-Caveat Lector- Hi list (especially Mike) I received an answer today to a posting by Mike Spitzer that I forwarded a while ago from the cattle industry lobbying group Weston Price Organization. That group had gathered contributions from its meat ranchers members to disseminate anti-soy scare propaganda (made semiofficial with the phrase "studies show"--but when you read the cited studies they do not make these statements) to show that soy was "harmful" and that meat should be consumed instead. In actuality, they did noSee reply, together with considerable scientific documentation and cited material from the FDA. ----- Original Message ----- From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> http://www.revivalhealth.com To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2001 7:53 AM Subject: Your Revival Question (LOW 171802) Hello Jenny. Thank you for contacting me with your question. Sorry for the delay! Over 500 customers PER DAY contact us with medical questions. Dr. Tabor compiled these studies for you & we will do all we can. Thank you for directing me to that information. I am constantly watching for any true evidence that soy protein causes harm because my own mother uses Revival daily. The claims they argue are not new. Within the past year, the FDA, the North American Menopause Society, and now the American Heart Association, have all officially recommended that everyone consume more soy protein. This was based on the medical evidence. A recent panel of world experts (April 2000) determined that the amount of soy nutrients needed to achieve all of the potential benefits of soy, including a reduced risk of certain cancers, was in the range of the amount found in a single serving of Revival: Appropriate Isoflavone Food Fortification Levels: Results of a Consensus Conference. J.J.B. Anderson, H. Adlercreutz, S. Barnes, M.R. Bennink, M.S. Kurzer, P. Murphy, K. Setchell, C.M. Weaver, and C.M. Hasler. Univ. of No. Carolina, Helsinki, Ala.-Birmingham, Michigan St., Minnesota, Iowa St., Cincinnati, Purdue and Illinois. Experimental Biology 2000, San Diego, CA April 15-18, 2000. Several leading isflavone researchers convened recently to establish appropriate isoflavone food fortification levels. A consensus was achieved after reviewing human studies in the areas of menopause, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. For the relief of menopausal symptoms, an intake of 60 mg aglycones was proposed, but consumption of soy protein in conjunction with the isoflavones was not specifically recommended. For improvement in bone mineral density, consumption of 60 to 100 mg aglycones per day, without any concomitant soy protein, was suggested. The consensus panel determined that the minimal intake needed to reduce serum LDL-cholesterol is between 37 and 62 mg aglycones per day, depending on prior cholesterol status (normo- vs. hypercholesterolemia), in conjunction with approximately 25 g of soy protein. The minimal intake for potentially reducing the risk of cancers of the breast, colon and prostate in humans was suggested to be between 50 and 110 mg per day of aglycones. No concomitant soy protein might augment activity of the isoflavones. For health benefits, recommended aglycone intakes ranged from 60 to 100 mg per day (100 to 160 mg glycosides). However, the panel recommended an isoflavone intake of 60 mg of aglycones per day (100 mg glycosides) as a reasonable and responsible food fortification level. The issue of whether soy protein needs to be consumed in conjunction with isoflavones to obtain optimal health benefits requires further experimental investigation. NOTE: Revival has about 150 to 160 milligrams of glycosides per serving, putting it within the range recommended by the panel of worldwide experts on soy consumption. >From a personal standpoint, we have not seen any of this in over 30,000 Revival customers. The FDA did examine these claims and recently issued the following press release on August 14, 2000: US FDA says it weighed soy concerns versus benefits By Lisa Richwine WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. health regulators weighed concerns that soy products might be harmful but decided soy's positive effects justified touting its benefits to consumers, a Food and Drug Administration official said Monday. The agency comment came in response to published remarks from two FDA scientists that eating soy might cause health problems, particularly if given daily to infants in soy milk formulas. Drs. Daniel Doerge and Daniel Sheehan, the FDA scientists, have spoken to media organizations to warn that infants given soy formula might grow up to develop fertility problems. They also worry that eating soy regularly might increase the risk of breast cancer in women and brain damage in men. Their most recent comments were published in Britain's Observer newspaper Sunday. FDA officials considered the scientists' views and those of other critics before announcing last October that they would permit manufacturers to advertise that eating soy could help adults cut their risk of heart disease. ``We are well aware of the concerns, but we did balance those concerns with the other positive effects,'' an FDA official said in an interview Monday. The FDA reviewed scientific studies on soy before concluding that adults who consume 25 grams of soy protein per day could see a ``significant'' lowering of cholesterol, which would lower their risk of heart disease. