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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services / National Institutes of Health
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Soybeans have long been used as food in Asia. Since the 1950s, they have also been produced in other parts of the world, including the Americas.
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In addition to its food uses, soy is available in dietary supplements. The supplements may contain soy protein, isoflavones (compounds similar in structure to the female hormone estrogen), or other components.
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Soy products are promoted for menopause symptoms, bone health, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and other conditions.
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Although there have been many studies on soy products, there are still uncertainties about soy’s health effects.
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Consuming soy protein in place of other proteins may lower cholesterol levels to a small extent. Soy protein may also slightly reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension.
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Soy isoflavone supplements or soy protein may help reduce the frequency and severity of menopausal hot flashes, but the effect may be small.
What Do We Know About Safety?
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Except for people with soy allergies, soy is considered a safe food. In research studies, soy protein supplements and soy extracts rich in isoflavones have been used safely on a short-term basis; the safety of long-term use is uncertain.
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The use of soy in amounts greater than those commonly found in foods may be unsafe during pregnancy.
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