Soy Germ Isoflavones May Help Trim Down Bone Loss
Hormone replacement therapy has been the most effective treatment for maintaining bone density.
10/07/06 A new study published in this month's European Journal of Nutrition demonstrates a correlation between reducing bone loss in non-obese postmenopausal women and the dose-dependent effect of soy germ isoflavones. These findings support previous scientific findings regarding soy isoflavones for post-menopausal women.
According to the authors of the study, "Osteoporosis is a health condition experienced by about one in three postmenopausal women, with estrogen deficiency often acting as the major cause. Hormone replacement therapy has been the most effective treatment for maintaining bone density. This treatment often has adverse side effects such as an increased risk for endometrial cancer and breast cancer."
The study aimed to examine the effects of a high-dose supplementation of soy germ isoflavones in slowing bone loss in 90 early postmenopausal Chinese women. Isoflavones are found predominately in soy products. Their structure and functions are similar to estrogen, and observational studies suggest that higher intakes of soy and soy products may lower the prevalence of osteoporosis.
