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General Health
• What are the benefits of soy in relation to diabetes?
• What is the incidence of soy related allergies?
Answers
What are the benefits of soy in relation to diabetes?
The benefit of soy protein in controlling blood sugar levels has not yet been throughly researched. We are currently doing research at the University of Kentucky in young persons with Type 1 diabetes who are at a high risk for developing kidney disease. We are finding that by replacing the animal protein they would normally eat with 55 grams of soy protein that their kidney health is improved. We have found that soy is a bit gentler on the kidneys than the some of the animal proteins, such as those found in chicken, fish, meat, eggs and dairy. As you may know, one-third of those with Type 1 diabetes will develop kidney disease and we want to curb this unfortunate statistic through preventative measures. We actually have a second study starting up at this time to further evaluate the relationship between soy and improved kidney health.
At this time we do recommend that those with diabetes include soy in their diet. Many soyfoods are rich in fiber. As such, they may help to control blood sugars. We do suggest watching the soyfoods that you consume as some are high in carbohydrates, for example soy snack bars; therefore these should probably be avoided.
What is the incidence of soy related allergies?Soy protein has been ranked 11th in allergenicity with 0.5% of young children having an allergy to soy. However, the incidence among older children and adults is extremely rare.
Those who are allergic to soy may be able to tolerate some soy foods, but have an adverse reaction to others. Fermented soy foods and those which have been processed at a high temperature are often more tolerable than to those with a soy allergy. For example, raw soybeans and sprouts are more allergenic than tofu, miso and tempeh. Soy oil contains no protein and therefore is safe for those with a soy allergy. It is important for those with an allergy to soy to read food labels as soy is often added to prepackaged food items such as bakery products, breads and soups. Restaurants also often add soy products in their meal preparation.
In general, soy foods are an excellent substitute for those individuals with an allergy to animal proteins, such as cows milk. Unfortunately, there are some people who are allergic to soy and for these people avoiding foods with so protein can be difficult, but can be done.
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