Highlights from the October Journal of the American Dietetic Asociation

The October 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association contains articles and research studies you may find of interest. Below is a summary of one of this month's articles. For more information or to receive a faxed copy of a Journal article, e-mail media@eatright.org.

Soy Consumption among Women at Risk for Breast Cancer

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Pennsylvania studied the eating patterns of more than 450 women who are at increased risk of breast cancer to quantify and qualify use of soy products in the women's diets. Research is attempting to find whether soy has a role in the prevention or treatment of chronic diseases, including breast cancer, but results to date are inconclusive.

The women in the Pennsylvania study each had family histories of breast cancer and were enrolled in a cancer risk assessment program. Findings from the study include:

32 percent of the women described themselves as "soy consumers" and 43 percent said they eat at least one soy product per month.
Of the women identified as soy consumers, more than 70 percent gave "I try to eat a healthy diet" as a reason. "I like the taste" was cited by nearly 60 percent and nearly half said "I believe they will reduce my cancer risk."
Soy foods most commonly eaten include vegetable burgers, tofu and soy milk.
Among women who said they did not eat soy foods, the two most popular reasons were "I don't know how to prepare or cook them" and "I dislike their taste." Other reasons included "I don't believe they are healthier for me than other foods" and "They are difficult to find."

The researchers conclude that "a subset of women may be consuming soy for misguided reasons or nonproven health benefits. It is important for health professionals to deliver clear messages about the health benefits, if any, of soy."

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The study was supported in part by grants from the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

The Journal of the American Dietetic Association is the official research publication of the American Dietetic Association and is the premier peer-reviewed journal in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

With nearly 65,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Based in Chicago, ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. Visit ADA at www.eatright.org.

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