Soymilk Production Research Articles

Quantification of Human IgE Immunoreactive Soybean Proteins in Commercial Soy Ingredients and Products

The objective of this study was the detection and quantification of human IgE immunoreactive soybean proteins in commercially available soy ingredients and products. Optimum dilutions of primary antibody and antigens as well as detection sensitivity were determined for the implementation of a sandwich ELISA method using plasma from soy sensitive subjects (IgE ranging from 0.35 to 98.7 IU/mL). Human IgE immunoreactivity of commercial soybean ingredients showed that the plasma of subjects with strong allergic reaction to soybean presented proportionally higher immunoreactive response. Soy protein isolate and soy protein concentrate contained less immunoreactive proteins than soy flour and grits. As expected, a hypoallergenic soybean product presented the lowest IgE immunoreactivity. Hydrolyzed and fermented soy ingredients showed negligible human IgE immunoreactivity when proteins and peptides were <20 kDa. The IgE immunoreactivity of soymilk samples ranged from 3.4 to 68.9 ng IgE/mg extracted protein. Tofu contained about 20-fold higher IgE immunoreactivity than soymilk products (median 171 ng IgE/mg extracted protein). Furthermore, soy cheese products presented twice the IgE immunoreactivity than tofu products (median 359 ng IgE/mg protein). Meat analogues presented considerably high extracted protein concentration (median 67.9 mg/g product). The findings of the current investigation demonstrate sandwich ELISA as a reliable immunochemical method with good repeatability, sensitivity, and low detection limit to quantify IgE immunoreactive proteins in soy ingredients and products. Quantitative measurement of specific IgE is likely to become an increasingly valuable tool for soybean industry to comply with food labeling for manufacturers, thus protecting soy-sensitive consumers.

Utilization of Okara, a Byproduct from Soymilk Production, through the Development of Soy‐Based Snack Food

This study was conducted to develop a new soy-based food product that could utilize okara (a byproduct from soymilk production) and maximize the health benefits of okara for the consumer. A Japanese commercial okara snack product was used as a standard reference. Two types of dried okara powder, a commercially dried okara powder with 7.7% moisture content made from regular (lipoxygenase-present) soybeans and a partially dried okara with 44.3% moisture content made from lipoxygenase-free (LOX-null) soybeans, were used in this study. Commercial low saturated soybean oil and commercial low linolenic acid soybean oil were also used in the same formulation to compare and find the best formulation for a baked or deep-fat-fried soy-based food product. Two descriptive analysis studies were performed with a minimum of 15 trained panelists. Instrumental analyses with a Hunter Lab system and a TA.XT2i texture analyzer and chemical analysis were performed to compare with the sensory results. All the results were statistically analyzed. The baked product made from commercial low saturated soybean oil and the partially dried LOX-null okara powder gave the closest flavor, texture, and appearance to the reference standard. The final product contained 11.4% protein and 7.4% dietary fiber, which were, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0 times higher than the reference. The calcium content was also 4.3 times higher than the reference. The objectives of this study were achieved by developing a new soy-based snack food, which has more health benefits with an enjoyable flavor and texture than the existing commercial product.

CHANGES IN SOYMILK QUALITY AS A FUNCTION OF COMPOSITION AND STORAGE

ABSTRACT Three soymilk products formulated with different concentrations of fat, sugar and starch were evaluated for changes in their physical properties and volatiles profile over time (3 months) under different temperatures (4, 22 and 38C) of storage. Samples were tested for pH, color, viscosity and volatile flavor changes. The pH and color of the soymilks decreased significantly during the first month of storage and then remained stable over time. Color and viscosity of the soymilk products were affected by both the soymilk composition and storage treatment. The high‐fat soymilk sample (product C) had the whitest color (lower ΔE) and the lowest viscosity. Storage at 38C negatively affected the color. The viscosities of the soymilk products stored at 4C were the lowest among the treatments. The major volatiles identified in all soymilk products were hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, hexanol, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, benzaldehyde, 2‐pentyl furan and 2‐ethyl furan. The intensities of the volatile compounds in the soymilk products increased during the first weeks of storage, particularly when stored at 38C. The intensities, however, decreased gradually over time. Among the three formulated soymilk products, the sweetened sample (product B) gave the lowest flavor intensities under all three temperatures of storage. Overall, storage at 4C and addition of sugar preserve best the soymilk quality.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSSoy products are well appreciated for their nutritional and potential health benefits. Soy beverage consumption is increasing among North American consumers because of improvements in soy beverage quality and processing technologies. There is, however, a demand for new value‐added soy‐based drinks with improved “functional” (health‐benefiting) properties. Soy beverage could be an excellent carrier for “functional” or “nutritive” ingredients such as minerals, vitamins and omega 3 oils; however, addition of such ingredients may affect the stability of the product and requires the development appropriate of technologies for their incorporation. Results from this project provide new knowledge on the storage stability and quality of three different soy product formulations. The information could be useful in the establishment of optimal conditions for processing of functional soy beverages, for use by the food industry.

