Soy beverages and women's health: evidence review and experts opinion

Abstract

Soy drinks are an increasingly consumed option within the Western diet. However, there are concerns about potential endocrine disruptor effects and possible impact on women's reproductive health. This review evaluates scientific documents in gynecology and obstetrics under an evidence-based medicine approach. All methods adhered to PRISMA 2020 declaration guidelines. The evaluated studies do not support a positive association between soy intake and early puberty or breast cancer; instead, a protective effect against such neoplasm was observed. Transplacental passage of soy isoflavones and their presence in breast milk has been reported without any maternal-fetal complications nor congenital malformations. Exposure to soy-derived products appears to have a neutral effect on body weight and bone health. Studies performed in adults indicate that soy may promote a minimal increase in thyrotropin (TSH) in subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. The impact of soy-based foods on gut microbiota appears favorable, especially when consuming fermented products. Many of the human studies have been conducted with isoflavones supplements, isolated or textured soy proteins. Therefore, the results and conclusions should be interpreted cautiously, as these are not entirely applicable to commercial soy beverages.