Soy Protein May Benefit Diabetics' Kidneys
 (NY, Reuters Health, 8/6/04)

Dr. John W. Erdman Jr of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and team, assigned 14 older men who had diabetes-related kidney disease, to take an isolated soy protein powder daily for eight weeks, by either adding it to their food or a drink. Then the researchers assigned the subjects to take a dairy protein powder for another eight weeks. The subjects were supposed to replace part of their usual protein intake with the powders; however, the men misunderstood and added it to their regular diet. The investigators found that, in the soy-phase of the study, even with the increased protein intake, the men excreted less protein in their urine, indicating improved kidney function. In addition, their good cholesterol tended to rise in this phase. The scientists speculate that isoflavones in the soy may favorably affect both kidney function and good cholesterol (HDL) levels.

(Journal of Nutrition, August 2004.)