Uploaded March 2024 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
Soy may be the most misunderstood food that’s common in a plant-based diet. It’s the target of numerous accusations and a common source of anxiety, largely because it contains phytoestrogens. Are there legitimate concerns? How much soy is too much?
References
1. Garone S. 7 common myths about soy, debunked. Everyday Health; September 9, 2022. everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/common-myths-about-soy-debunked
2. Martinez J, Lewi JE. An unusual case of gynecomastia associated with soy product consumption. Endocr Pract. 2008;14(4):415-418. doi:10.4158/EP.14.4.415
3. Messina M. Soybean isoflavone exposure does not have feminizing effects on men: a critical examination of the clinical evidence. Fertil Steril. 2010;93(7):2095-2104. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.03.002
4. Hamilton-Reeves JM, Vazquez G, Duval SJ, Phipps WR, Kurzer MS, Messina MJ. Clinical studies show no effects of soy protein or isoflavones on reproductive hormones in men: results of a meta-analysis. Fertil Steril. 2010;94(3):997-1007. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.04.038
Soy may be the most misunderstood food that’s common in a plant-based diet. It’s the target of numerous accusations and a common source of anxiety, largely because it contains phytoestrogens. Are there legitimate concerns? How much soy is too much?
References
1. Garone S. 7 common myths about soy, debunked. Everyday Health; September 9, 2022. everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/common-myths-about-soy-debunked
2. Martinez J, Lewi JE. An unusual case of gynecomastia associated with soy product consumption. Endocr Pract. 2008;14(4):415-418. doi:10.4158/EP.14.4.415
3. Messina M. Soybean isoflavone exposure does not have feminizing effects on men: a critical examination of the clinical evidence. Fertil Steril. 2010;93(7):2095-2104. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.03.002
4. Hamilton-Reeves JM, Vazquez G, Duval SJ, Phipps WR, Kurzer MS, Messina MJ. Clinical studies show no effects of soy protein or isoflavones on reproductive hormones in men: results of a meta-analysis. Fertil Steril. 2010;94(3):997-1007. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.04.038