Survival of Listeria monocytogenes inoculated in retail soymilk products

The consumption of soymilk products has been growing; because these foods contain proteins and isoflavone, and lack of lactose and cholesterol. The survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes in the soymilk products were investigated by inoculating Listeria monocytogenes into various retail soymilk products which claimed to improve or fortify the functional properties. The results show that the refrigeration cannot successfully prevent the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in soymilk products. The addition of fiber content and higher viscosity in soymilk may significantly inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes at 4–7 °C; however, this phenomenon was not observed when the incubation temperature was elevated to 22 °C. The change of pH value and TTS (total soluble solids) in soymilk products owing to L. monocytogenes, especially those with rich fiber content, might be negligible for the public. Thus the possible contamination of L. monocytogenes to soymilk products should be of crucial concern.

Selected Odor Compounds in Cooked Soymilk as Affected by Soybean Materials and Direct Steam Injection

Soy odor is a major concern in the consumption of soymilk by Western consumers. The objectives of this study were to determine selected soy odor compounds as affected by soybean materials and direct steam injection and to determine if the steam-injection method affected overall cooked soy aroma of the soymilk and compared to the soymilk cooked by a traditional indirect method. Five varieties of soybeans with or without lipoxygenases were processed by direct-steam injection for up to 20 min at 100 degrees C. Eight selected odor compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography after extraction using a solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) method. Hexanal, hexanol, 1-octen-3-ol, 1-octen-3-one, and trans-2-nonenal decreased whereas 2-pentylfuran and trans-2, trans-4-decadienal increased by boiling up to 20 min. The results showed that soybean variety was a significant factor to affect odor compositions. Direct steam injection cooked soymilk resulted in lower odor contents than a traditional indirect cooking method. The advantage of having a low odor composition in the heated soymilk products made from lipoxygenases-null soybean varieties could be attained by using normal soybean materials with direct steam injection.

Effect of Components Extracted from Okara on the Physicochemical Properties of Soymilk and Tofu Texture

The physicochemical properties of soymilk and the texture of tofu were compared with regard to 2 kinds of soymilk, one of which was prepared by squeezing homogenates before heating and the other was prepared by squeezing after heating raw soymilk with okara, residue of soymilk production. Relative particulate protein content and viscosity were higher and pH was lower in the soymilk prepared by the latter method, in which liberated lipid bodies were decreased and more lipids were precipitated with protein after centrifugation, suggesting a change in the interaction between proteins and lipids. A difference in the distribution of proteins and lipids was also implied by analysis with a laser particle size analyzer. The breaking stress of tofu made with 0.30% glucono-delta-lactone increased in accordance with an increase in particulate protein. The calcium and magnesium contents increased in soymilk prepared by squeezing after heating with okara. Viscosity was slightly increased and pH decreased by adding calcium to the soymilk, but the particulate protein content and breaking stress of tofu did not increase significantly. To examine the effect of macromolecules, okara was extracted by boiling and dialyzed. Viscosity and particulate protein content in soymilk increased as the dialyzed extracts of the okara were added. The breaking stress of tofu was increased by adding the dialyzed extracts but excessive amounts of the extracts resulted in softer tofu. Spectra of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and electrophoresis-separated patterns of proteins indicated that the dialyzed extracts contained mainly polysaccharides and the Basic 7S globulin protein.

