Expert panel evaluates soy safety

In March 2006, the Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction, a part of the National Institutes of Health, called together a panel of 14 scientific experts to examine soy formula and genistein, a substance found in soy. The panel was convened in part because of public concerns about the effects of genistein and soy formula on infant and child development. The panel reviewed and evaluated scientific research to determine if either soy formula or genistein causes problems with reproduction or with development.

Genistein is a phytoestrogen, a substance found in soy that has properties like the hormone estrogen. Infants receiving soy formula have a higher intake of genistein and of soy per pound of body weight than any other group. Certainly, if problems were seen in infants receiving soy formula, many vegetarian families who use soy frequently would also have a reason to be concerned.

After an extensive review of the existing research, the panel concluded that there was little or no reason to be concerned about the safety of genistein for infants using soy formula. Adverse effects have not been observed at intake levels below 35 milligrams of genistein per kilogram body weight. Total genistein intake of infants using soy formula is 8 milligrams per kilogram or less, considerably below the levels that appear to cause problems. Adult intake of genistein is usually less than 1 milligram per kilogram, even in groups who eat soy regularly, such as vegetarians and the Japanese. Similarly, based on current research, use of soy formula does not appear to lead to developmental or reproductive problems. The panel urged that additional research be conducted to provide more information about the safety of soy and its components.

NTP-CERHR Expert Panel Report on the Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Soy Formula. April 2006. <http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/chemicals/genistein-soy/soyformula/ Soy-report-final.pdf>.

NTP-CERHR Expert Panel Report on the Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Genistein. April 2006. <http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/chemicals/genistein-soy/genistein/ Genistein_Report_final.pdf>.

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