Soy isoflavone supplements decrease bone loss in postmenopausal women

Soy isoflavone supplements reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women and may provide a more natural and safe alternative to long-term hormone replacement therapy.

Bone loss, and resulting osteoporosis, is a major health problem among postmenopausal women. But long-term hormone replacement therapy can have risky side effects in many women. In a search for safer alternatives, new research confirms that soy isoflavones can play an important role in reducing bone loss and decreasing the risk of osteoporosis. Chinese investigators assigned postmenopausal women to receive soy isoflavones at doses of either 84 mg, 126 mg, or a placebo for 6 months. After six months, bone mineral density of the hip and spine were higher in the groups of women taking the soy isoflavones compared to those not taking the supplement. Women taking the higher dosage experienced the greatest increase in density. In addition to other factors related to bone health, soy isoflavones may be a safe and natural alternative for women to help maintain bone health after menopause.

Eur J Nutr. 2006 Jun 8