The risks from drinking soy milk are largely unfounded.
Most people want to eat healthy foods, but can easily become confused by conflicting claims about what exactly is healthy. At one time, people were advised to avoid eggs, chocolate and wine, only to learn that these foods can actually be healthy when consumed in moderation. More recently, health concerns have been raised about soy milk. Fortunately, most reputable authorities refute the risks of drinking soy milk.
Breast Cancer
Some people claim that because soy milk contains isoflavones, which have effects similar to estrogen, it may cause breast cancer. On the other hand, Harvard doctors explain that these effects are "weak" and that, in fact, "soy consumption during childhood may reduce breast cancer later in life." The doctors do not provide any evidence that soy milk does not cause breast cancer, but they point out that in some cultures, people have consumed large quantities of soy for long periods "without adverse effects."
Other authorities, such as Dr. Weil, a noted writer and authority on healthy living, point out that "Japanese women whose diets contain a lot of soy foods have only one-fifth the rate of breast cancer (as Western women)." Researchers at the Mayo Clinic determined that "soy has not been shown to fuel breast cancer cells."
Risks for Infants
A study published by the National Academy of Sciences reported that phytoestrogens in soy formula could damage the immune system of infants. However, scientists at Berkeley pointed out that because the formula was concocted in the laboratory, it was not a real product and that ultimately, "There's no evidence that soy formula is unsafe, or that infants drinking it have been harmed."
Thyroid Problems
Dr. Weil explains that one study shows a connection between soy foods and thyroid function, but he explains that this occurred in people who were already having thyroid problems, or who were not getting enough iodine in the food they ate. He goes on to explain that vegans, who eat no dairy products and no meat, may be at an increased risk for thyroid problems. Dr. Weil suggests that vegans add additional iodine to their diets.
Kidney Stones
According to Dr. Weil, the oxalates contained in soy increase the body's formation of certain kidney stones in people who already have kidney stones, or who are at risk for their formation.
Alzheimer's Disease
Harvard doctors believe that a study showing a link between eating soy products and a rise in Alzheimer's "raised more questions than it answered." They conclude that the results of the study were not valid, and recommend that people not avoid soy based foods on the findings of the study.
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