균질기 압력을 변화시켜 제조한 두유의 유화안정성

The purpose of this study was to make soy milk without using any food additives. First, it was attempted to find the effects of homogenizing pressure on the emulsion stability of soy milk without addition of monoglyceride. The soy milk was made with the ratio of bean and water as 1:8, and the yields of soy milk was measured to be 5.87 fold of the beans used. After making soy milk by differentiated pressure of the homogenizer at 50 kg/㎠, 100 kg/㎠, 150 kg/㎠ and 200 kg/㎠, general composition of the center part of soy milk was analysed. The analysis results indicated that the lipid content increased by the increase of the emulsion pressure. Moreover, the suspension stability, emulsion stability and viscosity also increased by the increase of the emulsion pressure. Therefore, we thought that the production of soy milk without adding any emulsifier was possible only by homogenizing at higher pressure over 150 kg/㎠.

Selected Odor Compounds in Soymilk As Affected by Chemical Composition and Lipoxygenases in Five Soybean Materials

Protein, fat content, and beany odor affect consumers' choice of soy foods. Our objective was to characterize protein, lipid, and lipoxygenase activities and fatty acid compositions in food soybeans and to determine how chemical composition and enzyme activities related to the generation of beany odor components, including hexanal, hexanol, trans-2-nonenal, 1-octen-3-ol, and trans-2,trans-4-decadienal in soymilk. Protein, lipid, and fatty acid compositions and lipoxygenase activities of five soybean materials, including Proto, IA2032, IA 2064, IA3017, and L-Star varieties, were analyzed. Soymilk was prepared by a traditional method involving soaking, grinding, and cooking processes. Selected odor compounds in raw and cooked soymilk were analyzed by solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography. Results showed that soybeans differed in crude protein and lipid content, lipoxygenase activities, and fatty acid compositions. L-Star had the highest and Proto the lowest lipid content among the five soybean cultivars. Protein content, lipoxygenases, and linoleic acid were positively correlated with beany odor content in soymilk made from the selected soybean materials. After boiling for 20 min, the soymilk made from L-Star and IA2032 retained the lowest odor profiles among the soymilk products made from the five selected materials.

Culture‐Specific Variation in the Flavor Profile of Soymilks

ABSTRACT: A modified quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) method was used to determine sensory profiles of 8 soymilk products: 3 manufactured in Australia, 3 manufactured in Singapore, 1 manufactured in Malaysia, and 1 manufactured in Hong Kong. A panel (n= 7) was selected, trained in descriptive profiling of soymilk, and developed a soymilk language that was used to evaluate the flavor attributes of the soymilk products. A repeated‐measure ANOVA showed highly reproducible panel performance, and significant differences in soymilk attributes among all soymilks. A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed 2 main groupings among the soymilks that corresponded to cultural origin: Australia and Asia (Singapore and Hong Kong/Malaysia). Products from Australia were significantly stronger in milky, astringent, salty notes and pale in color, while products from Asia were significantly stronger in beany, cooked beans, sweet, and pandan notes (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, the Asian soymilks could be separated into 2 subgroups, with Singaporean soymilks having deeper color, greater viscosity, and less green flavor than Hong Kong/Malaysia soymilks. Australian produced soymilk is bovine‐milk‐like compared with Asian soymilk, presumably due to bovine milk being the primary source of milk in Australia. We conclude that culture‐specific flavor preferences are a determining factor in flavor profiles of soymilks from geographically distinct regions.

Comparison of Effects of High-Pressure Processing and Heat Treatment on Immunoactivity of Bovine Milk Immunoglobulin G in Enriched Soymilk under Equivalent Microbial Inactivation Levels

Immunoglobulin-rich foods may provide health benefits to consumers. To extend the refrigerated shelf life of functional foods enriched with bovine immunoglobulin G (IgG), nonthermal alternatives such as high-pressure processing (HPP) may offer advantages to thermal processing for microbial reduction. To evaluate the effects of HPP on the immunoactivity of bovine IgG, a soymilk product enriched with milk protein concentrates, derived from dairy cows that were hyperimmunized with 26 human pathogens, was subjected to HPP or heat treatment. To achieve a 5 log reduction in inoculated Escherichia coli 8739, the HPP or heat treatment requirements were 345 MPa for 4 min at 30 degrees C or for 20 s at 70 degrees C, respectively. To achieve a 5 log reduction in natural flora in the enriched soymilk, the HPP or heat treatments needed were 552 MPa for 4 min at 30 degrees C or for 120 s at 78.2 degrees C, respectively. At equivalent levels for a 5 log reduction in E. coli, HPP and heat treatment caused 25% and no detectable loss in bovine IgG activity, respectively. However, at equivalent levels for a 5 log reduction in natural flora, HPP and heat resulted in 65 and 85% loss of bovine IgG activity, respectively. Results of combined pressure-thermal kinetic studies of bovine milk IgG activity were provided to determine the optimal process conditions to preserve product function.

