Individuals who have a high soy intake have lower cholesterol levels than those who consume less soy, according to Japanese researchers in a report published recently in Tokyo. Dr. Hiroyuki Shimizu, of the Department of Public Health at Gifu University School of Medicine, and colleagues examined the relationship between intake of soy products and total serum cholesterol concentrations in 1,242 men and 3,596 women who participated in an annual health check-up program in Takayama City, Japan.

Among men, Dr. Shimizu's group observed a significant trend for decreasing total cholesterol concentrations with an increased intake of soy products after controlling for age, smoking status and intake of total energy, total protein and total fat. They noted a similar, negative trend in women after controlling for age, menopausal status, body mass index and intake of total energy and vitamin C.

An article about the report can be found at the InteliHealth Professional Network