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What effect, if any, does soy protein have on breast tissue?
1The Camelot Foundation, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. rfmd1@fhhi.omhcoxmail.com
Integrative Cancer Therapies
|March 24, 2004
Summary
Daily soy protein intake may improve breast health in women with fibrocystic changes. This study found subjective and objective improvements in breast tissue activity after one year of soy consumption.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Nutrition Science
- Women's Health
Background:
- Breast tissue differences can be assessed using breast-enhanced scintigraphy test (BEST) imaging.
- Limited in vivo research exists on soy protein's effects on breast tissue.
- Prior studies indicated soy protein may reduce inflammatory changes in breast tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of daily soy protein consumption on breast tissue health over one year.
- To evaluate changes in breast tissue using BEST imaging after soy protein intervention.
- To assess subjective and objective changes in women with fibrocystic breast changes.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-four premenopausal women with fibrocystic breast changes underwent initial BEST imaging.
- Participants consumed a daily dose of medical-grade soy protein for one year.
- Follow-up BEST imaging and symptom reporting were conducted after the intervention period.
Main Results:
- Subjective improvements in breast tenderness and fibrocystic disease (FCD) were reported by women and physicians.
- A non-statistically significant reduction in average and maximal breast activity counts was observed.
- A statistically significant reduction in the variability of breast tissue activity was found (P < .01).
Conclusions:
- This in vivo study suggests soy protein consumption may positively affect breast tissue health.
- Findings indicate potential benefits for reducing fibrocystic breast disease.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these promising results in larger cohorts and explore effects on atypia and breast cancer.
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