Is Soy / tofu safe during pregnancy?

Vegetables Also called Bhatmas (Hindi); Garikalai (Bengali); Soya bean (Tamil).

Amounts above food levels may be unsafe

NIH NCCIH says soy may be unsafe in pregnancy in amounts greater than those commonly found in foods; the NHS suggests unsweetened, calcium-fortified soya drinks and yoghurts if you prefer dairy alternatives.[1,2]

What official sources say

NIH NCCIH: Herbs at a Glance: soy

  • The use of soy during pregnancy may be unsafe in amounts greater than those commonly found in foods.[1]

NHS: Have a healthy diet in pregnancy

  • If you choose dairy alternatives such as soya drinks and yoghurts, pick unsweetened, calcium-fortified versions.[2]

Related general rules

US FDA: Dietary Advice Before and During Pregnancy

  • A variety of protein foods, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas) and nuts, seeds, and soy products (general-population advice, not specific to pregnancy)[3]

Nutrition per 100 g (USDA)

Energy144 kcal
Protein17.27 g
Fibre2.3 g
Iron2.66 mg
Calcium683 mg
Folate (DFE)29 µg
Folate, total29 µg
Vitamin C0.2 mg
Vitamin D0 µg
Vitamin B120 µg
Sodium14 mg

USDA FoodData Central: Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate (FDC ID 172475), per 100 g. Public domain. Values describe that USDA record; composition varies with variety and preparation.

Sources

  1. NIH NCCIH: Herbs at a Glance: soy · nccih.nih.gov. US government work, public domain; quoted. No endorsement implied.
  2. NHS: Have a healthy diet in pregnancy · nhs.uk. Paraphrased. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (OGL v3.0). Not endorsed by the NHS.
  3. US FDA: Dietary Advice Before and During Pregnancy · fda.gov. US government work, public domain; quoted. No endorsement implied.

Sources checked 26 September 2026.

Quotes are checked word for word against each source page, and paraphrases against the original text. Official bodies are named as sources only: none of them reviewed or endorses this page.

Educational information, not medical advice. Your own doctor or midwife may advise differently for you — follow their advice.