Is tofu bad for conception?
Food for thought for women trying to conceive.
Wed, Jul 29 2009 at 8:00 AM EST
Trying to conceive? A new study shows that if that's the case. You may want to cut back on the soy. The study, published in the medical journal Reproductive Toxicology, revealed that dietary exposure to genistein, a compound found in soy foods like tofu, can make it significantly more difficult to get pregnant and stay that way. In the study, researchers examined the impact of genistein exposure on the eggs from female adult mice and found that the compound keeps the eggs from becoming mature and reduces their potential to become fertilized. For eggs that do become fertilized, genistein hampers the growth of the newly formed embryo.
Scientists have yet to fully interpret the results of this study ... after all soy is currently thought to be a healthful food that provides excellent protection for the heart. And it remains to be seen whether or not this compound would react the same way in humans as it does in mice. But it certainly provides "food for thought," for couples who are having trouble conceiving.
Photo: aloalosabine
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Comments
Anonymous
08/17/2009 11:47 AM
As a vegetarian who gets much of her protein from soy sources, this is scary! I am not of the age to be having children yet (I'm an 18 year old student), but it makes me wonder if the amount of soy I eat now will affect my ability to conceive in the future.
Anonymous
07/29/2009 15:52 PM
The dangers of soy are very real and have been known and researched for decades. Mary Enig, Phd, biochemist and co-author of Nourishing Traditions, a cookbook (and so much more....) is a regular on the Weston Price Foundation website along with Kaayla Daniels, PhD and Sally Fallon. Their research is extensive and worth reading. WPF website has an tab dedicated to the dangers of soy called, "Soy Alert!" .... More
