The association between soy intake and adverse pregnancy outcomes remains unclear. The study’s goals were to look into how much soy pregnant women in the second trimester eat and whether there is a possible link between soy intake and the risk of bad pregnancy outcomes.
From June to December 2019, women who were 13 to 24 weeks pregnant were asked to come to a women’s and children’s hospital in southwest China. Dietary intakes in the middle trimester were assessed by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. People were split into two groups: the insufficient group ( Participants were followed up until delivery. Pregnancy outcomes including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), cesarean section, and macrosomia were obtained. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the association between soy intake and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Sociodemographic information, histories of diseases, and duration of physical activities were obtained and used for covariate adjustments.
A total of 224 participants were included in this study, of which identified 36 (16. 1%) cases of GDM, and 120 (53. 6%) cases of cesarean section. More than half (125, 55. 8%) pregnant women consumed less soy than 40 g/day. Daily soy intake less than 40 g was associated with the increased risk of GDM (OR = 2. 755 95%CI 1. 230-6. 174, P = 0. 014) and cesarean section (OR = 1. 792 95%CI 1. 035-3. 101, P = 0. 037) without taking into account risk factors like age, body mass index before pregnancy, number of children, and daily vegetable, fruit, seafood, and nut intake. After adjusting for these factors, daily soy intake of less than 40 g increased 2. 116-fold risk of GDM (95%CI 1. 228-7. 907, P = 0. 017), but not with the significantly increased risk of cesarean section.
Not getting enough soy may make you more likely to get GDM, which suggests that getting enough soy may help prevent GDM.
Soy is a kind of legume and widely used as a protein supplement in the world. Soy is good for people’s health in many ways because it is a low-glycemic-index food that is low in calories and high in fiber and plant protein [1]. Besides that, soy has many minerals in it, like calcium and kalium [2], which help keep blood sugar levels stable [3]. Studies evaluating the correlation between soy consumption and diabetes prevention on humans show controversial results [4]. It was found in some studies that eating soy didn’t change how well blood sugar was controlled [3, 5]. However, many other studies have shown that eating enough soy or soy products can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and complications like heart disease [6,7,8].
Soy intake is also associated with the health outcomes of mother and infant. According to a study, soy intake was linked to less weight gain in mothers and higher birth weights [9]. Studies have also shown that soy supplements may lower the risk of preterm birth and anemia in pregnant women who are still growing [10] and may protect against the harmful effects of bisphenol A on reproduction, such as low live birth rates [11]. Some research studies [12, 13] found that not eating enough soy during the second trimester raised the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). An interventional study found that giving soy to people with GDM improved their metabolic status. This included improving glucose homeostasis parameters, triglycerides, and biomarkers of oxidative stress [14]. Therefore, dietary guidelines of many countries recommend soy products as a protein supplement for pregnant women. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans said that pregnant women should eat 4-6 oz of soy products, seeds, and nuts each week as a source of plant-based protein [15]. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans said that soy products were a good source of protein and fortified soy beverages were a good alternative to dairy [16]. People in Europe and America mainly get protein from meat. But for people in East and Southeast Asia, where meat consumption is traditionally low, plants, especially soy, are a good way to get extra protein. Because of this, the Chinese Nutrition Society says that pregnant Chinese women should eat at least 40 g of soy every day as an extra source of protein, and no more than 60 g per day. Soy is recommended as a dietary supplement for several reasons. First, China has grown soy for a long time, which has led to many processing methods that are good for pregnant women to eat. Another thing is that soy is known to have the most protein of any food and can be used instead of meat, eggs, and dairy products [17]. Third, soy is easier to get and costs less than meat. This is especially true for pregnant women who live in rural areas. However, previous studies showed that soy intake among Chinese pregnant women is not optimistic. Studies reported only minority pregnant women consume adequate soy or soy products [18, 19]. In recent years, much attention has been paid to dietary guidance for pregnant women. However, it remains unclear whether soy intake is valued in perinatal care.
