The Facts:
* 90 postmenopausal women aged between 45 and 60 years were asked to take specific daily doses of isoflavones to see if it affected changes in bone density normally seen with this group of women.
* The volunteers’ bone density was measured at regular intervals over a period of six months.
* The results showed taking isoflavones may have a positive effect on bone density and the effects improved with increased doses.
Shaun’s comment: Isoflavones are found in high levels in soya beans and other legumes such as fava beans. As around 1/3 of women over 50 have osteoporosis, the results of this study strongly suggest soy supplementation could be useful. The fact that a dose-dependent effect was found in this study (the bigger the dose, the bigger the effect) adds weight to the study findings. Another strength of this study is the fact there is a plausible biological mode of action, given that osteoporosis is often due to reduced oestrogen, and isoflavones act like oestogen.
Study Reference:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00394-006-0602-2
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