Skip to main content

Study

Soy Supplements May Ease Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Taking a daily soy supplement for four weeks reduced asthma-related inflammation by 33% in a study of adults.

Respiratory HealthSupplementsAllergy Management
Study Credibility: Low3.8/10Early findingsNot enough evidence yetTalk with your clinician
PublishedOct 2026Last reviewedOct 2026
Email this

Summary

In plain language

New research suggests that including soy in your diet might help reduce asthma symptoms. In a study, adults with asthma who took a soy supplement daily for four weeks experienced a 33% reduction in inflammation, a key factor in asthma. This finding is important because it points to a natural dietary approach that might support better breathing. If you or someone you know lives with asthma, it could be worth considering adding soy products to your diet. However, it's always best to talk with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.

Details

Use the full description to understand the study design, methods, and the limits of the findings.

This study explored the effects of soy supplements on asthma-related inflammation in adults. Researchers provided participants with a daily soy supplement containing genistein, a compound found in soy, for four weeks.

  • The study found a 33% reduction in specific inflammatory markers associated with asthma.

  • Participants also showed an 18% decrease in exhaled nitric oxide, which indicates reduced airway inflammation.

  • While the study showed promising results, it included only a small group of participants, meaning larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

For seniors considering dietary changes, discussing the potential benefits of soy with a healthcare provider is a wise step.

Research Quality Score

Scored October 26, 2026 using rubric mq-1.8_2026-07-06.

Assessment

The study is a single-arm observational study with in vitro and clinical components, lacking randomization and blinding. Statistical methods are standard but lack full power analysis. Transparency is moderate with registration but no data sharing. Conflicts of interest are disclosed but involve industry funding. The study does not specifically target older adults, and journal quality is unassessed.

Category Breakdown

CategoryScoreRating
Study design3.3/10
Bias control3.3/10
Statistical methods5.0/10
Reporting completeness5.0/10
Conflicts & funding5.0/10
Replication0.0/10
Relevance to chosen population0.0/10
Journal Reliability5.0/10

Additional Notes

The study investigates the effects of soy isoflavone genistein on eosinophil leukotriene synthesis and airway inflammation in asthma patients. It includes in vitro experiments and a 4-week pilot clinical trial showing reduced eosinophil activity and inflammation markers.

Assessed on the study's full text across 8 quality dimensions; conflict-of-interest disclosures were reviewed.

Take the next step

Build a personalized plan using research-backed studies, conditions, and treatments.