Does soyabean reduce iron absorption?

Question

Does soyabean reduce iron absorption?

Answer 1

Soy is a legume (bean) plant.

Like all bean plants, soy and it's products, such as tofu & soy milk, contain phytic acid. Phytic acid binds to minerals such as calcium & iron, making them unavailable in the intestine. I studied this at University.

However! High intakes of soy will not give you anaemia. Phytic acid is in a lot of foods, so it will NOT have a significant effect on your iron levels. Like all foods, enjoy soy products in moderation, perhaps around 2-3 servings a day.

Don't be discouraged because soy has many beneficial qualities, especially because it supplies all 8 essential amino acids (best source of plant protein), so is a great thing to include in your diet.

[edit] Veggie Tart is correct- vitamin C helps iron absorption. So after your cereal, or after eating an iron rich food, such as wholegrain toast, drink a small glass of orange juice. =]

Basically, an adequate diet will compensate for any nutrient losses due to phytic acid.

Answer 2

nope dairy does that, (animal product)...ironic

Answer 3

I've never heard of that.   Who told you that, the Weston T. Price "foundation"?

I do know that vitamin C *increases* iron absorption.

Answer 4

no,soyabean contain proteins good for health

Answer 5

I have heard a little about this, however, there appears to be some controversy over it.  So, I just typed in "soybeans reduce iron absorption" in the search engine and this is what I have found:

According to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/drugi... "Soy protein reduces the absorption of dietary non-heme (plant-derived) iron, probably due to binding of iron by phytate and calcium present in soy. Fermented soy products seem to inhibit iron absorption less. " This site has a lot of information so I suggest you read what else it says like "There are two forms of dietary iron: heme and non-heme. Sources of heme iron include meat fish and poultry. Sources of non-heme iron, which is not absorbed as well as heme iron, include beans, lentils, flours, cereals, and grain products. Other sources of iron include dried fruit, peas, asparagus, leafy greens, strawberries, and nuts."

According to http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/iron.as...

"Meat proteins and vitamin C will improve the absorption of nonheme iron [1,17-18]. Tannins (found in tea), calcium, polyphenols, and phytates (found in legumes and whole grains) can decrease absorption of nonheme iron [1,19-24]. Some proteins found in soybeans also inhibit nonheme iron absorption [1,25]. It is most important to include foods that enhance nonheme iron absorption when daily iron intake is less than recommended, when iron losses are high (which may occur with heavy menstrual losses), when iron requirements are high (as in pregnancy), and when only vegetarian nonheme sources of iron are consumed. "

So this is what these two say as well as a number of studies done by universities say.

I think more research needs to be done, personally. Just what I found online so I hope it helps, however, I will say from personal experience that I am yet to meet a vegetarian who was actually deficient. I have met a few omnivores that were, strangely.

No matter, you should do what you can by eating foods that are proven to increase iron absorption, or take a multi-vitamin with iron, or consult a dietician with questions if you are worried about your health.

Oh just read Hollywood's info! Thanks!!!

Answer 6

No. Never hear that.

Answer 7

no

Answer 8

Not heard from any body up till now. If you have, tell us the source of information.