There were no adverse effects reported with soy supplementation. 2017 Jan;21(3):218-235. doi: 10.2174/1385272820666160928120822. However, food sources of soy don't contain high enough levels of isoflavones to increase the risk of breast cancer. [6]. [5] No adverse effects were noted from the soy treatments when followed for up to two years, but the authors did not feel overall there was strong and consistent evidence for a benefit of soy. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Some believe that fermenting soy improves its digestibility and absorption in the body, as this process partially breaks down soy’s sugar and protein molecules. [26] The soy isoflavone, daidzein, has been hypothesized to reduce decline in cognitive function or disease processes related to cognition and behavior. The studies in women have provided modest support for beneficial effects. Risk was 43% lower when soy was eaten during adolescence. Soy consumption has been suggested to exert potentially cancer-preventive effects in premenopausal women, such as increased menstrual cycle length and sex hormone-binding globulin levels and decreased estrogen levels. Over the past few years, there has been increasing interest in the possible hormonal effects of soy and soy isoflavone consumption in both women and men. Thaung Zaw JJ, Howe PR, Wong RH. The use of soy in amounts greater than those commonly found in foods may be unsafe during pregnancy because estrogen-like substances from soy could be harmful to the fetus. In vitro studies have shown that phytoestrogens can interact with estrogen receptors on the surface of human cells, giving them the potential to exert mild estrogenic effects. Use healthy oils (like olive and canola oil) for cooking, on salad, and at the table. Epub 2017 Dec 11. Do soy foods contain estrogen? 2018 Mar;44(3):488-494. doi: 10.1111/jog.13552. Women who had ER-/PR- tumors and who were not receiving tamoxifen appeared to receive greatest benefit from the higher soy isoflavone intakes. Many of soy’s health benefits have been linked to isoflavones—plant compounds that mimic estrogen. Limit milk/dairy (1-2 servings/day) and juice (1 small glass/day). 2000 Aug;9(8):781-6. Soy and isoflavone consumption does not seem to affect the endometrium in premenopausal women, although there have been weak estrogenic effects reported in the breast. Emerging Research on Equol and Cancer–3. J Nutr. 2002 Apr;132(4):708-14. doi: 10.1093/jn/132.4.708. One cross-sectional study showed serum estrogens to be inversely associated with soy intake. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. Soy isoflavones do not appear to be helpful in the treatment or prevention of breast … It has been suggested that soy isoflavones may act as selective regulators of tissue estrogenic activity and as a selective modulator of estrogen receptors, having mechanisms other than direct interaction with the receptor [8, 9, 10, 11]. Soy isoflavones and soy protein appear to have different actions in the body based on the following factors: Thus, there are many factors that make it difficult to construct blanket statements about the health effects of soy. COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. Elsayed AA, Menze ET, Tadros MG, Ibrahim BMM, Sabri NA, Khalifa AE. Michels KB, Mohllajee AP, Roset‐Bahmanyar E, Beehler GP, Moysich KB. The authors concluded that soy isoflavones eaten at levels comparable to those in Asian populations may reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in women receiving tamoxifen therapy and does not appear to interfere with tamoxifen efficacy. The mean amount of isoflavones in the “high” category was about 19 mg. daidzein and 27 mg. genistein daily—a modest amount compared with Asian populations. That said, aside from their isoflavone content, soy foods are rich in nutrients including B vitamins, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and high-quality protein. Sacks FM, Lichtenstein A, Van Horn L, Harris W, Kris-Etherton P, Winston M. Soy protein, isoflavones, and cardiovascular health: an American Heart Association Science Advisory for professionals from the Nutrition Committee. A few studies also showed decreased urinary estrogens and increased ratios of urinary 2-(OH) to 16alpha-(OH) and 2-(OH) to 4-(OH) estrogens. Soy isoflavones may help keep estrogen signaling at healthy levels. Effectiveness of natural S-equol supplement for premenstrual symptoms: protocol of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The results of many studies indicate that estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) reduces the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in postmenopausal women. In some animal studies, rodents that were exposed to high doses of compounds found in soy called isoflavones showed an increased