Soy & Calcium

Calcium-enriched soy beverages are an excellent source of dietary calcium. Health Canada recognizes fortified plant-based beverages (with 275 mg or more of calcium) to be an excellent source of calcium.

Studies revealed that consumption of foods containing soy protein (containing high levels of naturally occurring isoflavones) resulted in significant increase or maintenance in bone mineral content and density at the lumbar spine after six months.

Short and long term studies have found that soy protein consumption prevents bone loss in the spine of women suffering menopausal symptoms and bone mineral content in the spine of post-menopausal women. In addition, a recently published two-year study found that consumption of two servings of isoflavones-rich Soy Beverage each day prevented bone loss in a group of menopausal women.

While the exact manner in which soy isoflavones exert a protective effect on bone is not known at this time, research does show that soy isoflavones are selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and studies suggest they stimulate bone formation and reduce bone resorption.

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