A cluster of thyrotoxicosis associated with consumption of a soy milk product

Objective: To determine whether a New Zealand cluster of thyrotoxicosis with low uptake on scintiscan was associated with soy milk consumption.Method: A case‐control study was conducted, with controls matched by age, sex, and region.Results: All cases (5/5) and one control (1/30) consumed soy milk before the index date. The cases all drank a brand of soy milk that had unexpectedly high levels of iodine. In a simple unmatched unadjusted analysis, the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval for the odds ratio was 19.Conclusion: This cluster was associated with consumption of a soy milk product. The thyrotoxicosis was probably due to iodine‐induced thyrotoxicosis.Implications: This investigation raises issues about quality control in manufacturing processes and the monitoring of food products for their safety. It also raises issues about public and health professional awareness of the potential health effects from food additives in some processed foods.

Identification of volatile compounds in soymilk using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography

Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) gas chromatography was used to analyze volatile compounds in soymilk. The effect of incubation temperature (30–70 °C) and time (5–60 min), sample volume (0.5–5 ml), and type of SPME fiber (65 μm CWAX–DVB, 70 μm PDMS–DVB and 85 μm CAR–PDMS) were studied. All the factors markedly affected sensitivity and selectivity. Among the three fibers tested, the CAR–PDMS fiber had greater sensitivity to a more diverse range of volatile compounds, followed by PDMS–DVB and CWAX–DVB fibers using both soymilk and water with added volatiles as a matrix. SPME optimization conducted using a water matrix with added known soy volatiles, showed the following conditions to be optimal for selectivity and sensitivity: incubation temperature of 40 °C, incubation time of 20 min, and sample volume of 5 ml (for volatile compound concentration of ∼25 ppm). The selected conditions were used for the analysis of volatiles in six commercial soymilk samples. A total of 30 volatile compounds were identified. The results showed significant differences in the total volatiles of the soymilk products. The repeatability of measurements of total volatiles compounds of soymilk was ∼5.4% for four replicate analyses. Similar volatile compounds were present in all the samples analyzed but at different concentrations. The method proposed is simple and can be used to measure both hexanal and/or total volatiles in soymilk samples.

بهینه سازی عوامل مؤثر بر خصوصیات کمی و کیفی پنیر سویا (تافو)

In this study, soymilk curd (tofu) was produced and evaluated at three stages according to Iranian preference. In the first stage, the effect of soybean varieties (Williams & Habbit), production methods (Traditional & Recommended), and formulation (0, 10 and 20% cheese whey instead of water used in soymilk production) on the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of tofu were evaluated. In the second stage, fresh tofu was stored in brine or cheese whey containing salt at different concentrations (2, 4 & 6%) and the quality of tofu was then evaluated. In the third stage, the consumer preference and the consumption attributes were determined. The results shown that the best quality of tofu will be achieved when the Williams variety, the recommended method and 0% whey are used. Furthermore, the results indicated that the most appropriate storage medium is cheese whey with 4% salt. Such product can gain the 72% of the consumer’s acceptability. Key words: soybean, soymilk, soymilk curd (tofu) and whey.

