Protein is an important nutrient needed for the growth and repair of all body cells including organs, muscles, tissues, skin and hair. It’s also required for hormones, enzymes and bodily fluids such as blood. All proteins are made up of chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Our body requires 20 amino acids to function properly and of these 9 are considered ‘essential’, or ‘indispensable’, as they cannot be made by the body. These must be supplied in the diet. The other amino acids are non-essential as they can be produced in the body.

Soya is one of the few sources of plant protein that contains all the essential amino acids, in amounts needed by the human body, and so its quality is considered similar to that of animal protein such as milk, meat and egg. The benefits of soya protein go further than just providing essential amino acids. Research suggests that various types of protein may have a role in maintaining good health, particularly heart and bone health.

SAC Position Paper – Soyfoods and high quality protein – EN (PDF)

SAC Position Paper – Soyfoods and high quality protein – FR (PDF)

SAC Position Paper – Soyfoods and high quality protein – DE (PDF)

SAC Position Paper – Soyfoods and high quality protein – NL (PDF)

SAC Position Paper – Soyfoods and high quality protein – ES (PDF)

SAC Position Paper – Soyfoods and high quality protein – IT (PDF)

SAC Position Paper – Soyfoods and high quality protein – PT (PDF)