Soy products contain soy isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen. Its chemical structure is very similar to estrogen and can act as an estrogen substitute to promote osteoblast growth.
A few days ago, 7-year-old Wenwen came home from playing, sweating profusely. Her grandmother noticed her granddaughter's chest had become "plump" and showed signs of development. In the evening, when the child's parents returned from work, the grandmother quickly told them about her concerns. The next day, Wenwen's parents took her to the hospital for a check-up, and the results confirmed that the child had precocious puberty.
While inquiring about the child's lifestyle and dietary habits, one detail caught the doctor's attention: although Wenwen didn't take any nutritional supplements, she had a particular fondness for soy products, eating plenty of tofu, dried tofu, and vegetarian roasted goose every day. After ruling out other factors, the doctor concluded that Wenwen's precocious puberty was likely related to her long-term and large consumption of soy products. The doctor told Wenwen's parents that excessive consumption of soy products can lead to precocious puberty in children, mainly because soy products contain soy isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen. Its chemical structure is very similar to estrogen and can act as an estrogen substitute to promote osteoblast growth.
Experts explained that due to the special effects of soy products, doctors initially used them to treat osteoporosis in menopausal women. As menopausal women experience a decline in ovarian function, their estrogen levels drop sharply, weakening the stimulation of osteoblasts and making them prone to osteoporosis.
Experts remind that preschool children should not consume large amounts of soy products over a long period. The specific amount to be eaten will be recommended by doctors based on the child's individual situation.