VeggieSensations.com

Isolated Soy Protein aka Soy protein isolate is a highly refined or purified form of soy protein with a minimum protein content of 90% on a moisture-free basis. It is made from defatted soy flour which has had most of the non-protein components, fats and carbohydrates removed. Because of this, it has a neutral flavor and will cause less gas due to bacterial flatulence. In Asian countries, soy is consumed as boiled soybeans (edamame), tofu (soybean curd), natto (fermented soybeans), miso (fermented soybean paste), okra (a by-product of making tofu), soybean sprouts, soymilk, yuba (by-product of making soy milk), kinako (soy flour), and soy sauce. These foods are made from simple processes like grinding, precipitation, and fermentation thus, most of the soy bean ingredients remain little altered unlike Soy Protein Isolate.

Soy isolates are mainly used to improve the texture of meat substitute products, but are also used to increase protein content, enhance flavor, and as an emulsifier.

Soy protein isolate has a very low fat content when compared to animal sources of protein. On the other hand may increase your risk for cancer, impair your thyroid function, immune system, brain function, and cause you bone loss and reproductive problems when eaten in large quantities. Fortunately, these effects of isolated soy protein are relevant mostly for people who are lured into consuming fake foods synthesized from man-made components of soy and high potency soy supplements and not for those who consume traditional soy foods as a small portion of their diet.

Read the labels of all soy products. If the label says Isolated Soy Protein or Soy Protein Isolates dont buy it or consume that product in small quantities. TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) is also made from soy protein which most is Isolated. Mary McDougall, wife of Dr. McDougall a Vegan Doctor, has been making her own TVP for more than 25 years from firm, water-packed tofu that is not made from isolated soy protein. See her TVP recipe at Dr McDougall.com or on my Main Dish recipes - Tofu TVP.

References: Dr McDougall and Wikipedia