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Soy Isoflavones - Osteoporosis - Menopause - PMS - Cancer prevention - Bodybuilding Clinical Applications/ResearchSoy Isoflavones The isoflavones of soy are genistein, daidzein and glycitein. The isoflavones have been well researched for their antioxidant and phytoestrogenic activity. Phytoestrogens are plant estrogens with weaker activity than the normal circulating hormones in the female’s body. A binding to estrogen receptors means that the weak activity will increase activity if estrogen is lacking, yet prevent estrogen dominance if there is too much. The net effect of the phytoestrogenic activity may be to decrease the risk of hormone dependent cancers, such as prostate, breast, or uterine cancer, as well as providing some of estrogen’s benefits (preventing osteoporosis). Ipriflavone, another type of isoflavone, is specifically used for osteoporosis, due to its bone-stimulating effects of estrogen without estrogen activity in other places in the body. Soy isoflavones have shown similar effects on bone density as ipriflavone. Combinations of soy isoflavones have demonstrated their usefulness as chemoprotective agents relative to urinary bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo. Soy isoflavones have been shown to inhibit breast cancer growth in vitro. Soy isoflavones have been shown to be helpful in reducing the hot flashes of menopause (Duncan AM, et al, Modest hormonal effects of soy isoflavones in postmenopausal women. J Clin Endocrin Metab 1999 Oct;84(10):3479-84). Soy isoflavones have also been shown to reduce the effects of excess estrogens associated with PMS by antagonizing the interaction of these hormones with their receptors. Not all soy isoflavone supplements contain phytoestrogens. If the isolates of soy protein have been extracted with alcohol, the phytoestrogens have been removed. It is important to read labels and receive a guarantee from the manufacturer that the isoflavone content is listed on the label and has been tested independently for potency. Contraindications/ToxicologyCaution should be exercised with patients who have known sensitivity to soy products. In rare cases, there may be an enhancement or diminishment in thyroid output. Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.
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HealthQuest, Inc. All rights reserved. Information used with permission from the
HealthQuest Nutritional Database Version 4.0
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