To date, only a few studies have explored the association between soy intake and pregnancy outcomes. The relationship between soy intake and some birth outcomes such as GDM was controversial. Some studies reported a negative association between soy consumption and incidences of GDM [12, 13]. However, one study showed a positive association between intake frequency of soy milk and incidences of GDM [20]. So, the goals of this study were to look into how much soy pregnant women eat in the second trimester and see if there is a link between soy intake and the risk of bad pregnancy outcomes, especially GDM.
Is Soya Bean Milk Good for Pregnancy? A Guide to Soy Milk During Pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with a lot of dos and don’ts when it comes to food. With all the confusing and often contradictory advice out there it can be hard to know what’s safe to eat and drink. One item that often raises questions is soy milk. Is soya bean milk actually good for pregnancy?
Below is a comprehensive guide to understanding the pros and cons of drinking soy milk while pregnant. We’ll cover the nutritional benefits any potential risks, how much to consume and more.
What is Soy Milk?
Soy milk, also sometimes called soya milk or soya bean milk, is a plant-based milk made from soaked, ground, and strained soybeans mixed with water. It comes in shelf-stable cartons or refrigerated varieties.
Plain soy milk contains the following nutritional profile per cup:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
It’s naturally lactose-free, making it a popular dairy milk alternative for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. Soy milk also contains no cholesterol.
Many brands enrich their soy milk with vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, and zinc to make it nutritionally comparable to cow’s milk. Flavored versions also contain added sugar. Always check the label.
Potential Benefits of Drinking Soy Milk While Pregnant
Here are some of the key potential benefits associated with drinking soy milk in moderation during pregnancy:
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Plant protein – Soy is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids. This makes it a good vegetarian protein source. Pregnant women need at least 60g of protein per day.
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Bone health – Calcium and vitamin D-fortified soy milk can assist with adequate calcium intake to support bone health in mom and baby. Low fat milk alternatives like soy may be preferred over whole dairy milk.
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Blood sugar regulation – Soy contains fiber, protein and healthy fats that help moderate blood sugar levels. This may benefit those with gestational diabetes.
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Alternative to dairy – Soy milk gives a lactose-free, vegan milk option for those with dairy sensitivities. Dairy avoidance is linked to lower risk of colic and reflux in babies.
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Anti-inflammatory – Soy contains isoflavones that may help reduce inflammation in the body when consumed in moderation. Chronic inflammation is linked to pregnancy complications.
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Choline – Soybeans contain choline, an essential nutrient for fetal brain development and nervous system health.
Potential Risks and Precautions
Soy milk appears safe for most healthy pregnant women in reasonable amounts. However, here are some potential precautions:
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Phytoestrogens – Soy contains plant estrogens called isoflavones. Their estrogen-like effects are controversial, but unlikely harmful in typical dietary amounts. Those with estrogen-sensitive conditions like endometriosis may wish to minimize intake.
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Developmental effects – Some animal studies link high soy intake to changes in reproductive system development, early puberty onset, and immune function. Evidence in humans remains limited. Most experts consider moderate soy intake during pregnancy safe.
-Digestive issues – Some report bloating, gas or diarrhea from soy milk due to its fiber content. This may worsen pregnancy-related digestive issues. Switching to a different milk alternative like almond or oat milk may help.
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Allergies – Soy is one of the 8 major food allergens. If you have a soy allergy, avoid soy milk and other soy-based foods during pregnancy.
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GMOs – Most soy grown in the U.S. is genetically engineered. While risks appear low, those wishing to avoid GMOs may want to choose organic soy milk.
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Contaminants – Some soy foods have shown evidence of mineral contaminants like aluminum or cadmium. Opt for well-established brands that perform contamination testing.
Recommended Soy Milk Intake During Pregnancy
There are no official guidelines for how much soy pregnant women can safely consume. Sticking to 1-2 servings of soy foods per day is reasonable based on most expert analyses. One serving of soy milk is one 8oz cup.
Other examples of a single serving of soy are:
- 1/2 cup tofu or tempeh
- 1/2 cup edamame
- 1 soy veggie burger patty
- 1 cup soymilk
- 1/4 cup soy nuts
It’s ideal to choose minimally processed soy foods like soy milk, tofu and edamame most often, rather than “fake meat” soy products high in sodium and additives. Variety is key – don’t just drink soy milk daily.
