Decreased Serum Total Cholesterol
Concentration is Associated with
High Intake of Soy Products
in Japanese Men and Women

This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:    Frankp@chiro.org

FROM:   J Nutr 1998 (Feb);   128 (2):   209–213

Nagata C, Takatsuka N, Kurisu Y, Shimizu H

Department of Public Health,
Gifu University School of Medicine,
Gifu 500, Japan

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The relationship between soy product intake and serum total cholesterol concentration was examined in 1,242 men and 3,596 women who participated in an annual health check-up program in Takayama City, Japan, provided by the municipality in 1992. The intake of soy products and various foods and nutrients was assessed by a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire.

Blood samples were collected from fasting subjects to measure the serum total cholesterol concentration. A significant trend (P for trend = 0.0001) was observed for decreasing total cholesterol concentration with an increasing intake of soy products in men after controlling for age, smoking status and intake of total energy, total protein and total fat.

This negative trend (P for trend = 0.0001) was also noted in women after controlling for age, menopausal status, body mass index and intake of total energy and vitamin C. An additional adjustment for physical activity, coffee and tea consumption, and intake of cholesterol, carbohydrates, fiber and vitamin E did not change the results. These data suggest a role for soy products in human cholesterol homeostasis.

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