Soy poses an additional risk to human health because it is now considered to be a high allergen food. The American Academy of Pediatrics proposed that early exposure to soy through infant formula has raised the incident of soy allergy in children. Infants consuming soy-based infant formula are also at risk for adverse effects such as depressed thyroid function and zinc deficiency. Soy is high in phytates which can inhibit the absorption of essential minerals, such as zinc. This becomes a problem when a person is consuming high amounts of phytates.

Another concern is that soy contains enzyme-inhibitors which have shown to cause gastric distress and even reduced protein absorption. Enzyme-inhibitors block the absorption of enzymes needed for protein digestion. Fermented soy, such as tempeh and miso, is considered by some to be the only acceptable form of soy to consume. When soy is fermented, the enzymes are broken down, making the protein readily available for digestion by the human body. Normally cooking soy does not break down the enzymes properly.

Because soy is a complete protein, it is a popular choice to replace animal protein. Whether or not soy contains the vitamin B12 is another controversy, leaving some health experts saying that soy is not an acceptable replacement for animal protein. Recent research offers that the compound in soy that resembles vitamin B12 is not usable by the human body. Even more controversial is that those studies have shown that soy may actually stimulate the human body to require more vitamin B12.

While it seems that recent claims have made soy appear to be more formidable than beneficial, it still offers some dietary options for certain individuals. This is especially true when soy is consumed in moderation and not as a continuous replacement for other foods. The adverse health effects of soy seem to depend on the person consuming large amounts on a continuous basis, which is encouraged by the availability of soy beverages, protein powders and meat replacements. The key may be moderation as well as complete avoidance if you suffer from thyroid disorders or certain cancers.