Excessive consumption of soy milk can be harmful to health because it can hinder the absorption of minerals and amino acids, and contains phytoestrogens that can alter the functioning of the thyroid.
However, these harms can be minimized if the consumption of soy milk is not exaggerated, as soy milk can bring health benefits by containing fewer calories compared to cow's milk and a good amount of lean protein and a small amount of cholesterol, being useful in diets to lose weight, for example.
Thus, taking 1 glass of soy milk a day is generally not harmful to health, being beneficial for those who want to lose weight. Soy milk can be an alternative to milk for those who have lactose intolerance, but its consumption is not recommended for children and individuals diagnosed with hypothyroidism and anemia.
This guidance also applies to other soy-based drinks, such as yogurt, for example.
Can babies drink soy milk?
The issue of soy milk doing harm to babies is controversial, and it is more consensual that soy milk is offered to children from 3 years of age and never as a substitute for cow's milk, but rather as a dietary supplement, because even even children who are allergic to cow's milk may have difficulty digesting soy milk.
Soy milk should only be offered to the baby when the pediatrician indicates, and in cases of allergy to milk protein or even in the presence of lactose intolerance, there are good alternatives on the market in addition to soy milk that a trained health professional can guide according to the child's needs.
Nutritional information for soy milk
Soy milk has, on average, the following nutritional composition for each 225 ml:
| Nutrient | Amount | Nutrient | Amount |
| Energy | 96 kcal |
Potassium |
325 mg |
| Proteins | 7 g | Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0.161 mg |
| Total fats | 7 g | Vitamin B3 (niacin) | 0.34 mg |
| Saturated fat | 0.5 g | Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) | 0.11 mg |
| Monounsaturated fats | 0.75 g | Vitamin B6 | 0.11 mg |
| Polysaturated fats | 1.2 g | Folic acid (vitamin B9) | 3.45 mcg |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g | Vitamin A | 6.9 mcg |
| Fibers | 3 mg | Vitamin E | 0.23 mg |
| Isoflavones | 21 mg | Selenium | 3 mcg |
| Calcium | 9 mg | Manganese | 0.4 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | Copper | 0.28 mg |
| Magnesium | 44 mg | Zinc | 0.53 mg |
| Phosphor | 113 mg | Sodium | 28 mg |
Thus, it is advised that the consumption of soy milk or juice, as well as other soy-based foods, should be made in moderation, only once a day, so that it is not the only way to replace foods rich in dietary fat.. Other healthy substitutions for cow's milk are oat rice milk and almond milk, which can be purchased at supermarkets but can also be prepared at home.
Discover the health benefits of soy milk.
