Soy protein differs from other vegetable proteins because it changes the way that the liver processes cholesterol, the FDA said. The healthy heart benefit of soy comes from consuming at least 25 grams a day of soy protein, the agency said. To qualify for the health claim label, a serving of food would have to have at least 6.25 grams of soy protein, one-quarter of the daily amount that has been shown to lower cholesterol. If the proposed FDA regulation is adopted, manufacturers whose products meet the soy standard would be entitled to claim on food labels that their products could lower the risk of coronary heart disease. The FDA said it would accept comments on the proposed labeling regulation until Jan. 25.
Soy protein comes from soybeans, one of the major sources of protein worldwide.
Soy may be added to many different types of foods and beverages. It is used to make tofu, some types of noodles and meat substitutes, such as soy burgers. All rights reserved.