FDA reviews soy claim for reduced cancer risk
FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2004The US Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing a petition for a labelling claim that soy protein-based foods may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
The Solae Company, a leader in soy protein research for over 30 years, submitted the petition on the basis of 58 studies supporting the relationship between soy protein consumption and the reduced risk of cancers including breast, prostate and colon cancer.
Five years ago, the company's research contributed to a landmark FDA decision to approve the claim that "25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease."
A decision on the new claim is expected late November or early December.
"We have worked diligently for the past three years to compile existing research and review emerging data regarding the role soy protein-based foods play in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer," Dr Lin Yan, director of cancer research for The Solae Company, said.
The Solae Company are suppliers of Solae™ and Supro®
While health claims are not currently permitted in Australia, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), together with the health ministers, are currently reviewing this legislation, with the use of health claims likely to be approved in early 2006.
The process for compiling the US soy petition included a comprehensive evaluation of scientific research and work with external experts in cancer research. Reviewers of the petition included researchers from Harvard University, the University of California Los Angeles Centre for Human Nutrition, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Arkansas, and Wake Forest University.
If approved, the health claim will be legal for use on product labelling and packaging. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 35 percent of cancer deaths in the US can be avoided through dietary modification.
"Most consumers today know that food choice has an impact on their daily wellbeing as well as their long-term health and risk of certain diseases. However, there are many, sometimes conflicting, messages about which foods provide health benefits," Solae's director of nutrition science communications, Dr Debra Miller, said.
"The health claim process involves extensive review by the FDA of scientific evidence regarding the health benefits associated with specific foods. Therefore, health claims can be important for consumers in making informed decisions about which foods to choose to achieve a healthy diet."
Large population studies have shown that incidence of breast, prostate and colon cancers are far higher in non-Asian countries compared to Asian. As soyfoods are a major source of protein in many Asian cuisines, but not Western diets, researchers have long speculated that soy is the difference.
Scientists at The Solae Company have been investigating the possible ways soy protein may be producing a protective effect against cancer. Soy isoflavones, well known for their antioxidant properties, have been a primary focus.
For more information on soy protein and reduced risk of cancer, visit the Solae site.
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