April 13, 2007 — Research from Dr. Walter Willett of Harvard University, Dr. Alice Lichtenstein of Tufts University, and the National Institute of Health and Nutrition in Japan confirms findings of the FDA health claim for soy protein and heart disease. Soy protein was shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood from 3-14 percent, depending on the starting point for blood cholesterol and the current diet and drug routine of individuals.
Dr. Willett's study on women with metabolic syndrome appeared in the March edition of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Dr. Lichtenstein's study on people with high blood cholesterol, and the meta-analysis conducted by the Japanese researchers, appear in the April issue of the same journal. These findings are consistent with results of many studies confirming that soy protein's cholesterol- lowering effects are modest, but important, for those concerned with heart health.
For more information visit www.soyfoods.org.