July 3, 2002
Meal Planning, Food and Diet, Thyroid
Question from Massachusetts, USA:
My 14 year daughter old has had type 1 diabetes for about a year and a half. We’re both vegetarians (no red meat, fish, chicken, eggs, and very little dairy), and I am concerned because a friend told me that soy can cause thyroid problems. Is this true? I know that people with diabetes have a higher instance of thyroid troubles, and since our diet contains a goodly amount of soy (soy milk with our cereal and tofu as a protein source), I’m a little concerned.
Answer:
No reason to worry. Vegetarian food choices are significantly more healthy than meat eaters. As far as soy and the thyroid gland, the problem is that soy containing foods/drinks can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption. If you and your daughter are not actually taking a thyroid pill, then you don’t have anything to worry about with regards to soy.
SB
