Excessive consumption of soy milk can be detrimental to health because it can hinder the absorption of minerals and amino acids, and it 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, since soy milk can have health benefits because it contains fewer calories than cow's milk and a good amount of lean protein and a small amount of cholesterol, being useful in diets for weight loss, for example.
Thus, taking 1 cup of soy milk per day usually does not harm the health, being beneficial for those who want to lose weight. Soy milk may be an alternative to milk for those who have lactose intolerance, but its consumption is discouraged for children and individuals diagnosed with hypothyroidism and anemia.
This guidance also applies to other soya-based beverages such as yogurts.
Can Babies Take Soy Milk?
The issue of soybean milk is controversial, and it is more consensual that soy milk is offered to the child from 3 years of age and never as a substitute for cow's milk, but rather as a food supplement, since even even children suffering from allergy 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 in the market besides soy milk that a trained health professional can guide according to the child's need.
Nutritional information of soy milk
Soymilk has, on average, the following nutritional composition per 225 ml:
| Nutrient | Amount | Nutrient | Amount |
| Energy | 96 kcal | Potassium | 325 mg |
| Proteins | 7 g | Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0.161 mg |
| Total fat | 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 milk or soy juice, as well as other soy-based foods, should be done in moderation, only once a day, so that it is not the only way to substitute high-fat foods from the diet . Other healthy substitutions of cow's milk are oatmeal milk and almond milk, which can be bought in supermarkets but can also be prepared at home.
Know the benefits of soy milk to health.
