Is Tempeh Really Capable of Triggering Hormonal Disturbances in Men?

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The issue regarding the dangers of tempeh consumption for men has again become a topic of public discussion. Concerns arise due to phytoestrogen content in soy that is believed to disrupt men’s hormonal balance. A community nutrition expert from IPB University, Prof Ahmad Suldeman, said that compounds in tempe have chemical structures similar to the estrogen hormone, but do not have the same function in the human body. “Actually those are compounds whose chemical formulas are similar to estrogen, but not the same. Isoflavone compounds such as daidzein and genistein have structures that are indeed similar, but do not automatically have functions like estrogen,” he said in a written statement, quoted on Thursday (5/3/2026). According to him, misunderstandings often arise because the public only looks at the likeness of names or structures of compounds without understanding the biological mechanism. He stressed that plant-based phytoestrogens do not work like human estrogen. Prof Ahmad explained that the level of phytoestrogen in tempe is even lower than in other soy-based products such as soy milk or soy-based supplements. The fermentation process in tempe helps break down complex compounds into forms that are easier for the body to digest. In addition, tempe contains high protein, B12 vitamins produced by fermentation, iron, and fibre which play important roles in digestive health and metabolic processes. “There is no specific limit because this is not a food additive. Intake follows the usual dietary guidelines, according to individual protein needs,” he said. He said tempe is a very good dietary choice for vegetarians and vegans because it contains vitamin B12, which is generally found only in animal foods. Prof Ahmad emphasised that tempe is not harmful to men. On the contrary, its nutritional content makes tempe a healthy food that can be consumed by all segments of society when prepared properly and consumed in sensible portions. “Tempe is not harmful to men. Indeed, with its complete protein and nutrition, tempe is a healthy dietary option that can be consumed by all segments of society,” he said.