Produção de 'leite' de soja enriquecido com cálcio

"Leite" de soja é um produto de elevado valor nutricional, com alto conteúdo protéico, sendo um excelente produto para os indivíduos intolerantes à lactose. Entretanto, o conteúdo de cálcio - importante mineral para manutenção dos ossos - é baixo, sendo requerida sua adição, a fim de melhorar o valor nutricional do produto. O objetivo deste estudo foi produzir "leite" de soja adicionado de cálcio com adequada qualidade sensorial. A avaliação sensorial foi conduzida com uma equipe de provadores selecionados e treinados da EMBRAPA Agroindústria de Alimentos visando identificar o sal de cálcio mais adequado ao produto. Os seguintes atributos sensoriais foram analisados: gredosidade, sabor de feijão cru, corpo, sabor estranho e qualidade global de sabor. As perdas decorrentes do processamento também foram investigadas. O produto adicionado de fosfato tricálcio de sódio forneceu o melhor produto quanto às características sensoriais e o "leite" com lactato de cálcio apresentou as menores perdas durante o processamento, seguido do cálcio quelato. Entretanto, uma separação de fases foi observada no primeiro. Mesmo o "leite" de soja com cálcio quelato tendo apresentado sabor estranho, este foi o indicado para o enriquecimento, devido à alta solubilidade e biodisponibilidade.

A Novel Functional Soy‐based Food Fermented by Lactic Acid Bacteria: Effect of Heat Treatment

ABSTRACT: The development of a novel fermented soymilk product using selected lactic acid bacteria was performed. The immunomodulatory properties of strains able to grow in soymilk were evaluated in a murine model using inbred BALB/c mice. Lactobacillus acidophilus CRL 43 and CRL 1064 and Lactobacillus paracasei CRL 75 and CRL 208 were all able to significantly increase the phagocytic index (41 ± 4) compared with the control group (16 ± 3) when given individually. These strains were then used in the elaboration of multicultured fermented soymilks that were able to stimulate an innate immune response (peritoneal macrophage activation). However, these novel fermented products sometimes caused undesired secondary effects such as microbial translocation and animal weight loss. When the same fermented products were subjected to heat treatment, they were still able to stimulate the innate immune response without causing secondary effects. These results clearly show that it is not always necessary for lactic acid bacteria to be alive to exert a beneficial physiological effect. This study could thus be used as a model in the design and future evaluation of novel fermented vegetable products.

Production and sensory characteristics of flavoured soymilk samples

AbstractThe sensory quality characteristics of four flavoured soymilk samples including vanilla, banana, coffee and chocolate were evaluated at varying concentrations of the flavour. This was done to establish the most acceptable flavour and desired concentration for commercial production of soymilk and also to facilitate increased consumption of soymilk for improved nutrition. Hot extraction of the milk from blanched soybeans was achieved by blending in hot water and sieving through muslin cloth. Different concentration levels of the flavours being assessed, namely chocolate, coffee, vanilla and banana, were added. Consumer preference for the various samples was assessed using a nine‐point hedonic scale. Addition of flavours was found to improve the sensory characteristics and consumer preference of soymilk. Colour, taste, aroma, mouthfeel and hence overall acceptability of the soymilk samples were improved significantly by the addition of vanilla, banana, coffee and chocolate flavours. The maximum concentrations of the individual flavours for optimal sensory impact were established. Based on the results, the following flavour concentrations are recommended per 100 ml of soymilk: 0.03% vanilla, 0.01% banana, 1.5% coffee and 4% chocolate.

Sugar and acid contents in soymilk fermented with lactic acid bacteria alone or simultaneously with bifidobacteria

In this study, two strains of lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus CCRC 14079 and Streptococcus thermophilus CCRC 14085 were used in single culture and in combination with either Bifidobacteria infantis CCRC 14633 or Bifidobacteria longum B6 for the production of fermented soymilk. Changes in the content of some components including sugars, organic acids and acidity in soymilk during fermentation were examined. Results revealed that L. acidophilus and S. thermophilus were capable of metabolizing stachyose and raffinose in soymilk. In addition, S. thermophilus exploited these substrates more efficiently than L. acidophilus. During the 24–32 h of fermentation with single culture of either L. acidophilus or S. thermophilus, content of raffinose, stachyose, sucrose, and pH in soymilk decreased, while content of fructose and glucose plus galactose increased. Introduction of bifidobacteria with lactic acid bacteria as the starter culture affected significantly the sugar and acid contents of the fermented soymilk. A further reduction in the content of stachyose and raffinose and a higher content of sucrose, fructose, glucose plus galactose and acetic acid were found in soymilk fermented with mixed cultures of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria than that fermented with single culture of the respective lactic acid bacteria.