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading killer of Americans. Critics told the FDA soy could cause harm because it contains a chemical similar to the female hormone, estrogen, that might disrupt normal hormone levels and impair development. Some warned about the possibility of cancer, impaired fertility or thyroid problems. The FDA said the concerns were not supported by conclusive scientific research. While chemicals in soy do exert hormonal effects, the impact is ``very limited'' and much lower than that of natural or synthetic estrogens, the FDA said when it announced it would permit the soy health claim. Concerns that soy infant formula could be harmful were ''speculative'' pending the outcome of definitive research, the agency said. Critics who worry about the effects of soy infant formula recommend that it be used only when no alternatives exist. A farmer-supported group said Monday concerns about soy's health effects were not new but were not widely held. ``The overwhelming body of published peer-reviewed scientific evidence shows soy has numerous health benefits,'' said Michael Orso, a spokesman for the United Soybean Board. ^ REUTERS@ 17:23 08-14-00 Copyright 2000 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL. ============ Additionally, here are answers to the common accusations against soy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. STATEMENT: Trypsin inhibitors (protease inhibitors) in soy interfere with protein digestion and may cause pancreatic disorders. RESPONSE: Trypsin is a pancreatic enzyme that helps digest protein. Trypsin inhibitors are present in soybeans, as they are in a variety of foods, including potatoes, beans, sweet corn, peanuts and many other vegetables and cereals. Trypsin inhibitor activity levels are effectively reduced via application of heat during processing that ensures the protein quality and the digestibility of isolated soy protein. No trypsin inhibitor interference is seen when this heat processing reduces activity to a minimal level. Revival is heat treated, thus has little trypsin activity. Small amounts of trypsin activity is associated with cancer protection in animal studies. SOY DOES NOT STUNT GROWTH IN HUMAN INFANTS (see below) Recent studies in HUMAN INFANTS show that soy formula diets produce equivalent growth ARTICLES: 1. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1997 Oct;43(5):575-80 Trypsin inhibitor activity in commercial soybean products in Japan. Miyagi Y, Shinjo S, Nishida R, Miyagi C, Takamatsu K, Yamamoto T, Yamamoto S Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan. The effect of trypsin inhibitor (TI) in soybean on the prevention of cancer has been reported in animal studies. However, the actual intake of active TI in daily life is not known. In this experiment we measured TI activity in various soybean products and the effects of some factors of processing on the TI activity. Average TI activity in whole soybean was 4,819 U/100 g, and the average percentages of remaining activity in products against that of whole soybean were momen-tofu 2.5%, yose-tofu 3.4%, kinugoshi-tofu 4.3%, jyuten-tofu 7.9%, soymilk 13.0%, natto 0.7%, soy sauce 0.8% and miso 0.3%. By heating soymilk at 100 degrees C, TI activity decreased to 11% at 10 min and 5% at 20 min. After heating soymilk in a water-bath for 15 min at 75 and 100 degrees C, TI activity decreased to 35 and 12%, respectively. The TI activity of tofu was proportional to the remaining whey. The effects of chemicals used for the coagulation of soy protein and foam-removal on TI activity were little. The results suggest that soybean products retain 2.5-12.5% TI activity of the whole soybean and that humans are consuming some active TI in their daily lives. PMID: 9505242, UI: 98166140 2. 1 : J Nutr 1995 Mar;125(3 Suppl):744S-750S Possible adverse effects of soybean anticarcinogens. Liener IE Department of Biochemistry, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108. For soybeans to serve as a good source of protein for feeding animals as well as humans, a certain amount of heat treatment or some other form of processing must be applied. This is because there are present in soybeans certain heat-labile factors that exert an adverse effect on the nutritional value of the protein. The so-called protease inhibitors have received the most attention in this regard and have been shown to exert their antinutritional effect in the short term by causing pancreatic hypertrophy and hyperplasia in the rat, the underlying cause for an inhibition of growth in these animals. The prolonged feeding of raw soy flour or an enriched trypsin inhibitor fraction from soybeans to rats results in the development of hyperplastic and neoplastic nodules of the pancreas, including carcinomas. It should be emphasized that all of these adverse effects are seen when protease inhibitors are present in relatively high concentrations in the diet and may be completely unrelated to the anticarcinogenic effects seen at low concentrations of the Bowman-Birk inhibitor. Brief mention is also made of any possible adverse effects that may result from the presence of phytic acid and saponins in soybeans. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. STATEMENT: In test animals soy containing trypsin inhibitors caused stunted growth. RESPONSE: SOY DOES NOT STUNT GROWTH IN HUMAN INFANTS (see below) Recent studies in HUMAN INFANTS show that soy formula diets produce equivalent growth as human milk. ARTICLES: 1. