There has been a great deal of publicity recently about a Dutch study that appeared in the recent Journal of the American Medical Association. The news headlines read, “Study casts doubt on soy as estrogen substitute.” One media source claimed that researchers said that the supplement doesn’t help postmenopausal women. American Health Sciences would like you to know all the details.

The study involved 202 women ages 60-75. The women were given a soy protein powder to mix into their food or drink each day. After one year these women were compared to a similar group of women who did not use a soy powder supplement each day. The results showed no significant changes in mental function, bone density or cholesterol between the two groups. The authors were quick to point out the study used women long past menopause and that it is possible the study was timed too late to enable them to experience any soy-related benefits.

Here is what previous more comprehensive research about soy has shown. Soy contains compounds called isoflavones that mimic the effects of estrogen but do not have the risks associated with estrogen because they are much weaker. Researchers discovered these isoflavones because in those countries where soy intake was highest there were very low rates of heart disease, breast cancer and osteoporosis any they wanted to know why. Isoflavones can be extracted from soy to produce a more concentrated form. They are powerful antioxidants as well as an estrogen-like molecule. Most women today that are looking for an alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy are taking a refined isoflavone product. This was not the case in the Dutch Study.

Two American studies conducted at the University of Kentucky and Wake Forest University found that taking 60 mg of isoflavones daily significantly reduced post-menopausal symptoms in over 60% of women. Furthermore, the studies found better preservation of bone mass in individuals using the supplement than women do did not and lower rates of heart disease. These studies used women in their late 40’s and early 50’s and followed them for several years.

The American Heart Association continues to recommend a meal containing 25 grams of soy protein as a means of lowering cholesterol.

The one thing the Dutch Study did get right was that waiting till you are 60 years old or older is to late to get the best results of the health benefits of soy.

Michael Grant, PA
Associate Medical Director
American Health Sciences

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