Soy
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Evidence Summary
Soy, particularly its isoflavones, is extensively researched for its role in bone health and metabolic regulation. Meta-analyses consistently show that soy isoflavones help prevent bone resorption and loss, especially in postmenopausal women.
Evidence by Condition
Soy isoflavones are effective in preventing bone resorption, loss, and impacting bone mineral density and turnover markers.
Soy protein and soy leaves have demonstrated potential for cholesterol-lowering effects in various populations.
Phytoestrogens, including soy isoflavones, may assist in the treatment of urogenital menopause symptoms.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges not explicitly provided in the source text.
Key Findings
- Soy isoflavones prevent bone resorption and loss (PMID: 31290343)
- Isoflavone intervention impacts bone mineral density in postmenopausal women (PMID: 37875614)
- Soy protein has a cholesterol-lowering effect in normocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic men (PMID: 9848504)
- Genistein affects quantitative ultrasound parameters and bone mineral density in osteopenic postmenopausal women (PMID: 19238303)
Limitations
Much of the high-quality evidence is concentrated on postmenopausal women, with less-defined outcomes for broader populations or specific clinical conditions like IBS.
Safety & Interactions
No specific interactions or contraindications were identified in the provided research summaries.
AI-generated summary from 16 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 100% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 79% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 5% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (16)
**Akhlaghi et al., 2020** | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Meta Analysis Akhlaghi Masoumeh, Ghasemi Nasab Maryam, ... Sadeghi Fatemeh. Soy isoflavones prevent bone resorption and loss, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. ...
**Inpan et al., 2024** | Osteoporos Int | Meta Analysis 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 ...
**Kanadys et al., 2021** | Int J Environ Res Public Health | Meta Analysis Kanadys Wiesław, Barańska Agnieszka, ... Kanecki Krzysztof. Effects of Soy Isoflavones on Biochemical Markers of Bone Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review a...
**Inpan et al., 2024** | Arch Osteoporos | Meta Analysis Inpan Ratchanon, Dukaew Nahathai, ... Koonrungsesomboon Nut. Effects of isoflavone interventions on bone turnover markers and factors regulating bone metabolism in postmenopausal women: a syste...
**Sansai et al., 2020** | Osteoporos Int | Meta Analysis Sansai K, Na Takuathung M, ... Koonrungsesomboon N. Effects of isoflavone interventions on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized cont...
**Taku et al., 2010** | Bone | Meta Analysis Taku Kyoko, Melby Melissa K, ... Ishimi Yoshiko. Effects of soy isoflavone supplements on bone turnover markers in menopausal women: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Bon...
**Wong et al., 1998** | Am J Clin Nutr | Rct Wong W W, Smith E O, ... Pownell H J. Cholesterol-lowering effect of soy protein in normocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic men. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998-Dec;68(6 Suppl):1385S-1389S. doi:10.1093/ajcn/68....
**Abdi et al., 2021** | Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol | Systematic Review Abdi Fatemeh, Rahnemaei Fatemeh Alsadat, ... Pakzad Reza. Impact of phytoestrogens on treatment of urogenital menopause symptoms: A systematic review of randomized clinical ...
**Chen et al., 2023** | Comb Chem High Throughput Screen | Meta Analysis Chen Jiayang, Feng Li, ... Li Hao. Identification of the Key Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients of Yishen Qutong Granule, A Chinese Medicine Formula, In The Treatment of Primary ...
OBJECTIVE: This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Black Cohosh, Soy Isoflavones, and SDG Lignans in alleviating menopausal symptoms compared to a placebo. METHODS: Ninety-six postmenopausal wome...
**Kim et al., 2011** | Nutr J | Rct Kim Ji-Eun, Jeon Seon-Min, ... Choi Myung-Sook. Does Glycine max leaves or Garcinia Cambogia promote weight-loss or lower plasma cholesterol in overweight individuals: a randomized control trial. Nutr J. 2011-Sep-2...
**Atteritano et al., 2009** | Osteoporos Int | Rct Atteritano M, Mazzaferro S, ... Buemi M. Genistein effects on quantitative ultrasound parameters and bone mineral density in osteopenic postmenopausal women. Osteoporos Int. 2009-Nov;20(11):1947-54. ...
**Alekel et al., 2000** | Am J Clin Nutr | Rct Alekel D L, Germain A S, ... Toda T. Isoflavone-rich soy protein isolate attenuates bone loss in the lumbar spine of perimenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000-Sep;72(3):844-52 BACKGROUND: No published s...
**NCT ID**: NCT01219075 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 110 **Completion**: 2022-11-24
**NCT ID**: NCT02026518 **Phase**: PHASE4 **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 100 **Completion**: 2014-06
**Harkness et al., 2004** | J Womens Health (Larchmt) | Rct Harkness Laura S, Fiedler Karen, ... Lerner Edith. Decreased bone resorption with soy isoflavone supplementation in postmenopausal women. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2004-Nov;13(9):1000-7 OBJ...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does soy impact bone health?
Soy, particularly its isoflavones, is extensively researched for its role in bone health, specifically helping to prevent bone resorption and loss.
Is soy beneficial for postmenopausal women?
Yes, meta-analyses show that soy isoflavones are effective in preventing bone resorption and loss, and can impact bone mineral density and turnover markers in postmenopausal women.
Can soy help with cholesterol management?
Research suggests that soy protein and soy leaves have demonstrated potential for cholesterol-lowering effects in various populations.
Can soy assist with menopause symptoms?
Soy contains phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, which may assist in the treatment of urogenital menopause symptoms.
What is the role of isoflavones in soy?
Soy isoflavones play a key role in bone health by preventing bone resorption and loss, and they are also important for metabolic regulation.
Are there any known safety concerns or contraindications for soy?
Based on the provided research summaries, no specific interactions or contraindications have been identified.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.