Isoflavone intervention and its impact on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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

Isoflavone intervention and its impact on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Inpan et al., 2024 | Osteoporos Int | Meta Analysis

Citation

Inpan Ratchanon, Na Takuathung Mingkwan, ... Koonrungsesomboon Nut. Isoflavone intervention and its impact on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Osteoporos Int. 2024-Mar;35(3):413-430. doi:10.1007/s00198-023-06944-y

Abstract

UNLABELLED: Due to estrogen deficiency, postmenopausal women may suffer from an imbalance in bone metabolism that leads to bone fractures. Isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen, have been suggested to improve bone metabolism and increase bone mass. Therefore, isoflavones are increasingly recognized as a promising natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women who face a heightened risk of osteoporosis and are susceptible to bone fractures. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of isoflavone interventions on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women by means of systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The electronic database searches were performed on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases, covering literature up to April 20, 2023. A random-effects model was used to obtain the main effect estimates, with a mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) as the effect size summary. The risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2) tool. RESULTS: A total of 63 randomized controlled trials comparing isoflavone interventions (n = 4,754) and placebo (n = 4,272) were included. The results indicated that isoflavone interventions significantly improved BMD at the lumbar spine (MD = 0.0175 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.0088 to 0.0263, P < 0.0001), femoral neck (MD = 0.0172 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.0046 to 0.0298, P = 0.0073), and distal radius (MD = 0.0138 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.0077 to 0.0198, P < 0.0001) in postmenopausal women. Subgroup analysis showed that the isoflavone intervention was effective for improving BMD when the duration was ≥ 12 months and when the intervention contained genistein of at least 50 mg/day. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that isoflavone interventions, especially those containing genistein of at least 50 mg/day, can effectively enhance BMD in postmenopausal women.

Key Findings

A total of 63 randomized controlled trials comparing isoflavone interventions (n = 4,754) and placebo (n = 4,272) were included. The results indicated that isoflavone interventions significantly improved BMD at the lumbar spine (MD = 0.0175 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.0088 to 0.0263, P < 0.0001), femoral neck (MD = 0.0172 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.0046 to 0.0298, P = 0.0073), and distal radius (MD = 0.0138 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.0077 to 0.0198, P < 0.0001) in postmenopausal women. Subgroup analysis showed that the isofla

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population postmenopausal women
Sample Size 4754
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Female
  • Isoflavones
  • Bone Density
  • Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Phytoestrogens
  • Osteoporotic Fractures
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Postmenopause

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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