Soy Protein May Help in Prostate Cancer

CHICAGO - Jul 7/05 - SNS -- Recent statistical reviews of earlier population studies suggests regular consumption of soy protein-containing foods and beverages may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men by up to 30%, according to a study published in this month's issue of the International Journal of Cancer.

Authored by Lin Yan, Ph.D., director of cancer research for The Solae Company and Edward Spitznagel, Ph.D., professor of mathematics at Washington University, the recently released study is a meta-analysis of eight population studies published to date that investigated consumption of soy protein-containing foods in relation to prostate cancer in men.

Five of these studies were completed in the U.S and Canada, while three were conducted in Asian countries. The statistical analysis of the combined studies suggested there was a 30% reduction in the risk of prostate cancer in men who regularly consumed soy protein-containing foods.

The finding of this study is also consistent and supported by a cross-national analysis of prostate mortality rate in relation to nutritional factors using data from United Nations sources. In the 42 countries which the appropriate data is available, soy consumption is correlated to a significantly lower mortality rate from prostate cancer. The protection from soy is demonstrated to be at least four times greater than from any other dietary factors that were analyzed.

"In addition to preventing prostate cancer, other benefits - such as maintaining overall health, lowering cholesterol, and even slowing the development of diabetes - of incorporating soy protein in a daily diet are slowly coming to light," said Dr. Yan. "Most research points toward soy protein being considered a more than just a heart healthy food."