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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
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Soy Protein and Improved Walking Speed

Research synthesisModerate evidenceModerate effect3 studies · 3 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Across all 3 available studies, soy protein supplementation consistently showed beneficial moderate-sized effects on improved walking speed, with all 3 studies reporting statistically significant findings. The evidence base is small (3 studies), with effects typically observed over 8-12 weeks (median study duration 87 days), primarily in elderly or pre-frail/frail populations. No specific dose range or form was consistently reported across studies.

  • Studied populations: elderly adults, pre-frail and frail elderly, community-dwelling older adults undergoing resistance training

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (studies with null findings are less likely to be published or indexed). The largest study (n=5272) was a network meta-analysis that ranked soy protein among several protein sources but did not isolate soy's independent effect on walking speed; the other two RCTs (n=84 and n=73) had modest sample sizes. Doses and forms were not consistently reported, making it difficult to generalize specific recommendations.

Generated Jun 12, 2026
Doses used in studies
  • g/day: 14.5 (median 14.5, IQR 14.5–14.5) — 1 study
Time to effect
Median: 2.9 months · IQR 2.9 months–3 months · Range 2.8 months–3 months — Reported in 2 of 3 studies
3 of 3 papers
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