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The Soy Connection for Health Professionals
The Soy Connection Newsletter | Winter 2026 - Vol 34, No 1 What’s Trending in Evidence-Based Nutrition for 2026
In This Issue:
In preparation for the new year, the winter 2026 issue of Soy Connection’s health & nutrition newsletter delivers evidence-based insights on trending topics such as protein sources, food processing, fatty acid ratios, and dietary considerations shaping health and consumer behavior. One feature article, “Beyond Processing: What the Latest Research Reveals About UPFs and Health Outcomes” explores ultra-processed foods (UPFs), highlighting challenges in defining the category, differential health impacts across subgroups, and the roles of nutrient composition, energy density, and food structure in weight gain and metabolic risk. A second feature article, “Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: A Practical, Nutritionally Sound Strategy to Boost Plant Protein Intake,” examines legumes and modern plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) as convenient, nutrient-rich ways to increase plant protein and support a balanced diet.
A new “Snackable Insights” section provides concise and practical guidance for health professionals on trending nutrition topics:
- "Can Patients with Celiac Disease Safely Consume Soy? What the Evidence Shows" reviews whether those with celiac disease can safely consume soy foods, potential gluten cross-contamination, and strategies for recommending products.
- "Rethinking the Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio: Balance vs. Adequacy" clarifies misconceptions about the dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, emphasizing that the adequate intake of both essential fatty acids and direct intake of long-chain omega-3s (EPA and DHA) are more important than the ratio itself.
- "U.S. Health Professional Survey Reveals Surprising Protein Preferences and Perceptions" highlights the results of a national survey showing how health professionals rank protein sources, including legumes, soy, and plant-based meat alternatives, and reveals how perceptions of processing, GMOs, and clinical evidence differ between professionals and consumers.
- "Soy Consumption Trends in Japan: Implications for Interpreting Health Outcomes and Setting Intake Recommendations" reviews research on traditional soy consumption in Asian populations, offering valuable context for understanding health outcomes.
Together, these articles provide a nuanced, science-forward perspective on protein quality, nutrient composition, food processing, and dietary strategies to help guide patients and clients in an evolving food landscape.
Subscribe now for exclusive insights and expert advice delivered to your inbox!
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By Mark Messina, PhD, MS
What you need to know:
- Lack of consensus on definitions: Despite rapid growth in research and policy interest, no universally accepted definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) exists. The USDA and FDA have solicited input to establish a standardized framework, reflecting the ambiguity surrounding classification systems such as Nova.
- Evidence of differential health effects: While total UPF intake has been linked with obesity and adverse health outcomes, these associations are largely driven by specific categories of UPFs (e.g., processed meat and sugary/artificially sweetened drinks). Studies show that nutrient-adequate diets with high UPF content can still be constructed, underscoring the importance of distinguishing nutrient composition from processing.
- Emerging focus on food constituents: Recent research highlights that certain markers of UPFs (e.g., flavor enhancers, sweeteners, coloring agents) are associated with increased mortality risk, whereas others are not, which may help industry reformulation of UPFs.
By Virginia Messina, MPH, RD
What you need to know:
- Legumes are nutrient-dense but under-consumed: Despite being economical sources of protein, fiber, and micronutrients, legumes contribute minimally to U.S. and global protein intake due to barriers such as preparation time and perceived tolerance issues.
- Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) offer a practical substitute: While classified by Nova as ultra-processed, evidence indicates PBMAs do not carry the same health risks as other ultra-processed foods and likely provide benefits for those seeking to increase plant protein intake.
- Nutritional impact depends on formulation: PBMAs vary in nutrient content (e.g., sodium, fortification levels) but overall can help improve the plant-to-animal protein ratio when incorporated a few times per week.
By Mark Messina, PhD, MS
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By Mark Messina, PhD, MS
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By Mark Messina, PhD, MS
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