Can soy milk be consumed on an empty stomach? Why?

Whether soy milk can be consumed on an empty stomach depends on the individual’s specific gastrointestinal function.

Generally, individuals with normal digestive function and good overall health may drink a moderate amount of soy milk on an empty stomach. Soy milk is relatively mild in nature; moderate consumption may help prevent conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis, and iron-deficiency anemia, and also offers benefits including nourishing yin, moistening dryness, promoting salivation, and relieving thirst. Moderate intake typically does not significantly irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and usually poses no adverse effects on health.

However, individuals with gastrointestinal disorders—such as gastric ulcers, gastric perforation, or duodenal bulb ulcers—should avoid drinking soy milk on an empty stomach. Due to its high content of various proteins and calcium, soy milk may irritate the gastrointestinal tract in susceptible individuals, potentially stimulating increased gastric acid secretion and leading to symptoms such as dull upper abdominal pain or gastroesophageal reflux. It is recommended that such individuals consume only a small amount of soy milk 15–30 minutes after a meal to avoid exacerbating their condition.