Soy Protein And Hypothyroidism

Health and nutrition magazines, newspapers and news programmes flaunt the benefits of soy as a healthy alternative for women to minimize health and hormonal problems, prevent cancer, encourage weight loss, and many other problems. But, little known fact about soy protein is that it increases the risk of thyroid disease. The fact is that soy has an adverse affect on individuals suffering from hypothyroidism.

This is because soy beans consists of a plant compound called Isoflavones. Researchers have identified that it is the isoflavones in soy that have been associated with decreased thyroid hormone output. Isoflavones reduce thyroid hormone output by blocking activity of an enzyme called thyroid peroxidase. This enzyme is responsible for adding iodine onto the thyroid hormones. Typically, three or four iodine atoms should be added to the structure of thyroid hormones for it to function properly. When sufficient iodine atoms have not been added to thyroid hormones, their production is disrupted. Reduced thyroid hormone production suppresses thyroid function and aggravates hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism has been associated with poor brain development.

Soy foods containing isoflavones in excess of 40mg can worsen an existing diagnosed or undiagnosed thyroid problem in many people.

Thus soy products act as powerful anti-thyroid agents, capable of suppressing thyroid function. Soy products pose even higher risk for infants who use soy formula. It enhances the risk of congenital hypothyroidism.

A recent study found that as many as 10 percent of the population has undiagnosed thyroid condition. This may mean as many as 13 million Americans have undiagnosed thyroid problems.

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