Last Updated on November 1, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Yes. Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can consume soy protein. Many researchers studied its effects on the liver and concluded that soy protein could significantly reduce fat accumulation and triglycerides in the liver, which is helpful in NAFLD.
Is soy protein beneficial for NAFLD?
Studies in experimental models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have reported positive effects of soy components in improving metabolic parameters. Although whether such effects can be achieved through consumption of whole soy foods in patients with NAFLD is still unclear.
What are the studies being done?
Diet plays a critical role in the management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Studies on the NAFLD’s experimental models have reported that soy had positive effects on the improvement of metabolic parameters. However, there is a lack of clinical trials regarding the efficacy of whole soy foods.
University of Illinois researchers have shown how soy protein could significantly reduce fat accumulation and triglycerides in the livers of obese patients by partially restoring the function of a key signaling pathway in the organ. Studies in experimental models of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) have reported positive effects of soy components in improving metabolic parameters. Consumption of soy milk in the context of a restricted-calorie diet for eight weeks had favourable effects on serum ALT and hs-CRP in patients with NAFLD.
Similar results were found in a research concluding that a low-calorie diet containing soy milk had beneficial effects on serum insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and BP in patients with NAFLD. Another study found that soy and whey protein reduced fat buildup in the liver. Soy protein contains antioxidants called isoflavones that help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fat in the body. However, further studies are required to draw conclusive results.
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