Lee Swanson Research Update

Genistein Supplementation Helps Reduce Hot Flashes

January 2007

Genistein, an isoflavone found in soy, plays a role in reducing menopausal hot flashes, according to a recent review of scientific studies, and 15 mg or more of genistein per day seems to be the most effective dose.

A group of scientists undertook a critical review of published studies that looked at isoflavone extracts and their effectiveness in reducing frequency or severity of menopausal symptoms. Previous reviews had yielded mixed results about whether isoflavone extracts reduced menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.

For the new research, scientists re-evaluated the findings of published studies and analyzed the results according to the type of isoflavone extract used in each study. The results showed that supplementation with higher levels of genistein is effective in providing relief from hot flashes.

Researchers narrowed the literature to 11 scientifically well-qualified studies where the source and isoflavone identity could be determined. This provided detailed information on the isoflavone extracts used in the research.

Five of the studies (involving 177 treated participants) used a treatment containing over 15 mg of genistein, and six studies (a total of 201 treated participants) provided less than 15 mg of genistein per treatment.

Participants who were treated with more than 15 mg of genistein consistently reported a statistically significant decrease in hot flashes, while those taking less than 15 mg did not.

Menopause 13(5):831-839, 2006

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