Soylife Has Beneficial Effects on Bone Mineral Content

A study published in the journal Menopause proves that SoyLife, a soygerm ingredient with standardized levels of isoflavones, has positive effects on bone mineral content (BMC) in post-menopausal women. In a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong examined whether the associations between isoflavone supplementation and rates of change in bone mineral content could be modified by years since menopause, body weight and dietary calcium intake. The authors wrote "many studies have shown that soy isoflavones have an effect in preventing estrogen-related bone loss, but no data reported whether this effect was influenced by other important factors affecting bone loss."

The total group consisted of 203 post-menopausal women aged 48 to 62 years. Three treatment groups were randomly assigned: the placebo group received a daily dose of 500mg of calcium and 125 IU of vitamin D (no isoflavones), the mid-dose group received 40mg isoflavones and 500mg of calcium plus 125 IU of vitamin D and the high-dose group was assigned to 80mg of isoflavones and 500mg of calcium plus 125 IU of vitamin D daily. After one year, bone mineral density and bone mineral content were measured at the whole body, spine and hip. Years since menopause, body weight and dietary calcium intake analyses were also analyzed.

Researchers found that 80 mg per day of isoflavones from SoyLife had a significant favorable effect on the rates of change in bone mineral content at the total hip and trochanter. The effect of SoyLife was more marked among women that were later in menopause, in women with lower body weight, or among women with a lower calcium intake.

Reference

Menopause: (2004) Vol.11, no. 3, p 246-254.

Key concepts: soy, bone mineral content, calcium