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 1999 Oct;38(10):563-71 Growth of newborn, term infants fed soy formulas for 1 year. Lasekan JB, Ostrom KM, Jacobs JR, Blatter MM, Ndife LI, Gooch WM 3rd, Cho S Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories, Columbus, OH, USA. Few studies have measured long-term growth in infants fed soy protein-based formulas. The effect of nucleotide (NT) supplementation of soy protein-based infant formulas on growth is unknown. Growth was therefore evaluated in healthy term infants fed a soy protein-based formula (SOY; n = 73), SOY with added NT (72 mg added NT/L) at human milk (HM) levels (SOYN, n = 73), or mixed feeding (MF, n = 67) in a randomized, masked, parallel 1-year feeding study. The MF group (a nonrandomized reference group) was fed HM exclusively from birth to 2 months of age followed by HM and/or a standard milk-based formula (Similac with Iron with no supplemental NTs) to 1 year of age. Results indicated that growth (weight, length, and head circumference) was normal and comparable among the three groups. All three groups had similar plasma albumin (at 2 months of age) and hemoglobin levels (at 12 months of age). Thus, this study demonstrated similar growth in the first year of life among infants fed MF feeding or soy formula with or without supplemental NTs. 2. Nutr Rev 1998 Jul;56(7):193-204 Isoflavones, soy-based infant formulas, and relevance to endocrine function. Klein KO Department of Clinical Science, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19899, USA. For more than 60 years, soy-based infant formulas have been fed to millions of infants worldwide and studied in controlled clinical research. These products provide essential nutrients required for normal growth and development. The safety of isoflavones in soy-based products, including infant formulas, has been questioned recently owing to reports of possible endocrine effects in animals and in cultured cells. The literature offers no evidence of endocrine effects in humans from infant consumption of modern soy-based formulas. Growth is normal and no changes in the timing of puberty or in fertility rates have been reported in humans who consumed soy formulas as infants. Consequently, soy-based infant formulas continue to be a safe, nutritionally complete feeding option for most infants. PMID: 9697385, UI: 98362724 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. STATEMENT: High levels of phytic acid in soy reduce assimilation of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Phytic acid in soy is not neutralized by ordinary preparation methods such as soaking, sprouting and long, slow cooking. High phytate diets have caused growth problems in children. Vitamin B12 analogs in soy are not absorbed and actually increase the body¹s requirement for B12. Soy foods increase the body¹s requirement for vitamin D. RESPONSE: Soy should not be your sole source of nutrition as ALL VEGETARIAN diets are subject to B12 and other vitamin/mineral deficiencies!!! These effects are minimal and reversed simply by eating a balanced diet (i.e. soy is not your only source of nutrition), or simply by taking a good multivitamin/multimineral pill (as we should all be doing along with extra anti-oxidants). Again, SOY DIETS DO NOT CAUSE GROWTH PROBLEMS. No FDA warnings have been issued for soy and mineral absorption. Many cereal and legumes, including soy, do contain phytates. Phytates are known to bind to minerals, sometimes resulting in a decrease in mineral absorption, but this is reversed with vitamin/mineral supplementation. Zinc is the mineral that is most affected by the phytates in vegetable proteins. If zinc content is a major consideration for those eating soy protein products, isolated soy protein can be supplemented with zinc in specific food applications to reduce the ratio of phytate to zinc, thus improving both zinc content and zinc bioavailability. Some studies (see below) have shown equal zinc absorption from casein and soy. Calcium phosphate is well absorbed in the presence of soy and supplementation to the soy produces levels equal to calcium from milk proteins. The FDA demonstrates that available data provides no evidence linking iron bioavailability from soy and soy protein products to health problems in any segment of the population. In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture additionally concluded that a diet containing soy protein does not significantly change (and may actually improve) blood iron levels. Dietary soy protein phytates have recently been shown to protect colon cells in animal models. ARTICLES: 1. J Nutr 1982 Oct;112(10):1809-21 Bioavailability of zinc from a diet based on isolated soy protein: application in young men of the stable isotope tracer, 70Zn. Solomons NW, Janghorbani M, Ting BT, Steinke FH, Christensen M, Bijlani R, Istfan N, Young VR With the aid of the stable isotope, 70Zn, as a tracer and neutron activation analysis, a combination of extrinsic labeling of meals and fecal monitoring of isotope excretion was used as a safe and noninvasive approach for assessing the effects of the vegetable (soy) and animal (milk, beef) proteins on the absorption of zinc in healthy, adult human volunteers. A known amount of 70Zn was added as ZnCl2, to six consecutive meals over a 2-day period during which either one of three isonitrogenous liquid formulas (skim milk; soy isolate; or a 50:50 mixture) or one of two bologna sausages (soy isolate of beef) were given. The mean absorption of 70Zn from milk, soy and soy/milk was 41 +/- 4, 34 +/- 4, and 41 +/- 7% (mean +/- SEM), respectively, the presence of soy protein having no effect on absorption of the extrinsic label. For beef bologna and soy bologna, fractional absorption of the 70Zn tracer was 41 +/- 4 and 30 +/- 3%, respectively. Beef might favor absorption of extrinsic zinc. The kinetics of isotope excretion, pooling procedures, for stool samples