The Allergenicity of Soybean-Based Products Is Modified by Food Technologies

Background: Numerous products based on soybean are available and various food technologies are applied for their production. The allergenicity of natural soybean may be modified by these treatments. Objectives: To compare the allergenicity of native soybean proteins with those of soy milk and texturized protein products. To show additional allergens. Methods: Three commercial products and two infant formulas were studied: Soybean flour, soy milk, texturized soy proteins, two infant formulas; the first containing total proteins and the second containing a soy protein hydrolysate. Sera from 9 patients allergic to soy protein were tested by immunoblotting (IB). IB inhibition was achieved by incubating sera with protein extract from soybean flour. Results: The SDS-PAGE profile of soybean flour protein and soy milk showed a difference in the proportions of the various protein fractions, with a higher concentration of 37-kD protein in flour and 33-kD protein in milk. Infant formula 1 contained proteins with a molecular weight below 28 kD. The texturized extract contained high proportions of 31- to 34- and 38-kD proteins. Immunoblotting revealed a lack of allergenicity in infant formula. Sera recognizing the 38- and 50-kD proteins in texturized soy protein also recognized the 37- and 49-kD proteins in soybean flour and in soy milk, suggesting a protein glycation by texturization processes. The 30- to 34-kD band in texturized proteins was devoid of any allergenicity. This study seems to indicate that the 30-kD allergen (Gly m Bd 30) disappears during the production of texturized soy protein. Conclusion: All technologies applied to soybean-based products induce striking variation in the protein profile and allergenicity. Texturized protein could lack the major allergen Gly m Bd 30. Further studies or texturization might generate modified technologies in order to create hypoallergenic texturized proteins.

Growth Inhibition and Induction of Apoptosis in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells by Fermented Soy Milk

The effect of a fermented soy milk product (FSP) on various human breast carcinoma cell lines was investigated, and it was shown to have a growth-inhibitory effect, especially on MCF-7 cells. Thus the MCF-7 cell line was used to study the mechanism of action. In female severe combined immune deficiency mice implanted with MCF-7 cells, pretreatment with FSP significantly inhibited tumor growth. The inhibitory effect of FSP on MCF-7 cells seemed to be caused by the additive effects of a wide variety of constituents. The active components of FSP are mainly in the water phase, and the lipid-soluble fraction, which includes the soy isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein, is relatively ineffective. A variety of methods were used to demonstrate that FSP caused apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 cells. FSP induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Growth inhibition and ROS generation induced by FSP could be inhibited by catalase and deferoxamine, indicating that the ROS production probably was the cause of this apoptotic cell death. This study suggests that FSP retards tumor growth in vivo and can trigger apoptosis in vitro. It may, therefore, be a potential nutritional supplement in chemotherapy.

Soymilk Products Affect Ethanol Absorption and Metabolism in Rats during Acute and Chronic Ethanol Intake

In this study we evaluated the effects of soy products on ethanol metabolism during periods of acute and chronic consumption in rats. Gastric ethanol content and blood ethanol and acetaldehyde concentrations were investigated after the oral administration of ethanol (34 mmol/kg) plus soy products such as soymilk (SM) or fermented soymilk (FSM). The gastric ethanol concentration of the FSM group was greater than that of the control group, whereas portal and aortal blood ethanol concentrations of the FSM group were lower than in controls. The aortal acetaldehyde concentration in the FSM group was lower than that of the control group. The direct effect of isoflavones on liver function was investigated by using hepatocytes isolated from untreated rats. Genistein (5 micromol/L) decreased ethanol (P = 0.045) and tended to decrease acetaldehyde (P = 0.10) concentrations in the culture filtrate. Some variables of ethanol metabolism in the liver were investigated after chronic ethanol exposure for 25 d. Rats consumed a 5% ethanol fluid plus the SM diet, the FSM diet or a control diet. Microsomal ethanol oxidizing activity was significantly lower in the FSM group than the control group. Furthermore, cytosolic glutathione S-transferase activity was higher in the SM and FSM groups than in the control group. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activity (low K(m)) in the FSM group (P = 0.15), but not in the SM group (P = 0.31), tended to be greater than in the control group. The amount of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances in the liver of the SM and FSM groups tended to be less than that of the control group (P = 0.18 and 0.10, respectively). These results demonstrate that soymilk products inhibit ethanol absorption and enhance ethanol metabolism in rats.