DEFINITION

Soy milk is a drink that is made from soaking soy beans in water, grinding the beans and filtering the liquid. The soy bean is the world's most widely grown legume.

DESCRIPTION

Soy milk contains no lactose and is therefore an excellent alternative if cow's milk cannot be tolerated. Many people have allergies or intolerance to the lactose (milk sugar) in cow's milk. Symptoms of allergies or intolerance include: diarrhoea and other intestinal problems and an excess production of mucus in the nasal passages. See the Lactose Intolerance topic.

Soy milk contains less cholesterol and negligible amounts of saturated fat compared with cow's milk. It is also low in carbohydrates, calcium and phosphorus. The presence of phytic acid in soy milk presents a problem with regard to mineral and trace element bioavailability. This problem is corrected by the manufacturer adding these minerals during production of soy milk. It also contains small amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids which are thought to have anti-inflammatory actions throughout the body. Omega 3 fats are also beneficial for pregnant women to help assist in the growth of the baby's brain and retina. Soy milk is high in iron and vitamin B1 and vitamin B3.
Soy milk is thought to reduce elevated cholesterol levels by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol.

Low fat or light varieties are also available for those who are reducing their fat intake. Soy milk may also be available in a range of flavours. Soy milk is very versatile; it can be used instead of cow's milk on cereals, in recipes or in a refreshing drink or shake. Soy milk is suitable for vegetarians and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The protein quality of soy milk is comparable to cow's milk, meat or eggs and is highly digestible. It is suitable for people of all age groups.

While its primary use has been for infants with milk protein allergy and lactose intolerance, soy formula is used increasingly for infants with gastrointestinal discomfort. Soy formula for bottlefed babies has a nutritional composition designed to cover the nutrient needs of the newborn infant. The protein level of soy formula is usually higher than that of cow's milk formulas, partially because the protein is more easily digestible and partly because of differences in amino acid composition.. Studies have shown that babies fed soy milk formulas grow and thrive at the same rate as babies fed on cow's milk based formulas.

NOTES

Some users may be allergic to soy.

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