and the utility of fecal markers were also evaluated. PMID: 6889635, UI: 83009341 2. J Nutr 1980 Apr;110(4):829-36 Effect of isolated soybean protein on magnesium bioavailability. Lo GS, Steinke FH, Hopkins DT The effects of isolated soybean protein and animal protein on magnesium bioavailability were evaluated in this study. Total serum magnesium and femur bone ash magnesium values were used to evaluate the relative bioavailability of magnesium in diets in which ANRC casein, isolated soybean proteins, autoclaved isolated soybean proteins or lyophilized beef served as protein sources. Low magnesium basal diets were supplemented with graded levels of magnesium from magnesium carbonate and fed to weanling Sprague-Dawley rats for 28 days. Serum and femur bone ash magnesium were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis of serum and bone ash magnesium using a slope-ratio bioassay indicated that the protein sources did not have a significant effect on the bioavailability of magnesium. PMID: 7189208, UI: 80162212 3. J Nutr 1981 Dec;111(12):2223-35 Effect of phytate:zinc molar ratio and isolated soybean protein on zinc bioavailability. Lo GS, Settle SL, Steinke FH, Hopkins DT The effect of phytate to zinc (Zn) molar ratio on zinc bioavailability was evaluated in rats. The bioavailability was determined by giving an oral dose of 65Zn and measuring the liver uptake and disappearance from the gastrointestinal tract after 4 hours and fecal and urinary 65Zn excretion from 24 to 168 hours. Rats were fed a diet containing 12 ppm zinc from zinc sulfate with and without phytic acid from sodium phytate for 14 days. At the end of 14 days feeding, the rats were intubated with a homogenized diet containing 12 ppm zinc, one microCi 65Zn and graded levels of phytic acid so that the phytate:Zn molar ratio varied from 0 to 100. Zinc bioavailability was significantly reduced only in the rats fed diets containing phytate and intubated diet containing phytate:zinc molar ratio of 12.5 and above. The results from this study also indicated that measuring 65Zn disappearance and uptake was a valid bioassay for determining zinc bioavailability. The effect of isolated soybean protein on extrinsic zinc bioavailability was also evaluated in rats fed zinc adequate and zinc deficient diets. The results showed that zinc bioavailability was significantly reduced by replacing egg white protein with isolated soybean protein only when the rats were fed zinc deficient diet prior to single oral dose of 65Zn mixed with test proteins. The effect of isolated soybean protein on intrinsic zinc bioavailability for the growing rats was also evaluated. The results demonstrated that the zinc bioavailability in isolated soybean protein can be improved by fortifying with zinc so that the phytate:Zn molar ratio is less than 10. 4. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1986 Jan;5(1):122-6 Absorption of selenium from milk protein and isolated soy protein formulas in preschool children: studies using stable isotope tracer 74Se. Solomons NW, Torun B, Janghorbani M, Christensen MJ, Young VR, Steinke FH Absorption of selenium as the stable isotopic tracer [74Se]selenite was measured in four preschool children who were receiving liquid formula diets based on casein, isolated soy protein, and a 50:50 combination of the two protein sources. The children were in continuous ambulatory balance studies within the Clinical Research Center during three consecutive 11-day collection periods. The enrichment of the 74Se/76Se ratio in feces was measured by radiochemical neutron activation analysis, with fractional absorption estimated therefrom. Mean fractional absorption of selenium (+/- SD) from the formulas based on milk, isolated soy protein, and milk-soy were 64.2 +/- 14.6, 73.4 +/- 19.0, and 45.0 +/- 10.9%, respectively, with the combined formula having a significantly lower intestinal uptake for added selenite than the casein formula. Stable isotopes of selenium are safe and potentially useful tools for examining its bioavailability in the diets of young children. 5. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1999 May;221(1):80-6 Dietary intrinsic phytate protects colon from lipid peroxidation in pigs with a moderately high dietary iron intake. Porres JM, Stahl CH, Cheng WH, Fu Y, Roneker KR, Pond WG, Lei XG Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA. High iron consumption has been proposed to relate to an increase in the risk of colon cancer, whereas high levels of supplemental sodium phytate effectively reduce iron-induced oxidative injury and reverse iron-dependent augmentation of colorectal tumorigenesis. However, the protective role of intrinsic dietary phytate has not been determined. In this study, we examined the impact of removing phytate present in a corn-soy diet by supplemental microbial phytase on susceptibility of pigs to the oxidative stress caused by a moderately high dietary iron intake. Thirty-two weanling pigs were fed the corn-soy diets containing two levels of iron (as ferrous sulfate, 80 or 750 mg/kg diet) and microbial phytase (as Natuphos, BASF, Mt. Olive, NJ, 0 or 1200 units/kg). Pigs fed the phytase-supplemented diets did not receive any inorganic phosphorus to ensure adequate degradation of phytate. After 4 months of feeding, liver, colon, and colon mucosal scrapings were collected from four pigs in each of the four dietary groups. Colonic lipid peroxidation, measured as thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), was increased by both the high iron (P< 0.0008) and phytase (P< 0.04) supplementation. Both TBARS and F2-isoprostanes, an in vivo