Effects of Soy Isoflavones on Biochemical Markers of Bone Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#biomarkers #bone-density #female #humans #isoflavones

Effects of Soy Isoflavones on Biochemical Markers of Bone Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Kanadys et al., 2021 | Int J Environ Res Public Health | Meta Analysis

Citation

Kanadys Wiesław, Barańska Agnieszka, ... Kanecki Krzysztof. Effects of Soy Isoflavones on Biochemical Markers of Bone Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021-May-17;18(10). doi:10.3390/ijerph18105346

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to more completely assess potential changes in bone turnover marker levels in postmenopausal women during the intake of soy isoflavones. PubMed (Medline) and EMBASE were searched for relevant studies, and their quality was evaluated according to Cochrane criteria. The levels of markers were evaluated in a total of 1114 women who ingested mean daily doses of 98.2 mg (30.9 to 300) of soy isoflavones for 3 to 24 months, in comparison to those of 1081 subjects who used a placebo. Ten, eighteen, eight, and fourteen comparison studies were finally selected for an estimation of the effects on osteocalcin (OC), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), pyridinoline (PYD), and deoxypyridinoline (DPD), respectively. A summary of the results of intervention was as follows: 4.16%, 95% CI: -7.72-16.04, p = 0.49 for OC; 5.50%, 95% CI: -3.81-14.82, p = 0.25 for BAP; -12.09%, 95% CI: -25.37-1.20, p = 0.07 for PYD; and -7.48%, 95% CI: -15.37-0.41, p = 0.06 for DPD. The meta-analysis of the included studies revealed some statistically insignificant observations that soy isoflavones intake is associated with a trend in increased levels of OC and BAP, as well as a trend in reduced levels of PYD and DPD. Soy isoflavones may have a beneficial effect on bone formation markers, but this requires extensive multi-center research.

Key Findings

Soy isoflavones may have a beneficial effect on bone formation markers, but this requires extensive multi-center research.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population postmenopausal women
Sample Size 1081
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Bone Density
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isoflavones
  • Postmenopause
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Glycine max

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: soy

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09