JAMA Recognizes Soy Food Intake and Breast Cancer Survival
SOURCE: J American Medical Association 2009 (Dec 9); 302 (22): 2437–2443
Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, 2525 West End Ave, Ste 600, Nashville, TN 37203-1738, USA. xiao-ou.shu@vanderbilt.edu
Soy foods are rich in isoflavones, a major group of phytoestrogens that have been hypothesized to reduce the risk of breast cancer. To evaluate the association of soy food intake after diagnosis of breast cancer, with total mortality and cancer recurrence, 5033 surgically treated breast cancer patients were tracked for more than 3 years.
Soy food intake, as measured by either soy protein or soy isoflavone intake, was found to be inversely associated with mortality and recurrence. The researchers concluded that soy food consumption is significantly associated with decreased risk of death and recurrence of breast cancer.
You can review this abstract now, and you can also examine the other documented health benefits of soy.
What are your thoughts on soy milk and an increase in Kidney stones (ie Calcium)?
There is some concern about Oxalate and Phytate levels in soy products, and it’s impact on kidney stones and iron absorbtion. The soy manufacturer I use has been aware of these reports for years, and so they use a water-wash process that removes them from the soy isolates, while also retaining the 2 important phytonutients (Isoflavones) most associated with improved prostate and breast health.
I can’t speak for the “average” products at the grocer or health food store, but these are genuine concerns for anyone who wants to use soy protein to capture it’s many health benefits.
Dr. Frank–always wonderful with your information–thanks for all that you do.
Blush :->Thanks Linda!
Excellent article. I think there has also been a lot of debate regarding processed soy versus fermented soy and the beneficial effects. Great article. Thanks!
RESPONSE:
Yeah, it’s too bad that the Mercola site has confused (fearmongering) so many people about the benefits of soy. The simple truth is that there is considerable evidence that the 2 isoflavones Genistein and Daidzein provide astounding health benefits. Yes, I don’t like GMO crops either, but there is Non-GMo soy being grown in this country, and those isolates are important.