marker of lipid peroxidation, in colonic mucosa were affected by dietary levels of iron (P< 0.03). Mean hepatic TBARS in pigs fed the phytase-supplemented, high iron diet was 43%-65% higher than that of other groups although the differences were nonsignificant. Moderately high dietary iron induced hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity (P= 0.06) and protein expression, but decreased catalase (P< 0.05) in the colonic mucosa. In conclusion, intrinsic phytate in corn and soy was protective against lipid peroxidation in the colon associated with a moderately high level of dietary iron. PMID: 10320635, UI: 99255852 6. QJM 1999 Sep;92(9):531-44 Vegetarian diet: panacea for modern lifestyle diseases? Segasothy M, Phillips PA Department of Medicine, Northern Territory Clinical School of Medicine of Flinders University, Alice Springs, Australia. [EMAIL PROTECTED] [Medline record in process] We review the beneficial and adverse effects of vegetarian diets in various medical conditions. Soybean-protein diet, legumes, nuts and soluble fibre significantly decrease total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Diets rich in fibre and complex carbohydrate, and restricted in fat, improve control of blood glucose concentration, lower insulin requirement and aid in weight control in diabetic patients. An inverse association has been reported between nut, fruit, vegetable and fibre consumption, and the risk of coronary heart disease. Patients eating a vegetarian diet, with comprehensive lifestyle changes, have had reduced frequency, duration and severity of angina as well as regression of coronary atherosclerosis and improved coronary perfusion. An inverse association between fruit and vegetable consumption and stroke has been suggested. Consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially spinach and collard green, was associated with a lower risk of age-related ocular macular degeneration. There is an inverse association between dietary fibre intake and incidence of colon and breast cancer as well as prevalence of colonic diverticula and gallstones. A decreased breast cancer risk has been associated with high intake of soy bean products. The beneficial effects could be due to the diet (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, fibre, complex carbohydrate, antioxidant vitamins, flavanoids, folic acid and phytoestrogens) as well as the associated healthy lifestyle in vegetarians. There are few adverse effects, mainly increased intestinal gas production and a small risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. PMID: 10627874, UI: 20093344 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. STATEMENT: Processing of soy protein results in the formation of toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines. RESPONSE: Processing under mild alkaline conditions does not produce these compounds. Revival is processed under mild alkaline condtions. ARTICLES: 1. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 1994;34(1):31-67 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut Implications of antinutritional components in soybean foods. Liener IE Department of Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108-1022. There are a number of components present in soybeans that exert a negative impact on the nutritional quality of the protein. Among those factors that are destroyed by heat treatment are the protease inhibitors and lectins. Protease inhibitors exert their antinutritional effect by causing pancreatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia, which ultimately results in an inhibition of growth. The lectin, by virtue of its ability to bind to glycoprotein receptors on the epithelial cells lining the intestinal mucosa, inhibits growth by interfering with the absorption of nutrients. Of lesser significance are the antinutritional effects produced by relatively heat stable factors, such as goitrogens, tannins, phytoestrogens, flatus-producing oligosaccharides, phytate, and saponins. Other diverse but ill-defined factors appear to increase the requirements for vitamins A, B12, D, and E. The processing of soybeans under severe alkaline conditions leads to the formation of lysinoalanine, which has been shown to damage the kidneys of rats. This is not generally true, however, for edible soy protein that has been produced under milder alkaline conditions. Also meriting consideration is the allergenic response that may sometimes occur in humans, as well as calves and piglets, on dietary exposure to soybeans. PMID: 8142044, UI: 94190505 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. STATEMENT: Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women. RESPONSE: RED CLOVER phytoestrogens can cause infertility in sheep. The Chinese, at 1 billion and growing, who consume 100 times more isoflavones daily than Americans, do not have infertility problems. No fertility problems have ever been documented. Recent studies showed no interference with Oral Contraceptives. Breast cancer issue: answered previously. ARTICLES: 1. Nutr Cancer 1999;34(2):133-9 Effects of soy intake on sex hormone metabolism in premenopausal women. Martini MC, Dancisak BB, Haggans CJ, Thomas W, Slavin JL Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108, USA. Studies suggest that phytoestrogens in soy products may impart hormonal effects that protect women against breast cancer. Limited research suggests that intake of soy products high in isoflavonoid phytoestrogens affects sex hormone metabolism, but it is unknown whether phytoestrogens in soy have any effect on menstrual function or serum sex hormones in women