Research on the potential effects of soyfoods for bone health is inconclusive.
Epidemiological studies have shown promise for soy’s role in the area of osteoporosis, finding that women who consume soyfoods are about one-third less likely to report having a fracture. 1 However, recent clinical trials haven’t supported skeletal benefits of isoflavones.2,3 More research is needed to draw clear conclusions about the effect of soy isoflavones on bone health. However, it is worth noting that many soy foods such as fortified soymilk provide high-quality protein and abundant amounts of calcium and vitamin D, which are all important nutrients for bone health.
References:
1. Zhang X, Shu XO, Li H, Yang G, Li Q, Gao YT, et al. Prospective cohort study of soy food consumption and risk of bone fracture among postmenopausal women. Arch Intern Med. 2005;165:1890-5.
2. Brink E, Coxam V, Robins S, Wahala K, Cassidy A, Branca F. Long-term consumption of isoflavone-enriched foods does not affect bone mineral density, bone metabolism, or hormonal status in early postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Am J Clin Nut.r 2008; 87:761-70.
3. Kenny AM, Mangano KM, Abourizk RH, Bruno RS, Anamani DE, Kleppinger A, et al. Soy proteins and isoflavones affect bone mineral density in older women: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;90:234-42.
Research suggests soy isoflavones may provide relief for menopausal symptoms.
More than 50 clinical trials have examined the impact of soy isoflavones (compounds naturally occurring in soy foods) on menopause-related hot flashes in women. While there have been mixed results, many studies suggest that soy isoflavones can help alleviate hot flashes.1,2 Many women experienced relief even with moderate daily soy isoflavone consumption; the amount found in 2-4 servings of soyfoods, such as soymilk, tofu, or edamame.
Link to study 3
Link to study 4
References:
1. D’Anna R et al. Effects of the phytoestrogen genistein on hot flashes, endometrium, and vaginal epithelium in post-menopausal women: a 1-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Menopause. 2007; Jul-Aug; 14(4): 648-55.
2. Nahas EA et al. Efficacy and safety of a soy isoflavone extract in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. Maturitas. 2007; Nov 20;58(3):249-58.
Shanghai Women’s Health Study shows early soy intake may help prevent breast cancer.
This review evaluated the association of adolescent and adult soy food intake with breast cancer risk in over 70,000 Chinese women who participated in the Shanghai Women’s Health Study. Women who consumed a high quantity of soy foods consistently during adolescence had a substantially reduced risk of breast cancer.1
Link to study
References:
1. Wu AH, Yu MC, Tseng CC, Pike MC. Epidemiology of soy exposures and breast cancer risk. Br J Cancer. 2008 Jan 15; 98: 9-14.
New research suggests benefits of soy for breast cancer survivors.
A 2009 study of over 5,000 breast cancer patients published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that soy food intake was associated with an improved prognosis.1 In fact, patients with the highest intake of soy foods had a reduced risk of tumor recurrence and lower mortality.
Link to study
References:
1. Shu XO et al. Soyfood intake and breast cancer survival. JAMA 2009; 302(22): 2437-2443.
