Lipid-lowering effect of 2 dosages of a soy protein supplement in hypercholesterolemia

The lipid-lowering effect of a soy-based protein supplement was evaluated in an 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial in patients with hypercholesterolemia. A total of 117 patients (63 men and 54 women) received soy protein, either 15 or 25 g/d or placebo. In the active treatment groups low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased significantly by 5.9% and 1.1% respectively, but increased by 3.6% with placebo. Total serum cholesterol and apolipoprotein B levels changed significantly in a similar manner. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B-12 levels did not change significantly compared with baseline in any of the study groups. All preparations were well tolerated. Soy protein 25 g/d was twice as effective as 15 g/d. In conclusion, soy protein supplementation may effectively reduce serum cholesterol levels and therefore is likely to diminish the risk for cardiovascular disease.