Soy Link to Lower Cholesterol Confirmed, Says Solae

Solae, a soy ingredient supplier, presented a study confirming soy consumption’s link to lower cholesterol at the American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions on November 10.

“These findings build on the body of evidence that continues to strongly justify maintaining the currently approved health claim for the role of soy protein in lowering heart disease risk,” said Priscilla Samuel, PhD, director of Nutrition at Solae, and lead researcher of the study.

“According to the American Heart Association, at a population level for every 1 percent reduction in blood cholesterol there is a 2-3 percent reduction in the rate of coronary heart disease which is still the leading cause of death in the United States. Our research confirms that consuming soy protein is one way to reduce total cholesterol.”

Solae’s research team reviewed over 150 studies using the FDA’s 2007 evidence-based guidance for scientific evaluation of health claims, the company said.

The meta-analysis found reductions in total blood cholesterol of 9.54 mg/dL and reductions in LDL cholesterol of 7.12 mg/dL. Results showed consuming 25 grams of soy protein per day results in significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.