on common hormone therapies, such as oral contraceptives (OC). We studied the effects of soy in 36 premenopausal women, 20 of whom used OC. Subjects consumed their normal diet for two menstrual cycles and added a soy beverage containing 20 g of protein and 38 mg of total isoflavones to their usual diet for another two menstrual cycles. No significant differences were observed in serum estrone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, prolactin, or progesterone concentrations with soy feeding in the non-OC or the OC group. No changes in menstrual cycle length or the urinary estrogen metabolite ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone to 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone were seen with soy feeding in the non-OC or the OC group. Levels of urinary estrogen metabolites were significantly different between the non-OC and the OC group. Thus soy consumption had no significant effect on the menstrual cycle, serum sex hormones, or urinary estrogen metabolite ratio in premenopausal OC or non-OC users. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. STATEMENT: Soy phytoestrogens are potent antithyroid agents that cause hypothyroidism and may cause thyroid cancer. In infants, consumption of soy formula has been linked to autoimmune thyroid disease. RESPONSE: I contacted Dupont about this again and they assured me that there is no significant human data to support this, and that the Asians enjoy excellent health. Some animal studies actually show increased levels (very slight) which would help lower cholesterol. NO FDA warning. Hundreds of human studies have shown soy's benefits to menopause, endometrial, breast, heart and bone health. Hypothyroidism has not been a concern. Studies in atheletes have not shown any detrimental effects of soy to thyroid health. The FDA has not issued a consumer warning, or stopped infant formula from being used, or stopped soy foods from being sold and consumed by hundreds of food manufacturers. If the FDA found evidence that soy was dangerous, they would act on it. Thousands and thousands of customers from all over America use Revival daily and have achieved excellent health. You should avoid isoflavone pills. Isoflavone pills are chemically-extracted and don't have the safety data that whole soy products have. New studies show that the isoflavone pills don't work as good as the whole soy products either. The study you reference may have used soy isoflavone extracts. We can't expect a chemically-isolated pill to produce the same benefit and have the same safety as soy foods. The Japanese consume 100 times more isoflavones daily than Americans in their diet. They have the best health and longest lifespan in the world according to data from this summer. On a personal note, my entire family and many, many colleagues and friends consume Revival and other soy products daily. I talk to hundreds of Revival customers regularly that have wonderful health and great results. The proven medical benefits of soy are many. I hope that you will be able to participate in those as well. Many patients with a history of hypothyroidism from the past, being treated with Synthroid, the standard thyroid hormone replacement therapy, are using Revival with very good results. Regardless of the cause of your hypothyroidism, hopefully, you will be able to continue to use soy to your benefit. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. STATEMENT: Soy foods contain high levels of aluminum which is toxic to the nervous system and the kidneys. RESPONSE: SOY IS BENEFICIAL TO THE KIDNEYS. Soy protein may be beneficial to kidney function in Type 2 diabetes, Nephrotic syndrome, and chronic renal failure (references below), and may halt progression of polycystic kidney disease. Old theory that aluminum containing products cause Alzheimer's, etc. Some infant formulas were contaminated with aluminum that caused kidney damage. No FDA warnings. No significant aluminum content in soy. Wake Forest holds a patent on use of soy to prevent Alzheimer's. Studies at Johns Hopkins show that soy alleviates pain in mice. ARTICLES: Ciba Found Symp 1992;169:26-35; discussion 35-49 Dietary and other sources of aluminium intake. Greger JL Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706. Aluminium in the food supply comes from natural sources including water, food additives, and contamination by aluminium utensils and containers. Most unprocessed foods, except for certain herbs and tea leaves, contain low (< 5 micrograms Al/g) levels of aluminium. Thus most adults consume 1-10 mg aluminium daily from natural sources. Cooking in aluminium containers often results in statistically significant, but not practically important, increases in the aluminium content of foods. Intake of aluminium from food additives varies greatly (0 to 95 mg Al daily) among residents in North America, with the median intake for adults being about 24 mg daily. Generally, the intake of aluminium from foods is less than 1% of that consumed by individuals using aluminium-containing pharmaceuticals. Currently the real scientific question is not the amount of aluminium in foods but the availability of the aluminium in foods and the sensitivity of some population groups to aluminium. Several dietary factors, including citrate, may affect the absorption of aluminium. Aluminium contamination of soy-based formulae when fed to premature infants with impaired kidney function and aluminium contamination of components of parenteral solutions (i.e. albumin, calcium and phosphorus salts) are of concern. 