Soy protein may help prevent diabetes kidney disease

August 24, 2004—The results of a recent study show that soy protein could help prevent diabetics from developing kidney and cardiovascular disease, the two leading complications of diabetes.

Study¹ participants consumed, in consecutive, random order, doses of animal and soy protein in the form of powder incorporated into food and beverages. Soy protein intake led to a drop in the urine protein level while animal protein intake raised it. The authors of the study were surprised by the results, expecting protein levels to stabilize rather than drop. The presence of protein in urine indicates kidney failure.

This study was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Illinois. The participants—14 men aged 53 to 73 suffering from kidney disease related to Type II diabetes—also experienced a significant drop in the level of “bad” cholesterol to the benefit of “good” cholesterol, which thereby lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The authors of the study noted that adding soy protein to the diet is an easy and convenient way to control the onset of diabetes complications. A proper diet and good exercise program also help prevent these diseases. The positive results of this study echo other studies on the effects of soy on health.

Type II diabetes accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases. Although it usually develops in adults 40 or over, it is now appearing in increasingly younger individuals. In some people, not enough insulin is produced, while in others, the insulin produced does not work properly, causing a rise in blood sugar level. It is estimated that 7% of the population has a form of diabetes (Type I or II).

1.Teixeira SR, Tappenden KA, Carson L, et al, Isolated soy protein consumption reduces urinary albumin excretion and improves the serum lipid profile in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus and nephropathy, The Journal of Nutrition, août 2004, 134:1874-80.