I saw a news story about how soy protein in men reduces sperm count, any truth to this ya think?

Question

i was not lying to bash vegetarians. I actually saw it and was seeking some opinions.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7519459.stm

Answer 1

doubtful.

Answer 2

The largest of those studies was conducted with only 99 men who had visited a fertility clinic over the course of six years. They were asked to fill out a survey which asked them about the amounts of soy foods they had eaten over the previous three months.

Such "small sample survey research" is notorious for slanted results, due to participants attempting to provide the "right" answers, and the unlikelihood that anyone could accurately provide details for what they ate three months ago.

Such results could only be considered "inconclusive" and "indicating the need for further study," especially considering the dozens of studies conducted previously which found no correlation whatsoever.

The financing of most "anti-soy" research has been traced to the meat industry, which is ironic when one considers that the number one ingredient in cattle feed is soybeans, and per ounce, steak contains more of the feared soy isoflavones than does tofu.

Answer 3

Well, I think that soy contains estrogen releasing agents maybe this is what is from that story?  My parents used to make their own homemade tofu and soy milk and they had plenty of children so I think my dads sperm count was ok.  Also look at all the people in China and Japan not a big problem with fertility there.

Answer 4

Well, with each pregnancy, it took no more than three tries (or one "whoops, we're out of foam/condoms- oh, well!") I'd say we did just fine.

Answer 5

Soy increases the amount of estrogen in the body. There have been studies that indicate that it may reduce sperm count, but who knows.

Answer 6

I disagree, soy protein is NOT inferior to animal protein as it has the same amninos acid profile as any meat protein. I've beem drinking soy protein shakes for years with great results with a proper diet and work-out regimen, however I'm not a vegetarian but there will be weeks where I just don't eat meat, those are the days I up my protein intake with soy, tofu and all kinds of nuts.

Answer 7

That must be why China has such a low population.

I don't regret it but when my wife became pregnant I would have liked this to be true then. She was trying and I wasn't. The few that got through were more than enough. Now we have a 30lb 8-month old. I suppose my sperm was bad and that's why my baby is so tiny.

Answer 8

It's true. Eating a block of tofu is like taking half a birth control pill. I would never touch the stuff.

Answer 9

Doesn't seem to have had a negative effect upon those in China, Japan, or other eastern countries where it is regular part of their diet.....

No truth to it at all.