So that the baby's skin is white, should pregnant women drink soy milk every day?

Are you one of the pregnant women who regularly drinks soy milk during pregnancy, just so that the baby's skin is white when he is born? You may get this information from fellow pregnant women or advice from your own parents. So, is this proven medically correct?

What determines human skin color?

Human skin color can vary from very pale to very dark. The variety of human skin colors that differ from one another is determined by the amount of melanin (skin coloring agent). The more melanin on your skin, the darker your skin will be.

That is why the skin of the Caucasian race, or what we often know as "Caucasians", has a lighter skin color. Meanwhile, people of Asian race tend to have yellowish to brown skin because they have more melanin.

The amount of melanin you have is controlled by the genetic makeup of both your parents. If you and your partner have different skin colors, then your baby will inherit the most dominant skin pigment in between.

Routinely drink soy milk during pregnancy so that the baby's skin is white, myth or fact?

We recommend that pregnant women drink only soy milk so that the baby's skin is white, not true is there. Soybeans, like any other food, have no role whatsoever in determining a person's skin color when he is born into the world. To date there are no medical studies that can support this hereditary advice.

As explained above, the main determinant of light-dark skin color is the genetic inheritance of both parents. The hormones estrogen and progesterone in the body can also affect your skin color, by affecting the production of skin melanocyte cells. Apart from that, other factors from the environment also determine skin color. For example, sun exposure, exposure to certain chemicals, skin damage, and others. All of these can affect melanin production and thus affect your skin tone.

However, that does not mean you have to stop drinking soy milk. In fact, the soy milk you drink may be very beneficial for your health and the baby in the womb.

Benefits of drinking soy milk during pregnancy

Soybeans contain antioxidants and phytonutrients that have been linked to various health benefits. Soybeans are one of the best sources of vegetable protein. Per 100 gram serving of soybeans contains about 36 grams of protein. Consumption of soy protein has been linked to lower cholesterol levels.

Soybeans also contain bioactive proteins, such as lectins and lunas, which may have anti-cancer properties. What's more, soybeans are a good source of folate which is also known as vitamin B9 or folic acid. Folic acid intake is very important during pregnancy to prevent the risk of congenital diseases such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Soybeans can also meet up to 27% of the daily calcium needs of pregnant women. The need for calcium during pregnancy is important to help the baby in the womb form strong bones and teeth, and develop a strong heart, nerves and muscles. In addition, calcium also lowers your risk of developing hypertension during pregnancy and lowers your risk of preeclampsia. Soy milk can also meet the needs of vitamin D for pregnant women who are deficient in vitamin D.

The safe portion of drinking soy milk during pregnancy is 3-4 glasses per day. More than that, soy milk may turn around to interfere with your health.

Problems that may occur if you drink too much soy milk

Soybeans are a good source of vegetable protein. However, the proteins in soy (glycinin and congildinin) can trigger an allergic reaction in some people who have food allergies. If you are one of them, it is necessary to avoid consuming soybeans at all in any form.

In addition, soybeans contain quite a lot of fiber. High fiber consumption can cause flatulence and diarrhea in some people whose stomachs are sensitive, and it can also worsen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

There is also concern that high consumption of soy food products, including soy milk, might suppress thyroid function and cause hypothyroidism in individuals who are sensitive or who have an initially underactive thyroid gland. One study from Japan on 37 adults reported symptoms associated with hypothyroidism after consuming 30 grams of soy daily for 3 months. Symptoms include feeling unwell, tired quickly, easily drowsy, constipation, and swelling of the thyroid.

To be safer, consult your obstetrician first before deciding to eat or drink anything during pregnancy.