Kidney Disease Improves with Soy Diet

Posted April 7, 2008 at 04:00 PM by Kathleen Blanchard

Section: Her Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Vegetarianism, Her News

A trial study published in the April Issue of Diabetic Care shows a short-term benefit in the presence of Type 2 diabetes from consuming diets high in soy protein.  The news follows a small trial of 41 patients who adhered to a diet containing 35% animal protein, 35% textured soy protein and 30% vegetable protein over a period of 4 years.

The purpose of the study was to see if soy protein consumption might have a positive impact on kidney function (nephropathy).  The study authors, Leila Azadbakht, PhD, from the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Isfahan, Iran, and colleagues, write - “Several short-term trials on the effect of soy consumption on cardiovascular risks are available, but little evidence exists regarding the impact of long-term soy protein consumption among type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy,”

The control group involved in the study ate a diet consisting of 70% animal protein and 30% vegetable protein.  The group who included soy in their daily intake showed lower blood glucose levels, decreased inflammatory markers (CRP levels) and better kidney function as evidenced by lower creatinine levels and urinary protein (proteinuria).  The results were contrary to the researchers’ expectation since kidney disease is progressive.  According to Dr. Azadbakht, “We expected that the conditions of these patients would have gotten worse after 4 years, but because of medical and dietary control, their conditions improved in some respects.” The participants also showed a decrease in cardiovascular risk factors, though their weight, activity levels and energy intake were similar.

The conclusion shows that diabetics may be able to decrease several risk factors by consuming soy-based products - total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol and decrease proteinuria in the short term.  In addition, a soy protein diet can reduce levels of fasting plasma glucose, cholesterol, and CRP and decrease proteinuria.

There are many good sources of textured soy protein.  Even if you do not suffer from Type 2 diabetes, try eating less animal protein and more soy protein.  You can find textured soy recipes here.  It certainly cannot hurt.  The evidence seems to be increasing regarding the benefits of adding soy to a healthy diet.