Doctor Tran Thi Tra Phuong from the Nutrition Unit at Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic addresses a common concern among parents regarding children's consumption of soy products and its potential link to early puberty.

Many parents worry that soy contains isoflavones, a group of phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). Due to their chemical structure, which is similar to estrogen, some believe that high soy intake in children could increase estrogen levels, leading to early puberty or feminization in boys. However, this is a common misunderstanding.

In reality, isoflavones are not human estrogen hormones. Currently, there is no scientific evidence indicating that children eating tofu or drinking soy milk increases the risk of early puberty. Soy products do not alter levels of estrogen, testosterone, or other reproductive hormones, nor do they affect sperm quality or cause feminization in males.

Doctor Tra Phuong advises a parent. Photo: The Vinh

Soybeans are rich in plant protein, providing all 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize. Beyond protein, soy products contain unsaturated fats, fiber, folate, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants. Tofu's calcium content varies with its production method; varieties coagulated with calcium salts often have higher nutritional value.

Early puberty is influenced by many factors, including genetics, overweight or obesity, endocrine disorders, central nervous system damage, or exposure to exogenous hormones from medications or hormone-containing preparations.

Parents do not need to remove tofu or soy milk from their child's diet. Children require a diverse diet, combining these foods with meat, fish, eggs, dairy, whole grains, green vegetables, and fruits to ensure adequate nutrient supply for growth.

When preparing homemade soy milk, boil it thoroughly before consumption. Raw soy products can contain trypsin inhibitors and saponins, which may cause nausea, abdominal pain, or digestive issues. Children with a history of soy allergies or thyroid conditions should consult a doctor before regular consumption.

If a child shows signs of early puberty, such as breast development in girls before 8 years old or increased testicular size in boys before 9 years old, accompanied by rapid height acceleration, pubic hair growth, or body odor, parents should take the child to a pediatric endocrinology specialist.

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