Health · Medical Research · 4 hrs ago
Soy foods and isoflavones linked to lower odds of kidney disease
Researchers studied 27,003 adults in northeastern China to examine whether bean foods were linked to chronic kidney disease.
People with the highest soy isoflavone intake had 30% lower odds of CKD than those with the lowest intake.
Each standard-deviation increase in bean product intake was linked to 15% lower odds, while plain beans showed no significant association.
CKD was identified using measures of kidney function or protein in urine, and participants reported what they had eaten over the previous year.
The study found an association, not proof that soy foods prevent kidney disease, and its cross-sectional design cannot establish cause and effect.
The researchers say the findings may guide future research on diet and kidney health.
A study of 27,003 adults in China found that higher soy isoflavone and bean product intake was associated with lower odds of chronic kidney disease.
Participants with the highest soy isoflavone intake had 30% lower odds of CKD than those with the lowest intake.
Each standard deviation increase in bean product intake was associated with 15% lower odds of CKD.
Plain bean intake showed no significant association with CKD.
The researchers said it remains uncertain whether eating these foods provides kidney benefits in humans.
- Who
- Researchers studied 27,003 adults enrolled in the Northeast China Biobank.
- What
- The study found associations between higher soy isoflavone and bean product intake and lower odds of chronic kidney disease.
- When
- The study was published on November 4, 2026. Participants were recruited between July 2018 and December 2019.
- Where
- Participants came from Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, and Inner Mongolia, China.
- Why
- Researchers examined whether beans, bean products, and soy isoflavones were related to chronic kidney disease prevalence.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Northeast China Biobank recruited 36,376 adults.
News-Medical reported the study’s findings on soy isoflavones, bean products, and kidney disease odds.
- Participants analyzed
- 27,003 adults
- Highest versus lowest soy isoflavone intake
- 30% lower odds of CKD
- Bean product intake
- Each standard deviation increase was associated with 15% lower odds of CKD
- Study locations
- Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, and Inner Mongolia
- Publication
- Nutrition Journal