at unnecessary risk. A convincing hypothesis to explain the premature brain-aging effects of soy and the results of a Hawaii Aging study  is available Here.  More information on the effects of soy on the brain is available on our Cognitive Function Page.  Recent research supporting the effects of soy on the brain include File et al. 2003, Connor et al. 1997 and White et al. 2000.