Those with thyroid issues should be especially cognizant of soy intake, as soy may impact thyroid function at very high amounts. Discuss soy with your doctor if you have thyroid concerns.
Tips for Incorporating Soy Milk
Here are some simple tips for drinking soy milk during pregnancy:
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Choose unsweetened soy milk and avoid added flavors, as these contain added sugars. Sweeten plain soy milk yourself if desired.
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Use soy milk in your coffee, tea, smoothies, oatmeal or cold cereals for an easy way to add nutrients.
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Opt for fortified or calcium-rich soymilk to get blood pressure-friendly potassium and magnesium.
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Use soy milk to make dairy-free pregnancy smoothies with fruit, greens, nut butter and chia seeds. The fiber will help moderate blood sugar.
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Make a soy chai latte with black tea, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and soy milk for an anti-inflammatory pregnancy drink.
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Use soy milk when cooking and baking to add protein to gluten-free dishes like pancakes, muffins and creamy soups.
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Try adding a cup of soy milk to your favorite pregnancy-safe curry recipe for a creamy, protein-rich touch.
The Takeaway on Soy Milk and Pregnancy
Drinking soy milk in moderation can be safe and healthy during pregnancy for most women. It offers a source of complete vegetarian protein, blood sugar-friendly carbs, fiber and nutrients like calcium, potassium and choline.
Potential drawbacks of soy milk are unlikely in typical intake amounts of 1-2 servings daily. Those with soy allergies, estrogen-influenced conditions or thyroid issues should exercise more caution and speak to a doctor.
Choose all-natural, unsweetened soy milk from reputable brands whenever possible. Variety is key – incorporate soy milk alongside other healthy beverage choices like water, fruit juice, kefir and mineral water.
Soy milk can be used in a wide range of sweet and savory recipes to boost nutrition. With its versatility and nutrition profile, soy milk can be a nutritious addition to an overall balanced pregnant diet. Just be sure to consult your doctor about any concerns.
Multivariate analysis of soy intake and pregnancy outcomes
A multiple logistic regression analysis was done to look into the link between eating soy every day and the outcome of the pregnancy (Table 5). Having less than 40 grams of soy every day was linked to one more disease than having 40 grams or more every day. 755-fold (95%CI 1. 230-6. 174, P = 0. 014) increased risk of developing GDM. Age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), number of children, and daily intake of nuts, fruits, vegetables, and seafood were all taken into account. The OR was 3. 116 (95%CI 1. 228-7. 907, P = 0. 017). When compared to eating 40 grams or more of soy every day, eating 40 grams or less was linked to 0 792-fold (95%CI 1. 035-3. 101, P = 0. 037) increased risk of cesarean section. But there was no difference when age, pre-pregnancy BMI, number of children, and daily amounts of vegetables, fruits, seafood, and nuts were taken into account.
The present cohort study evaluated the association of soy intake with the risk of GDM and cesarean section. More than half of the pregnant women we looked at ate less soy than what was recommended. Eating less than 40 grams of soy a day was linked to a higher risk of GDM. Age, pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, and daily intake of vegetables, fruits, seafood, and nuts were all taken into account, but daily soy intake of less than 40 g still went up 2. 116-fold risk of GDM. Also, the higher risk of cesarean sections wasn’t different for women who ate less than 40 grams of soy per day after other factors were taken into account. Because of this, we thought that the link between eating soy and a lower risk of having a cesarean section was just due to other factors and not the soy itself. Our findings suggested that adequate soy intake may have a beneficial role in the prevention of GDM.
