Loss of estrogen during menopausal years has been related to bone loss and osteoporosis. Now, news that a soy by-product, which has a 'pseudo-estrogen' or phytoestrogen, may help prevent some of this bone loss.
Treatment with 54 mg/day of the soy isoflavone genistein for 2 years was effective in preventing bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency.
Phytoestrogens are a natural selective estrogen receptor modulator, similar to Evista, which many women take to prevent bone loss. Additionally, phytoestrogens may not have the harmful risks associated with hormones and uterine or breast cancer.
Current treatment of osteoporosis includes hormone replacement therapy, bisphosphonates such as Actonel and Fosamax, and selective estrogen-receptor modulators such as Evista. Hormone replacement therapy, although the most effective, is no longer used due to an increased risk for breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer, as well as cardiovascular events and stroke.
Genistein, which is abundant in soy products, is effective in increasing the bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and femoral spine. It's main side effect seems to be some gastrointestinal discomfort.
However, genistein will not be marketed for consumption until long term studies are done on fracture risk and observation for other adverse events. however, hormone replacement therapy is associated with increased risk for breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer; cardiovascular disease; and stroke.
del.icio.us
Digg this
