Lee Swanson Research Update

Soy Isoflavones Support Bones in Post-Menopausal Women

April 2004

Animal studies have shown that soy isoflavones have an effect in preventing estrogen-related bone loss, but few data were available about the effect of the isoflavones in humans, until now.

Doctors at the Chinese University of Hong Kong decided to take a look at the subject and were pleased with the results.

Researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 203 Chinese women, aged 48-62 years. The subjects were divided into three groups. The first group was given a placebo. The second group received a mid-dose of 40 mg of SoyLife® soy isoflavones. The third group received a high dose of 80 mg of SoyLife soy isoflavones.

Subjects’ bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were checked at the beginning of the study and again one year after the study was completed. Women in the high dose group had a mild, but statistically significantly higher favorable change rate in BMC "compared with the placebo and mid-dose groups." Further analysis revealed that the positive effects of soy isoflavone supplementation "were observed only among women with lower initial baseline BMC."

Researchers concluded, "Soy isoflavones have a mild, but significant, independent effect on the maintenance of hip BMC in postmenopausal women with low initial bone mass."

Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism88(10):4740-4747, 2003

New to Natural Health?
Tools
Customer Service