A Meta-Analysis of 46 Studies Identified by the FDA Demonstrates that Soy Protein Decreases Circulating LDL and Total Cholesterol Concentrations in Adults
Research snapshot:
2019 meta-analysis finds soy protein significantly lowers LDL and total cholesterol in adults.
2019 |
Meta-analysis |
Soy protein |
Cholesterol reduction |
Overview.
This meta-analysis confirms that soy protein intake significantly reduces LDL and total cholesterol levels in adults, although the effect is modest.
Background.
A team of researchers associated with the University of Toronto, St. Michael's Hospital, and other institutions conducted this study, which was published in The Journal of Nutrition.
Objectives.
The study aimed to evaluate the effects of soy protein on LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations based on 46 trials identified by the FDA. The objective was to determine whether the data support or refute the heart health claim for soy protein.
Study design.
This meta-analysis included 46 controlled trials on adult men and women with baseline circulating LDL cholesterol concentrations ranging from 110 to 201 mg/dL. The trials compared the effects of soy protein with non-soy protein controls. The median follow-up period was 6 weeks, and the median soy protein dose was 25 grams per day. The study design was almost evenly balanced between parallel and crossover studies.
Results.
Soy protein intake significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by 4.76 mg/dL (equivalent to a 3.2% reduction) and total cholesterol by 6.41 mg/dL (equivalent to a 2.8% reduction) compared to non-soy protein controls. Most trials (74%) showed a reduction in LDL cholesterol, although there was evidence of substantial interstudy heterogeneity.
Conclusions.
The study concluded that soy protein significantly lowers LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol concentrations in adults. The reduction is modest but highly significant, and the effects are considered intrinsic to soy protein. The study supports the advice to increase plant protein intake as part of a dietary strategy to reduce serum cholesterol.
Original paper.
Sonia Blanco Mejia, Mark Messina, Siying S Li, et al., 'A Meta-Analysis of 46 Studies Identified by the FDA Demonstrates that Soy Protein Decreases Circulating LDL and Total Cholesterol Concentrations in Adults,' The Journal of Nutrition, vol. 149, no. 6, pp. 968–981, 2019.
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