Study suggests soy protien may help reduce risk of prostate cancer

ST. LOUIS A study published in the Oct. 1 Journal of Nutrition suggests consumption of soy protein may play a role in reducing the risk of prostate cancer.

“The intent of the study was to evaluate the effects of consuming soy protein on elimination of estrogen metabolites in the urine of men at a high risk for prostate cancer,” stated Mindy Kurzer, lead author of the study and a professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. “After taking biopsies of prostate tissue, androgen receptors were reduced in the prostate, which is consistent with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. In addition, significantly fewer of the men who consumed soy protein progressed to cancer by the end of the six-month study. We are encouraged by the results, but more studies must be performed.”