Most pregnant women will need to make changes their diets during pregnancy. This can be complicated if there is a certain food that you love and can no longer eat or if the food is an ingredient in many products. Soy milk plays a role in many diets and is also an ingredient in more foods than you might realize. Is soy safe during pregnancy or while you’re nursing? Here’s what all women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should know.
Is Soy Healthy During Pregnancy?
Soy is thought to play a healthy role in your diet during pregnancy. It is a good source of protein, which makes it an ideal option for women who are vegetarians or who do not eat much meat. There is not a lot of research which has been done on the effects of soy during pregnancy, however, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are a few concerns about soy consumption during this time.
One of the biggest concerns associated with consuming during pregnancy is isoflavones, which contain estrogen-like compounds. Animal studies have shown that when mothers were fed high doses of isoflavones, their offspring were more likely to experience tumors and reproductive changes, according to the Mayo Clinic. More research needs to be done to confirm that the same effects would occur in humans, however. Although some studies have found no abnormalities among infants whose mothers consumed soy during pregnancy, the Mayo Clinic reports that one did find that there was an increased risk of hypospadias, a urethral meatus birth defect.
There is also some concern about how isoflavones may affect a mother during pregnancy, according to BabyZone. An overabundance of isoflavones, which contain estrogen-like properties, might not be beneficial for your body at a time when your estrogen levels are already higher than usual. Consuming moderate amounts of soy are not thought to cause these effects, however.
Can You Consume Soy While You’re Breastfeeding?
In theory, it might seem like you should be bulking up on soy milk while you’re breastfeeding so that you can provide your baby with nutrients. This isn’t necessarily true, however. Isoflavones are known to be transferred to babies through breast milk. Since the research which has been done on isoflavones and newborns so far is limited, it’s best to only consume soy in moderation while you’re breastfeeding or avoid it altogether.
Until more research becomes available, the best thing that you can do is limit how much soy you are consuming. Although it is probably safe to consume soy in moderation, there may be a risk of birth defects if you drink it while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For more suggestions on protein and calcium-rich foods, talk to your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. If you’re concerned about your health, consult with a licensed healthcare provider.
Sources:
BabyZone
Mayo Clinic
