Trace of soy

Soy (Glycine max) is a legume native to East Asia, cultivated for thousands of years for its seeds, which are rich in proteins, lipids and micronutrients. In the context of food supplements, the mention of a "soy trace" indicates the residual presence of soy in a product, often resulting from the manufacturing process or from soy-derived excipients such as soy lecithin. Soy lecithin is widely used as an emulsifier in supplement formulation. It is composed of phospholipids, including phosphatidylcholine, which contributes to normal lipid metabolism and cell membrane function. The isoflavones found in soy are phytoestrogens that have been studied for their role in supporting female hormonal balance. The presence of soy at trace levels is generally of no consequence for most consumers, but represents essential information for individuals with a soy allergy. Soy is one of the major allergens subject to mandatory declaration under European regulations, which is why its explicit mention on food supplement labelling is required.