Soy Milk Dangers

When it comes to nutrition science, the one thing we can count on is that research information evolves over time. Remember eggs and cholesterol? Over the last several years the buzz about the benefits of soy protein and isoflavones has gained considerable momentum, it culminated in the 1999 decision by the US Food and Drug Administration to approve labelling for foods containing soy protein as protective against coronary heart disease. But once again, we are faced with evolving research that shows the buzz may be “much ado about nothing” — or at least very little.

A recent large-scale review from the Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association has deflated the claims about the benefits of soy. For one thing, soy failed to confer clinically significant cardioprotection. In 22 randomized, controlled trials comparing isolated soy protein with isoflavones to casein or milk protein, wheat protein, or mixed animal proteins, no significant effects were evident for HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein!a), or blood pressure. Although LDL cholesterol concentrations were decreased somewhat, these reductions failed to attain clinical significance. Moreover, the reductions were very minor (~3%) relative to the large amount of soy protein tested (average of 50 g, about half the usual total daily protein intake), with no apparent dose effect.

The Committee’s analysis of seven trials specifically designed to separate the effects of soy protein from those of soy isoflavones demonstrated similar results: a weak, clinically insignificant effect of soy protein, but not isoflavones, on LDL cholesterol, but none on Other blood lipids. Similarly, among 19 studies comparing the effect of soy isoflavones with or without soy protein, only three showed significant reductions in LDL cholesterol concentration, but the effect among all studies (weighted average) was nil; nor again were there any changes in the other components of the lipid profile.

The perceived benefits of soy among both the public and the scientific community have not been limited to the cardiovascular system. This review also demonstrated that soy protein and isoflavones did not reduce vasomotor symptoms of menopause, nor did they demonstrate a preventive or therapeutic role for cancer of the breast, endometrium or prostate. Results were mixed with regard to the role of soy in slowing postmenopausal bone loss. The authors suggested the need for greater investigation into the role of isoflavones on bone health. Need we point out that studies on the milk’s effectiveness have been successfully completed?

In same time Odwalla Inc. plans to launch a line of soy milk this spring with Martek Biosciences Corp.‘s docosahexaenoic acid, marking the first time Martek’s nutritional oils have been used in a major product outside baby formulas.With a near monopoly in U.S. formula markets, the Columbia company has been working to extend its reach deeper into international formula markets and outside the world of baby food and pregnancy vitamins.

While the initial sales boost is expected to be small, yesterday’s announcement represented several coups for Martek, from marketing wins to a stake in a new niche after a painful year of blunders in sales forecasts and supply issues. The move will create the first soy milk in the United States to contain the fatty acid that boosts eye and heart health. It also will place Martek’s product name prominently on Odwalla’s labels.

“That is fairly significant because it adds to the company’s credibility and their visibility to not only other [manufacturers] but also to the consumer,” said analyst Elise Wang of Citigroup in New York.

Martek shares increased 2.5 percent yesterday to close at $33 on the news.“It is a big deal because it is a national brand,” said analyst Ryan J. McCormick of Wm Smith & Co. in Denver.Odwalla, known for its line of fresh and health-conscious beverages, plans to sell the milk in half-gallon containers in three flavors — “Plain,” “Vanilla Being” and “Choc-ahh-lot.

“The milk will be a first for Odwalla, too. The Coca-Cola subsidiary now has juices with soy but no milks.Wang, citing AC Nielsen data, estimated Odwalla’s soy-related sales at close to $1.4 million last year — just a fraction of Odwalla’s juice sales of more than $100 million. But soy-related revenues could pick up under the product launch. Analysts say the soy milk market potential is much larger. Industry-wide soy milk sales are close to $356 million.The milk is expected to hit the shelves of natural foods stores this spring, according to Martek.

“We’re excited about the product,” said Kyle Stults, manager of investor relations at Martek.The launch opens new doors for Martek, which had $10 million in sales last year for non-baby food-related products, according to Wang.But traders have been waiting for even bigger news.

Shares in Martek plummeted last year as supply issues caused some clients to stockpile Martek oils, throwing off sales projections. Also disappointing, a planned deal for Kellogg Co. to use the oils in their cereals was delayed.Stults said the Kellogg deal wouldn’t happen until 2007 now.If the Kellogg deal happens, Wang estimated 2007 could see Martek hit $40 million in non-baby food sales. Last year Martek saw revenue of $217.9 million.