In the last 10 years or so soy milk has quickly become a popular substitute for traditional cow milk. In a reaction to the increase in popularity it seems that many studies have been published in regard to the health benefits and dangers of soy milk.

So what are the truths and untruths about soy milk? Below are a few questions commonly associated with soy milk consumption:

Does soy milk contain trans fats (hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats)?

Short of listing the ingredients to every soy milk product on the market this is a tough question to answer. It is true that soy milk is low in fat and especially low in saturated fats. From taking a look at a few products it’s safe to assume that most soy milk products do not contain trans fats.

Wikipedia notes that in the food industry complete hydrogenation converts unsaturated fatty acids to saturated ones. Hydrogenation results in the conversion of liquid vegetable oils to solid or semi-solid fats, such as those present in margarine. The goal of hydrogenation is to preserve a longer shelf life for food products.

In this case I would be willing to bet that most quality soy milk products do not contain trans fats. However, the best way to be sure is to check that label, and see if the product contains hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats.

As a member of the male species and hoping to procreate at some point down the road of life; the question regarding soy milk’s ability to lower sperm count is a legitimate one. When it comes to milk and manliness here’s what I found:

Consumption of soy does in fact lower sperm count:

“A new (2008) study has found that men who consume an average of half a portion of soy products per day are more likely to have a lower concentration of sperm, particularly if they are overweight or obese,” reports FoodNavigator.com Europe. “Those who had the highest intake - an average of half a portion of soy foods per day - were seen to have sperm concentrations of 41m less per ml. The normal sperm concentration range is 80-120m per ml.”

The article also notes, “however, that Asian populations have long consumed soy-rich diets without signs of reduced fertility or other health problems being traced back to the plant.”

Studies also “indicated both positive and negative effects of isoflavones (common organic compound common in soy) on disease progression and fertility.”

Finally, is soy safe for babies and infants?

“Most pediatricians recommend a dairy based formula for infants because it more closely matches breastmilk,” answers Sue Gilbert, MS, of iVillage Pregnancy & Parenting. “Both formulas will provide comparable nutrition because they are required to meet strict government standards regarding nutrient levels.”

“Soy formulas are prescribed for baby’s with a dairy allergy (or potential dairy allergy), lactose intolerance, or digestive upset from dairy formula. Soy is as potentially allergenic as is cow’s milk and some babies are allergic to both in which case a hypoallergenic formula is required.”

“Once a baby turns one-year-old, and has progressed to table foods, the choice between soy milk and dairy milk is an individual matter. If a child is allergic to milk, is lactose intolerant or for some reason cannot tolerate or dislikes milk, or is being raised in a vegan vegetarian family, a soy milk is a better choice. However, it should not be lowfat, and it should be vitamin and mineral fortified,” continues Gilbert.