2. PMID: 1490425, UI: 93145766 JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 1988 Mar-Apr;12(2):170-3 Aluminum contamination of infant formulas. Koo WW, Kaplan LA, Krug-Wispe SK Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. This study aims to determine the extent of aluminum (Al) contamination in whole milk, milk formulas, and other nutrient products commonly used for infants. Similar products from different manufacturers and different lots were measured for Al using electrothermal atomic absorption technique. Aluminum measurements were made directly from the samples or after reconstitution or dilution with Al-free water. Aluminum content was lowest (less than 50 micrograms/liter) in human milk, whole cow milk, and products that appear to require minimal manufacture processing and have few additives such as skim milk, cow milk with 2% fat, bottled glucose water, and sterile water. Highest Al levels (up to 2346 micrograms/liter) were found in highly processed and modified formulas including soy formula, preterm infant formula, and formulas for specific metabolic disorders. Aluminum content of humanized cow milk formula and bottled glucose-electrolyte solution were between the two ranges and usually less than 400 micrograms/liter. There were no significant differences in Al content of similar products from different manufacturers. Liquid formula stored in glass bottles has highest Al content compared to that stored in steel cans or powder preparation of the same product (p less than 0.05). Thus there are marked differences in Al loading depending on the type of formula, whether it is a powder or liquid preparation and the type of storage container. We speculate that raw materials such as soybean, additives such as calcium and phosphorus, manufacturing processes and storage containers are potential sources of contamination of infant formulas. PMID: 3361685, UI: 88200505 3. Nephron 1998;79(2):173-80 Comparison of a vegetable-based (soya) and an animal-based low-protein diet in predialysis chronic renal failure patients. Soroka N, Silverberg DS, Greemland M, Birk Y, Blum M, Peer G, Iaina A Department of Nephrology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Israel. There is some experimental evidence to suggest that progression of chronic renal failure (CRF) is slower on diets based on soya protein than on diets based on animal protein. We have compared the effect of a soya-based vegetarian low-protein diet (VPD) and an animal-based low-protein diet (APD) in 15 patients with CRF. 15 patients with CRF (51Cr-EDTA-measured glomerular filtration rate 15-50 ml/min/1.73 m2) were studied. In a randomized crossover trial, the patients were given each diet (each containing 0.75 g protein and 32 kcal per kilogram body weight) for a 6-month period. Nine patients completed the trial, 2 others dropped out because they could not tolerate the VPD, 3 because of unrelated medical complications, and 1 for technical reasons. The caloric intake was higher and the protein, phosphate and essential amino acid intake lower on the VPD than on the APD. The compliance with the suggested caloric intake was better with the VPD than with the APD (97 vs. 88% of recommended intake), as was the compliance with the suggested protein intake (94 vs. 112% of recommended intake) and with the suggested phosphate intake (102 vs. 116%). The mean glomerular filtration rate, as judged by 51Cr-EDTA, was similar after 6 months on each diet and remained unchanged throughout the entire year of the study. The rate of fall of glomerular filtration, as measured by the slope of 1/serum creatinine was slowed by 73% during the 1-year study period as compared with the prestudy period. Nutritional status (as measured by body mass index, midarm circumference, and lean body mass and percent body fat), serum transferrin, cholesterol and albumin, and total lymphocyte count were similar on the two diets. The serum albumin level on both diets, however, was significantly higher on the two diets than during the prediet period. Blood urea nitrogen, urine urea nitrogen, protein catabolic rate, and 24-hour urine creatinine and phosphate were lower on the VPD than on the APD. The 24-hour protein excretion was similar on the two diets. The two low-protein diets resulted in a slowing in the progression of CRF. A VPD is well tolerated in CRF and is associated with lower protein and phosphate intakes and a higher caloric intake than an APD and may, therefore, be used as a safe alternative or partial substitute for the usual APD in CRF. PMID: 9647497, UI: 98309712 4. Nephron 1998;78(3):328-31 Soyprotein diet therapy in renal disease. Wardle EN PMID: 9546695, UI: 98206772 5. Am J Physiol 1998 Mar;274(3 Pt 2):F541-9 Soy protein modification of rat polycystic kidney disease. Ogborn MR, Bankovic-Calic N, Shoesmith C, Buist R, Peeling J Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. We undertook a study to determine whether soy protein feeding would ameliorate renal injury in the Han:SPRD-cy rat model of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Male offspring of Han:SPRD-cy heterozygotes received isocaloric diets based on 20% casein or 20% heat-treated soy protein at weaning ad libitum for 8 wk. Soy-fed animals demonstrated lower serum creatinine (66 vs. 125 mumol/l; P = 0.002), lower urinary ammonium excretion (0.080 vs. 0.173 mmol/kg; P = 0.01), reduced renal cysts (0.98 vs. 4.92 ml/kg body wt, P < 0.0001), renal fibrosis (0.79 vs. 1.4 ml/kg; P = 0.016), macrophage infiltration, renal tubular cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) studies of urine demonstrated that soy diet was associated with increased losses of citric acid cycle organic anions. 