The Claim
Long-term supplementation with plant-based protein (primarily soy) results in no statistically significant differences in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, or HOMA-IR compared to animal-based protein (primarily dairy) in adults aged 18 and older, although subgroup analyses indicate a possible reduction in triglycerides among individuals aged 60 and older.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In adults aged 18 and older, long-term use of plant-based protein from soy does not change levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, glucose, insulin, or insulin resistance compared to animal-based protein from dairy. In people aged 60 and older, triglyceride levels may be lower with plant-based protein, but this finding is not confirmed across the full group.
See the scientific wording
Long-term supplementation with plant-based protein (primarily soy) does not result in statistically significant differences in lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides), blood pressure, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, or insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) compared to animal-based protein (primarily dairy) in adults aged 18 and older, although subgroup analyses suggest a possible reduction in triglycerides among those aged 60+.
Soy and dairy proteins provide similar amounts of key amino acids that the liver uses to control fat and sugar levels in the blood. The liver responds the same way to both types of protein, so cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and insulin levels stay unchanged between the two.
What the research says
1 studyThis big study looked at what happens when people take soy protein or dairy protein supplements for six months or more — and found no real difference in heart health markers like cholesterol or blood sugar. So, soy isn’t better or worse than dairy for these things, though older adults might see a tiny drop in triglycerides.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.