WebMD/Dupont/Soybeans - article

[Aksrd at aol.com]

HI.  I listened to the presentation on "Soy- The Protein of Health: Practical 
Application, Cardiovascular Disease, and Women's Health" at the ADA 
convention in October, and heard no mention of this possible problem.  On the 
contrary,  the evidence on soy protein from a variety of soy products being 
beneficial in prevention of CVD was impressive.  In addition, one study 
quoted showed increases in certain bone densities with use of soy protein, 
but  "more research is needed" there and in the areas of  benefits for 
menopausal symptoms and breast health.
    The exception was alcohol-washed soy protein-- this removes the 
isoflavones. 
Of course, traditional Asian preparation methods don't use alcohol washes, 
nor does home preparation of soy beans, but a soy protein extract can be 
obtained by either water-washing or alcohol-washing.   They recommended 
calling the manufacturer to  determine whether a particular product is 
prepared by alcohol washing or not.  And, by the way, the "Supro" soy protein 
product is not alcohol-washed.   
    The recommendation, I believe,  was for 25 gm/day of soy protein, ideally 
to replace 25 gm of protein from a fatty animal product, to kill two birds 
with one stone.  
    Hope this is helpful.  Maybe someone who is involved in this soy research 
will respond to your question more fully than I can.    Alice K. Sutton, RD, 
MPH