Soy Protein With Isoflavones Has Favorable Effect on Lipids in Postmenopausal Women

Saturday, July 19th 2003

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The addition of isoflavone-containing soy protein in the diet has a favorable effect on lipids in postmenopausal women, according to a report in the June issue of Clinical Endocrinology.

In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, Dr. Helena J. Teede, of Monash University, Australia, and colleagues examined the effect of a soy protein supplement containing isoflavones on lipids and bone resorption in postmenopausal women. One hundred six women were randomized dietary soy supplementation or placebo.

The researchers measured lipid profiles, including total, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol. They used pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline as markers of bone resorption. To assess compliance, the team measured urinary isoflavone excretion. Seventy-eight women were included in the final analysis, which was conducted after 3 months.

The investigators observed a significantly greater increase in urinary isoflavone excretion in the soy group compared with the placebo group. Overall, 92.9% and 93.6% of women in the soy and placebo groups, respectively, were compliant.

Compared with the placebo group, women in the soy group had significant improvements in lipid profiles, with decreases observed in LDL cholesterol (p < 0.05), triacylglycerol (p < 0.005) and LDL:HDL ratio (p < 0.005).

However, "there were no significant changes from baseline in the two markers of bone resorption for soy vs. placebo,"Dr. Teede and colleagues add.

"From a public health perspective, isoflavone-containing soy protein has potential health benefits, but is not a replacement for HRT," they conclude. "Further studies are needed to elucidate the active components and modes of action of soy in lowering lipids."

Clin Endocrinol 2003;58:704-709

 

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