Can excessive soy milk cause infertility? Doctor: Moderate intake has many benefits

Foreign media reported that animal experiments on mice found that consuming large amounts of soy milk can easily lead to infertility! The doctor pointed out that soy products contain antioxidants, which can also regulate hormones, protect cardiovascular system, and increase bone density, which have preventive and health-care effects on the body. As for foreign research, he speculated that it is currently only in the animal experiment stage and can only be used for reference. Due to the fine division of labor in human tissues, it seems that as long as a balanced intake is mastered, about 300 to 500cc of soy milk per day can be consumed, which should not affect female reproduction and pregnancy.

Soy milk is rich in soy isoflavones. People should try to choose natural, less refined and processed soy products. Generally speaking, the amount of soy isoflavones consumed from food is very safe. (Photo/taken from Wikipedia)

Dr. He Yicheng from the family medicine department of Shutian Clinic emphasized that soybeans, the main ingredient of soy milk, contain soy isoflavones, rich protein, and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as Omega3 and Omega6, which can lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure in the human body. It also contains plant sterols, saponins, vitamin E, and 15 kinds of plant compounds.

Soy isoflavones are a type of phytoestrogen, also known as plant estrogen. They are a natural hormone with almost no reports of obvious side effects. According to foreign research, soy isoflavones have a significant effect on improving menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, restlessness, depression, weakness, joint and muscle pain, and palpitations.

Generally speaking, soy isoflavones are 40% to 50% effective in relieving menopausal symptoms. Although the effect is not as good as hormone replacement therapy, it is a natural substance, so it is certain that there are no side effects. However, the quality of products on the market is uneven. It is recommended to consult a doctor, pharmacist or nutritionist before taking it.

Recently, the National Institute of Health in the United States also showed that estrogen supplementation has an impact on women's heart disease, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and osteoporosis. Estrogen supplementation alone can reduce fractures and menopausal symptoms, but it can increase the risk of stroke, thrombosis, and embolism, and will not help improve the quality of life.

However, animal experiments have found that administration of soy isoflavones (including the main active ingredients Genistein and Daidzein, etc.) can stimulate the survival rate and proliferation of mouse osteoblast cell lines. There are reports in postmenopausal women that soy isoflavones can relieve menopausal symptoms, bone loss, blood fat, sugar metabolism, brain, cardiovascular and fracture prevention effects. The medical community generally believes that this study evaluating the effects of soy isoflavones is a fairly complete observation project.

Dr. He Yicheng recommends that people should try to choose natural, less refined and processed soy products. Generally speaking, the amount of soy isoflavones consumed from food is very safe and will not interfere with the body's hormone levels. However, if capsule extracts are taken, due to the high concentration, they may disrupt the body's normal endocrine system, so it is best to use them with caution under the guidance of a doctor or professional.