Cat & Dog - Soy Proteins/Isoflavones

What are soy proteins/isoflavones?

Soy proteins are the proteins found in the soya bean and its products such as tofu. Isoflavones are a particularly important class of soy protein, and include the water-soluble compounds genistein and daidzein. Genistein is found in other plants as well, including red clover, and is one of the most heavily studied plant compounds in the world, because of its phytoestrogenic effects.

Phytoestrogens, or estrogens found naturally in plants, are of particular interest in menopausal women as a safe form of oestrogen replacement therapy. Clinical trials have demonstrated a mild ability of genistein to relieve hot flushes, but a significant ability of soy isoflavones to inhibit bone loss in women diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Why recommend administration of soy proteins/isoflavones to my pet?

The potential application of soy protein to the treatment of small animal disorders is very speculative, and has not been subjected to any research. Even clinical experience with the use of soy isoflavones in dogs and cats is highly limited. The potential benefits of soy proteins in dogs and cats are largely extrapolated from the impact of soy proteins in humans.

One of the most consistently acknowledged effects of soy isoflavones in humans is in the correction of hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol, and high LDL cholesterol. Soy isoflavones should thus be investigated for the treatment of conditions associated with hyperlipidemia and elevated cholesterol in dogs, including glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney). Soy extracts have shown a protective effect against renal disease in both animals and humans, but research is controversial. A recent report indicates soy might accelerate autoimmune renal damage in animals with lupus.

Several studies have demonstrated a reduced incidence of oestrogen sensitive tumours in countries consuming abundant soy products. Oestrogen sensitive tumours include breast cancer and prostate cancer. Research on the application of genistein to these and other tumours, such as colon cancer and squamous cell carcinoma is generally encouraging, although some studies showed a lack of effect, or even a tendency for genistein to stimulate tumour growth in oestrogen sensitive tissues in rats. The overall positive results led to the development of an antibody-tagged version of genistein which exhibits significant efficacy against human lymphoma and leukemia cells. No similar products for the treatment of lymphoma in animals have yet been developed.

Soy proteins have been speculated to potentially aid the treatment of oestrogen-sensitive conditions in small animals, including benign prostatic hypertrophy (benign enlargement of the prostate gland) and hormonally responsive urinary incontinence. Formal trials have not been conducted, but anecdotal success of soy isoflavones in canine urinary incontinence has been reported.

Another important potential application of soy proteins in small animal medicine is in the treatment of conditions associated with insulin resistance, including type II diabetes mellitus. Soy isoflavones have been shown to have a significant effect in improving insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients.

How successful is treatment with soy proteins/isoflavones?

Soy proteins/isoflavones appear to be beneficial in lowering blood cholesterol and in decreasing urinary incontinence in some pets. They may also help in the treatment of cancer.

How safe are soy proteins/isoflavones?

Soy proteins/isoflavones appear safe. As mentioned, isoflavones have oestrogen-like activity but there have been no reports of toxicity associated with short or long term consumption of soy protein. No adverse effects on fertility have been demonstrated in human males consuming significant quantities of soy protein. Some studies suggest genistein may precipitate the development of some tumours, particularly in oestrogen sensitive organs in laboratory animals. More research is required in this area.

Despite the favorable experiences of some practitioners in using soy proteins to treat hormonally responsive urinary incontinence in dogs, some studies suggest soy isoflavones may have an opposite effect.

Where do I obtain soy proteins/isoflavones and do I need a prescription?

You do not need a prescription to buy soy protein. Please speak to one of the vets if you would like to discuss its use in your animal. We would be happy to advise.