Myth: Male Athletes should avoid Soy

Despite a number of sensational articles that have appeared in men’s health and fitness magazines and newspapers, soy does NOT cause a decrease in testosterone levels¹ or infertility.² In fact, soy has certain health benefits for men, as research points to a protective effect for both prostate health3 and heart health^3,4. Soy based protein powders offer a convenient alternative to animal based protein powders such as whey, egg and casein for vegetarian athletes. Soy protein products can help these athletes meet the additional protein needs that may be incurred during training. According to Mark Messina, MD, who spoke at the recent International Society of Sports Medicine Annual Conference, soy is not only safe for males, it is also a high quality source of essential amino acids and is considered a complete protein.⁵ He cited several studies that found soy protein to be equal to whey protein in its ability to help build muscle when coupled with a resistance exercise program.

1 Hamilton – Reeves JM, et al Meta Analysis of Clinical Studies of the Effects of Soy Protein, Soy Foods and Isoflavones on Reproductive Hormones in Men reported by Mark Messina during 5th Annual ISSN Conference, Las Vegas, NV, June 8-10, 2008.

2 Fisch H. Declining World Wide Sperm Counts; Disproving a Myth. Urol Clin N Am. 35 (2008) 137-146.

3 The Japan Public Health Center-Based Study Cohort 1. Circulation (2007) 116: 2553

4 FDA 1999& UK 2002 Joint Nutrition Labeling Claims Initiative on Soy and heart health.

5 Messina, M , Nutrition Advantages of Soy Protein for Sedentary and Active Adults. 5th Annual ISSN Conference, Las Vegas, NV, June 10, 2008.