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FDA Authorizes Soy Protein Health Claim
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The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday authorized
the use of a health claim, linking the consumption of soy protein with
a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. The FDA based its approval
on
numerous studies cited in the health claim petition submitted by Protein
Technologies International, Inc. (PTI)
on May 4, 1998.
The approved soy health claim will be used on food labels and in food labeling of many soy foods including tofu, soy-based beverages, soy meat, and soy protein bars and powders. Those food products that contain a minimum of 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving will be allowed to feature one of two claim wordings:
"25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. A serving of (Attain) supplies 8 grams of soy protein."
"Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease. One serving of (Attain) provides 8 grams of soy protein."
The health claim was approved after careful evaluation of more than
20 years work of accumulated scientific evidence and over 50 human trials
addressing this issue. According to the compiled research, 25 grams
of soy protein a
day - which may be obtained through four servings of foods each containing
6.25 grams of soy protein - are effective in reducing both total cholesterol
and LDL-cholesterol levels.
The FDA approved soy protein health claim has been authorized for immediate
use on food and food labels. The claim has important implications
for Americans, 750,000 of whom die from coronary heart disease each year.
Elevated cholesterol levels are frequently a contributing cause.
For more information on sources of ready-to-consume soy products, refer to the following sites:
Try this powdered soy drink. It tastes great, it's high in nutrition,
it works for losing weight, and it's inexpensive.
http://www.melaleuca.com/nutr.html
scroll down to "Attain" (For more info or to
order: petrich@whidbey.com)
This website has some delicious ready-to-go meals made with soy, great
for lunch, dinner or even camping.
http://www.nutritionforlife.com/175771
Here's a website I just discovered that has a lot of good info on the
health benefits of Soy.
http://www.soyisoflavones.com/
Genetically Modified (GM) Soy