Busting Myths about Soy: Pregnancy,Fertility,Children

Pregnancy and Fertility

Myth: Soy affects fertility.

Reality: There is no human scientific evidence indicating that consuming soy has an effect on of fertility.

Myth: Consuming soy affects men's sperm.

Reality: There is no clinical data suggesting soy consumption negatively affects sperm quality or quantity. Three clinical trials have examined soy consumption and sperm quality and quantity, and all showed no effect.1,4,5 The trials also showed no relationship between soy consumption and men's reproductive hormone levels.6

Myth: Soy is not safe for pregnant women.

Reality: There is no scientific evidence that soy is unsafe for pregnant women. In fact, fortified soymilk like Silk is a delicious and convenient source of many nutrients that are important in pregnancy including calcium and high-quality protein. Soymilk is also lactose-free, which may be helpful to some pregnant women with lactose sensitivity. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor for advice about a healthy diet.

Back to Top

Children

Myth: Soy is dangerous for children

Reality: Soymilk like Silk and other soyfoods can be a nutritious addition to a child's diet. For most children, soymilk can be introduced around the same time you'd introduce dairy milk (usually around age one). Since all children are different, Silk recommends consulting your doctor before changing your child's diet. Silk is a good source of high-quality protein and provides many of the same nutrients found in milk including calcium, vitamin D, potassium, riboflavin and vitamin B12. Soymilk and other milk alternatives should not be used as infant formula.

Myth: Soy doesn't support growth and development in children.

Reality: The medical and nutrition communities, as well as government agencies, agree that soy can play a valuable role in a healthy balanced diet for men, women and children alike. Soy is a complete plant protein, meaning that it contains all of the amino acids necessary for optimal human health. Soymilk such as Silk is also an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D; two nutrients especially important for growing kids. A serving of Silk provides as much calcium and vitamin D as a glass of dairy milk.

Myth: Consuming soy affects sexual development.

Reality: There is no human scientific evidence showing that soy affects sexual development. Soy does not contain the hormone estrogen. It does, however, contain isoflavones, also known as phytoestrogens or "plant estrogens." While the chemical structure of isoflavones is similar to estrogen, the two function very differently in the body. Isoflavones have been studied for a number of beneficial effects including a potential role in supporting heart and bone health, minimizing menopausal symptoms and reducing the risk of some forms of cancer.

(Original Location: silksoymilk.com)