ST. LOUIS, Oct 04, 2007 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- A study published in the Oct. 1 Journal of Nutrition suggests consumption of soy protein may play a role in reducing the risk of prostate cancer, Solae notes, giving consumers another healthy reason to make soy part of their diet.

The study, "Soy protein isolate increases urinary estrogens and the ratio of 2:16 alpha-hydroxyestrone in men at high risk of prostate cancer," is believed to be the first study investigating the effects of soy protein consumption on estrogen metabolism and prostate cancer in men.

"The intent of the study was to evaluate the effects of consuming soy protein on elimination of estrogen metabolites in the urine of men at a high risk for prostate cancer," said Dr. Mindy Kurzer, lead author of the study and a professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. "After taking biopsies of prostate tissue, androgen receptors were reduced in the prostate, which is consistent with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. In addition, significantly fewer of the men who consumed soy protein progressed to cancer by the end of the six-month study. We are encouraged by the results, but more studies must be performed."
"The results of this study could be beneficial for men who are at risk of prostate cancer," said Dr. Kathryn Greaves, Group Lead, Clinical Nutrition at Solae. "If the results of this study are replicated in future studies, reducing the risk of prostate cancer may be another reason to include soy in your daily diet."

Soy has been documented to potentially improve heart health and aid in sports performance and weight management. For more information on Solae and its products, please visit http://www.solae.com.

About Solae
Solae is the world leader in developing innovative soy-based technology to the food, meat and nutritional products industries. Solae provides solutions that deliver a unique combination of functional, nutritional and economic benefits to our customers.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, with annual revenue exceeding $1 billion, the company was formed through an alliance between Bunge Limited (BG) . For more information, visit http://www.solae.com.