This study found that more than half (55. 8%) of pregnant women consumed less soy than the recommended amount [24], showing that Chinese pregnant women’s soy intake was not optimal. In our earlier study [18], we found that pregnant women in cities ate 19 grams of soy every day during the early, middle, and late trimesters. 10 g, 19. 42 g, and 21. 50 g, respectively, less than half of the recommended value. This situation was even worse in rural pregnant women living in the poverty-stricken area, which revealed only 8. 98% of pregnant women eat soy or soy products every day, 19. 18% of pregnant women never eat soy or soy products during pregnancy [25]. A survey conducted by Huang in Guangzhou showed that 9. 9% of women consumed soy and soy products every day during pregnancy, and only 6. 50 g/day of soy was consumed in the third trimester [26]. Studies in other parts of China, like Urumqi [27], Xiamen [28], Lanzhou [19], and Anhui [29], also came to the same conclusions. Health care providers tell pregnant women that they need to eat enough soy while they are pregnant, but pregnant women don’t always follow the advice. This might be because pregnant women don’t know how important soy is for their health, like how it can improve metabolic profiles [14] and lower the risk of preterm birth and maternal anemia in late pregnancy [10]. There may also be outside obstacles, like not being able to easily get soy, its unpleasant taste, bloating, and other unpleasant effects after eating it, etc. So, health care professionals should let pregnant women know how important and healthy it is to eat soy and offer soy alternatives like tofu and soy milk. Different soy products have different amounts of protein and other ingredients, so the amount that is eaten depends on how they are processed and how much is eaten. For example, 100 g of soybeans contains 35. 1 g of protein, 100 g of soybean milk and soybean milk powder contain 1. 8 and 19. 7 grams of protein each, and 100 grams of tofu-related foods like lactone tofu, dried tofu, and shredded tofu have between 5 and 57 grams of protein. 8 g of protein [30]. Furthermore, doctors should advise pregnant women to follow their local dietary guidelines when it comes to soy intake and tell them not to go over the maximum intake limit. Soy should not be recommended for pregnant women who are allergic to it. Women who are pregnant and have kidney disease, severe stomach ulcers, gout, or heart disease should also be warned not to eat too much soy.
A previous cohort study looked at the diets of 1,129 Chinese pregnant women and found that the risk of GDM went down gradually as the daily intake of total legumes and soy and soy products went up. Our results agreed with that of that study. The opposite relationship was especially strong for pregnant women whose BMI was normal before they got pregnant and who did not have a family history of diabetes [12]. Going back to Goshtasebi’s study [31], which looked at 1029 pregnant women in Tehran over time and found that eating three or more servings of legumes a day was linked to 3 servings/week decreased 0. 62-fold risk of GDM. Isoflavones, genistein, miso soup, and natto intake were found to be negatively linked with the risk of GDM in a large cohort study done in Japan [13]. Many research studies on Asian and Middle Eastern people have confirmed the link between not eating enough soy and the risk of GDM [12, 13, 31]. However, few studies examined the relationship between soy intake and GDM based on European, American, and other populations. Some research studies in Europe and the Mediterranean have looked at the relationship between a mother’s diet and her risk of GDM. They found that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fish is linked to a lower risk of GDM [32,33,34]. Current evidence shows that adequate soy intake may prevent the occurrence of GDM. A further prospective randomized controlled trial is needed to verify the preventive effect. Also, more research is needed to find out exactly which soy product and ingredient help prevent GDM.
The mechanisms of the negative association between soy intake and risk of GDM remain unclear. One study compared the effects of a soy treatment diet to a control diet on the metabolic profiles of women with GDM. It found that eating soy protein improved glucose homeostasis parameters, triglycerides, and biomarkers of oxidative stress like glutathione and total antioxidant capacity [14]. In a different study that involved people, soybean oligosaccharides were found to help women with GDM lower oxidative stress and improve insulin resistance [35]. While more research is needed to fully understand how soy affects GDM, studies that look at the link between soy intake and type 2 diabetes and glucose metabolism may be useful. Many studies have identified the antidiabetic effects of soy [1, 8, 36]. Soy has a lot of minerals and flavonoids, which are good for controlling blood sugar and keeping glucose levels stable [37, 38]. Flavonoids are effective at fighting free radicals and inflammation. Soy and soy products like tofu and soy milk have two main parts that help the body work: soy isoflavones and protein. These parts are linked to blood sugar metabolism. A review of many studies found that taking soy isoflavone supplements might help with lowering body fat, controlling glucose and insulin levels in the blood [39]. Soy isoflavones also help fight insulin resistance by raising the levels of glucose transporter-4, lowering the levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, and increasing the number of bacteria in the gut that make short-chain fatty acids [40]. Most people think that genistein is one of the main active ingredients in soy isoflavones, which may be linked to diabetes. Genistein helps pancreatic β cells live longer and divide more quickly. It can also act directly on pancreatic β cells to make them make more insulin [4]. Genistein also has insulinotropic effects by activating cAMP/protein kinase A signaling cascade [4]. Genistein also helps repair damage caused by oxidative stress and changes the levels of certain plasma lipids, adiponectin, and other cytokines [41], all of which are connected to the onset and development of GDM. In the same way, soy protein has been shown to improve fasting blood sugar, insulin, HOMA-IR, and triglycerides [14]. It has also been shown to raise gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, which play a role in the development of GDM [42, 43]. Soy protein and isoflavones may also change cytokines related to diabetes, like TNF-alpha and IL-1 [44], which can then improve glucose metabolism. Because of these studies, we know that soy can help with insulin resistance, pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, oxidative stress, the inflammatory response, and other things. of the human body, thus contributing to GDM risk reduction.