1H-NMR of perchloric acid-extracted tissue found that levels of succinate were not depleted in soy-fed animals, despite increased urinary losses. Soy-fed animals had marked elevation of tissue betaine (P < 0.001), with reduced taurine and cholines, compared with casein-fed animals (P < 0.001). Soy feeding dramatically reduces both tubular and interstitial pathology in the Han:SPRD-cy rat model of PKD, through mechanisms that remain to be determined. PMID: 9530270, UI: 98191303 6. Kidney Int 2000 Jan 29;57(1):159-166 Modification of polycystic kidney disease and fatty acid status by soy protein diet. Ogborn MR, Nitschmann E, Weiler HA, Bankovic-Calic N Modification of polycystic kidney disease and fatty acid status by soy protein diet. BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that soy protein can slow progression of renal injury in the Han:SPRD-cy rat. We undertook a study to establish whether this benefit was independent of any nutritional deprivation, and whether or not it was associated with changes in polyunsaturated fatty acid status that have been previously linked to the anti-inflammatory or antineoplastic potential of soy diets. METHODS: Male Han:SPRD-cy rats were pair fed a 20% casein or 20% soy protein diet for six weeks from weaning. Tissue was harvested for analysis of cystic change, cell proliferation, macrophage infiltration, and fibrosis. Renal and hepatic tissues were also harvested for lipid analysis using gas chromatography. RESULTS: Animals thrived on both diets. Soy protein feeding was associated with reduced cystic change (4.3 vs. 7.0 mL/kg, P < 0.0001), epithelial cell proliferation (15.7 vs. 21.0 cells/mm epithelium, P < 0.0001), macrophage infiltration (25.3 vs. 43.5 cells/high-power field, P < 0.0001), and fibrosis (0.6 vs. 1.07 mL/kg, P < 0.0001). The soy diet prevented a significant elevation in serum creatinine in diseased versus normal animals. Soy feeding was associated with higher renal and hepatic linoleic acid content and higher hepatic alpha-linolenic acid, but lower hepatic arachidonic acid content. CONCLUSIONS: Isocaloric soy protein feeding ameliorates both epithelial and interstitial changes in the Han:SPRD-cy rat independent of a hypocholesterolemic effect. The histologic benefit is associated with changes in polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism that may influence both inflammatory and proliferative pathways. PMID: 10620197 7. Ren Fail 1999 Nov;21(6):581-91 Antioxidants in the prevention of renal disease. Wardle EN In view of the role of oxidative processes in inflicting damage that leads to glomerulosclerosis and renal medullary interstitial fibrosis, more attention could be paid to the use of antioxidant food constituents and the usage of drugs with recognized antioxidant potential. In any case atherosclerosis is an important component of chronic renal diseases. There is a wide choice of foods and drugs that could confer benefit. Supplementation with vitamins E and C, use of soy protein diets and drinking green tea could be sufficient to confer remarkable improvements. PMID: 10586421, UI: 20052868 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. STATEMENT: Fragile proteins are denatured during high temperature processing to make soy protein isolate and textured vegetable protein. RESPONSE: Simply not true. What is denatured are the protease inhibitors as above. The PDCAAS method is based on determining the amino acid score by comparing the test protein food to the FAO/WHO 2-5 year old amino acid pattern. The 2-5 year old pattern is used because it exceeds the amino acid requirement patterns of older children and adults. The most limiting amino acid is used to determine the uncorrected amino acid score and that number multiplied by the food's digestibility is the PDCAAS. Using this method, soy protein has the highest obtainable score (1.0) for calculating the corrected protein value. No protein can have a PDCAAS greater than 1.0. SUPRO protein is a highly digestible complete protein containing all the essential amino acids in the reference pattern in the correct proportion. The calculated PDCAAS: Digestibility = 97% Uncorrected Amino acid score = 26 divided by 25=1.04 Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score = .97 X 1.04 = 1.00 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. STATEMENT: Free glutamic acid or MSG, a potent neurotoxin, is formed during soy food processing and additional amounts are added to many soy foods. RESPONSE. Glutamine is a basic building block of all complete proteins, including beef, eggs and milk. It is not a neurotoxin when consumed in normal dietary amounts. By percentage beef contains twice as much glutamine as soy. The assertion that MSG is added to soy is misleading. Traditionally MSG is associated not with soy but with all types of Asian cuisine, to which it is frequently added. Because its potential to provoke human allergic response has been widely documented, virtually all U.S. processors now avoid adding it to any foods whatsoever. It is not formed during soy processing and is not added to our Revival soy, nor do we know of any scientific reason for adding it to isolated soy protein. Consumers can protect themselves from MSG consumption by reading the labels of foods which they purchase. I appreciate your question. Please contact me again as needed. Thank you. Best Regards, Revival Medical Care Educational Support Team: Aaron Tabor, MD (Message ID: LOW 171802) ------------------------------------- Jenny Decker <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. 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