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Soy: Health Claims for Soy Protein, Questions About Other Components
Part 7: The Soy Health Claim
 More of this Feature
• Part 1: Health Claims for Soy Protein
• Part 2: Soy Benefits
• Part 3: Soy's Many Faces
• Part 4: Are Consumers Warming Up to Soy?
• Part 5: Examining the Controversy
• Part 6: Adding Soy Protein to the Diet
 
 From Other Guides
• FDA Approves Soy Health Claims for Heart Disease
• The Joy of Soy
• Nutrition FAQ
 
 

     In October 1999, FDA approved a health claim that can be used on labels of soy-based foods to tout their heart-healthy benefits. The agency reviewed research from 27 studies that showed soy protein's value in lowering levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad" cholesterol).

     Food marketers can now use the following claim, or a reasonable variation, on their products: "Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease. One serving of (name of food) provides __ grams of soy protein." To qualify for the claim foods must contain per serving:

  • 6.25 grams of soy protein
  • low fat (less than 3 grams)
  • low saturated fat (less than 1 gram)
  • low cholesterol (less than 20 milligrams)
  • sodium value of less than 480 milligrams for individual foods, less than 720 milligrams if considered a main dish, and less than 960 milligrams if considered a meal.

     Foods made with the whole soybean, such as tofu, may qualify for the claim if they have no fat other than that naturally present in the whole bean.

--J.H.


For More Information

These organizations have further background on soybean products, as well as recipes and dietary tips:

American Soybean Association
Suite 100
12125 Woodcrest Executive Drive
St. Louis, MO 63141
1-800-688-7692
www.amsoy.org

Soyfoods Association of North America
1723 U St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 986-5600

United Soybean Board
424 Second Ave. West
Seattle, WA 98119
1-800-TALK-SOY (1-800-825-5769)
www.talksoy.com
www.soyfoods.com

--J.H.

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Information taken from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville MD 20857-0001
http://www.fda.gov

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