This study had several limitations. First, a semi-quantitative FFQ was used in the study. This dietary assessment tool was not an accurate one compared with the weighing method. Additionally, there was recall bias in the FFQ survey, which may have an impact on results. However, FFQ is a simple dietary assessment tool and widely used in many studies. The Cronbach coefficient of FFQ showed good internal consistency. Because of this, we thought that FFQ recall bias didn’t have a big effect on the study’s results. Second, foods like sweets, snacks, and drinks with added sugar that might change glucose homeostasis were not looked at. As an observational study, we could not rule out the influence of confounding. Even though we made sure that known risk factors and possible confounding factors weren’t affecting our results, other soy-related factors that we didn’t measure may have done so. According to the IADPSG criteria used in this study, there was a higher rate of GDM than in other populations. It’s possible that this is because the 75-g OGTT test showed more cases of GDM than the 100-g OGTT test after two hours. The type and matrix components of soy products and the method of processing soy were also not looked into, so we couldn’t say if these things might have an effect on the link between soy and GDM.
More than half of the pregnant women in this study ate less than 40 grams of soy each day. Age, pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, and daily intake of vegetables, fruits, seafood, and nuts were all taken into account. It was found that daily soy intake of less than 40 g increased the risk of GDM but not the risk of having a cesarean section. It suggested that insufficient soy intake increased the incidence rate of GDM. Pregnant women without clear contraindications should follow dietary guidelines to consume an appropriate amount of soy. It was important to keep in mind that the amount of soy products you eat should change based on how they are processed and the level of processing. Another randomized controlled trial should be done to confirm this protective effect and how it works. It should also be made clear which soy product and ingredient help prevent GDM.
Daily dietary intake and physical activity of participants
Table 2 displays the detailed information on dietary intake in two groups. The average daily intake of vegetables and fruits in the insufficient group was 50 g (P = 0. 022) and 150 g (P < 0. 001) lower than that of the control group, respectively. The average daily intake of seafood and nuts in the insufficient group was 11. 55 g (P = 0. 001) and 18. 5 g (P = 0. 003) lower than that in the control group. There was no statistical difference in the daily intake of other foods. Table 3 shows the physical activity of participants. There was no statistical difference in the duration of physical activity of each intensity between the two groups. Therefore, physical activity-related variables were not included in the adjustment model.
Is soy safe when trying to conceive?
Can pregnant women drink soya bean milk?
Scientific evidence suggests that drinking soya bean milk during pregnancy can be a healthy choice. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, pregnant women who consumed soya bean milk had increased levels of isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens found in soy products.
Can babies have soy?
The Brazilian Society of Pediatrics and the Brazilian Society of Immunology recommend that in the first six months of life of children, they do not come into contact with soy milk, as allergy to it is very common.
Why should you eat soya bean during pregnancy?
Obesity can give rise to other medical ailments, and it can be particularly troublesome during pregnancy. By including soya bean in your diet, you can control your hunger pangs, and thus keep a tab on your weight gain. 6. Provides Nutrition to the Foetus
Is it safe to drink soy milk during pregnancy?
It is generally considered safe to consume soy milk while pregnant. However, it is important to note that consuming excessive amounts of soy milk can lead to problems. Therefore, it is recommended to practice moderation when drinking soy milk during pregnancy. Furthermore, make sure to incorporate it into a nutritionally balanced diet.