Soy & Thyroid Function

Soy is the protein-rich seed of a plant originally from southeastern Asia. Soy contains two to three times more protein and edible oils than other legumes, and it has no saturated fats and cholesterol. So, consuming soy is likely to help decrease your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. However, soy's effect on the thyroid gland is not so encouraging. You shouldn't consume soy without talking to your doctor.

Soy Composition

Soy is about 80 percent protein and 20 percent oil. Soy protein supplies all the essential amino acids that humans require. Soybean oil is rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, two types of essential fatty acids. Soy also contains vitamins, salts and minerals in the amounts needed for human health. The non-nutritive compounds in soy, specifically isoflavones, are thought to have many potential health benefits.

Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease develops when the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormones. Deprivation of thyroid hormone can affect growth, metabolism and mental development. The symptoms of thyroid disease can evade detection by patient or physician, if symptoms are mild. The most common symptoms of thyroid-related problems include dry skin, weight gain, hair loss, constipation, low pulse, poor memory and goiter.

Soy and Thyroid Function

Soy isoflavones have been found to loss substantial amounts of thyroid peroxidase activity in animal research models. The enzyme thyroid peroxidase plays a crucial role in utilizing sodium iodide in the thyroid hormone biosynthesis. So, inhibition of thyroid peroxidase leads to a reduction in thyroid hormone levels. This prevents doctors from recommending soy in people with already impaired thyroid function.

Other Side Effects

Soy is a source of food allergy. Soy protein contains some allergens that are responsible for allergic reactions on the skin, in the digestive system and the cardiovascular system. It is more common among children, but adults may also suffer from soy allergy. Gout sufferers may also want to avoid soy. Soy contains purines, a crystalline base that is a constituent of DNA and RNA, which can raise serum uric acid levels and set the stage for gout attacks.