SNI Global

The Soy Nutrition Institute provides information, research, and discussion about the benefits of soy to your health.

Soy health
and nutrition Research

Soy health and nutrition research

Hundreds of peer-reviewed studies focused on the safety and health benefits of soyfoods and soybean components have been published over the past three decades. Through the Soy Health and Nutrition Research Program, funded by the United Soybean Board, the Soy Nutrition Institute Global has supported research on priority health outcomes. Current and recent SNI Global research initiatives are noted below.

Recent Research

Published in Peer-Reviewed Journals

Effect of Soy Isoflavones on Measures of Estrogenicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

November 2024Advances in Nutrition

Perspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fat

October 2024British Journal of Nutrition

A systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomized trials of substituting soymilk for cow’s milk and intermediate cardiometabolic outcomes: understanding the impact of dairy alternatives in the transition to plant‑based diets on cardiometabolic health

August 2024BMC Medicine

Health and functional advantages of cheese containing soy protein and soybean-derived casein

July 2024Frontiers in Nutrition

Perspective: Observational studies involving low soy intake populations have limited ability for providing insight into the health effects of soybean isoflavones

March 2024Advances in Nutrition

Options for substantiating protein content claims for conventional foods

March 2024Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism

Soy Protein Containing Isoflavones Improves Facial Signs of Photoaging and Skin Hydration in Postmenopausal Women: Results of a Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

October 2023Nutrients

Plant-based meat alternatives can help facilitate and maintain a lower animal to plant protein intake ratio

May 2023Advances in Nutrition

The health effects of soy: A reference guide for health professionals

September 2022Frontiers in Nutrition

Perspective: Soybeans Can Help Address the Caloric and Protein Needs of a Growing Global Population

May 2022Frontiers in Nutrition

Perspective: Soy-Based Meat and Dairy Alternatives, Despite Classification as Ultra-Processed Foods, Deliver High-Quality Nutrition on Par With Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Animal-Based Counterparts

March 2022Advances in Nutrition

Soybean oil lowers circulating cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease risk, and has no effect on markers of inflammation and oxidation

September 2021Nutrition

Neither soyfoods nor isoflavones warrant classification as endocrine disruptors: a technical review of the observational clinical data

March 2021Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

Neither soyfoods nor isoflavones affects male reproductive hormones: An expanded and updated meta-analysis of clinical studies

March 2021Reproductive Toxicology

Recent surveys on food allergy prevalence

January 2020Nutrition Today

Cumulative meta-analysis of the soy effect over time

July 2019Journal of the American Heart Association

A meta-analysis of 46 studies identified by the FDA demonstrates that soy protein decreases circulating LDL and total cholesterol concentrations in adults

June 2019The Journal of Nutrition

Soy isoflavone consumption and age at pubarche in adolescent males

September 2018European Journal of Nutrition

No difference between the effects of supplementing with soy protein versus animal protein on gains in muscle mass and strength in response to resistance exercise

January 2018International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism

Research projects in progress

Additional Resources

January 7, 2025

Should postmenopausal women eat soy? Researchers reveal why the answer is “yes.”

Naturally occurring isoflavones in soy have no effect on key markers of estrogen-related cancers ST. LOUIS (January 7, 2025) — A University of Toronto study is providing reassuring evidence about the consumption of soy foods by postmenopausal women.* The analysis of 40 randomized controlled trials in over 3,000 women found that isoflavones in soy, naturally occurring plant […]

October 30, 2024

Data Support Health Benefits of Seed Oils High in Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Vegetable oils derived from seeds, such as corn, soy and canola, may lower risk of chronic diseases due to their monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. ST. LOUIS (October 31, 2024) — Consumption of seed oils high in unsaturated fatty acids (the building blocks of fat), including the essential fatty acid […]

September 9, 2024

The “New Menopause,” Hormone Therapy, and the Role of Soy Foods

Menopause is a hot topic, and a “new” approach to it is being driven largely by a generation of mid-life female OB-GYNs and health professionals who are aimed at destigmatizing this natural transition in a woman’s life. This approach to menopause addresses symptoms with lifestyle changes, such as diet, nutrition, and exercise, along with a […]