Is Vegan Protein Powder safe for pregnancy?

Pregnancy does increase your protein intake requirements, but where possible your protein intake should be met with whole foods. If you feel that your diet requires a protein supplement you should consult with a health professional.

Most vegan protein powders are safe when pregnant and used correctly. The exception is soy protein powder. It is not advisable to have more than one serve of soy protein powder a day while pregnant, as soy contains phytoestrogens which mimic the hormone estrogen in your body. Some experts advise that consuming too much phytoestrogens may negatively effect your baby’s development. Studies have confirmed that high soy intake can cause an increase in defects with animals. Soy also contains phytic acid which is a natural substance which binds to minerals such as niacin, iron, magnesium and zinc. After ingesting soy protein this slows the absorption of these minerals which are important for your baby’s development. Regular use of soy throughout a day may result in deficiencies in these important minerals.