risk of breast cancer. Recurrence was lower with increasing isoflavone intake among women with tumors that were ER+/PR+ but not ER-/PR-. [3] A JAMA review the same year found highly conflicting results with soy isoflavone extracts and stated that the overall evidence did not support its benefit in relieving hot flashes. Studies may seem to present conflicting conclusions about soy, but this is largely due to the wide variation in how soy is studied. However, the findings need to be confirmed because they were mainly in subgroups and could be due to chance. van Die MD, Bone KM, Williams SG, Pirotta MV. Concerns that the phytoestrogens (isoflavones) in soy may feminize men continue to be raised. [21] Key highlights of the study: The Breast Cancer Family Registry was a prospective study following 6,235 women diagnosed with breast cancer and living in the U.S. and Canada; intake of soy isoflavones was examined in relation to deaths from all causes. Thus, studies in women have mostly been consistent with beneficial effects, although the magnitude of the effects is quite small and of uncertain significance. However the results overall were mixed, with other studies not demonstrating a benefit. Would you like email updates of new search results? A monthly update filled with nutrition news and tips from Harvard experts—all designed to help you eat healthier. Zhang FF, Haslam DE, Terry MB, Knight JA, Andrulis IL, Daly MB, Buys SS, John EM. Phytoestrogens don’t always mimic estrogen. (More information) 3. The association of soy food consumption with the risk of subtype of breast cancers defined by hormone receptor and HER2 status. Numerous studies in laboratory animals exposed to the isoflavones found in soy infant formula, including genistein, show adverse effects on development. Create healthy, balanced meals using this visual guide as a blueprint. Effects of genistein on pentylenetetrazole-induced behavioral and neurochemical deficits in ovariectomized rats. Effects of soy consumption on gonadotropin secretion and acute pituitary responses to gonadotropin-releasing hormone in women. Research has shown that the impacts of the plant aren’t black and white. Women from Asian countries appear to receive greater protective benefit from breast cancer with high soy intakes than American and European women, but this may simply be a difference in the amount of soy consumed. Copyright © 2021 The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Harvard T.H. Baglia ML, Zheng W, Li H, Yang G, Gao J, Gao YT, Shu XO. Tofu and cognitive function: food for thought. In one randomized double-blinded trial, 60 patients with a mild form of hypothyroidism (called subclinical hypothyroidism) were given low or high-dose phytoestrogen supplements (both also contained 30 grams of soy protein), the amount that might be obtained from a vegetarian diet. Careers. The effects of soy milk and isoflavone supplements on cognitive performance in healthy, postmenopausal women. Another meta-analysis of 16 studies found that soy isoflavone supplements had a small and gradual effect in weakening menopausal hot flashes compared with estradiol (human estrogen). Ho SC, Chan AS, Ho YP, So EK, Sham A, Zee B, Woo JL. [23] Key highlights of the study: The incidence of prostate cancer is highest in Western countries and lowest in Asian countries, where soy foods are a regular part of the daily diet. Soy consumption and the risk of prostate cancer: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Chan School of Public Health, Health claims: Soy protein and risk of coronary heart disease, Academic Departments, Divisions and Centers. Even though soy protein may have little direct effect on cholesterol, soy foods are generally good for the heart and blood vessels if they replace less healthful choices, like red meat, and because they deliver plenty of polyunsaturated fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and are low in saturated fat. 2018. If soy’s estrogen-blocking action occurs in the breast, then eating soy could, in theory, reduce the risk of breast cancer because estrogen stimulates the growth and multiplication of breast and breast cancer cells. [35] Risk of developing clinical hypothyroidism was increased in the higher phytoestrogen group (no effect in the lower phytoestrogen group). 1999b). Soy isoflavones and risk of cancer recurrence in a cohort of breast cancer survivors: the Life After Cancer Epidemiology study. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Li L, Lv Y, Xu L, Zheng Q. Quantitative efficacy of soy isoflavones on menopausal hot flashes. Maskarinec G, Ju D, Morimoto Y, Franke AA, Stanczyk FZ. Fermented means that the soy food has been cultured with beneficial bacteria, yeast, or mold. Soy foods are also classified as fermented or unfermented (see table with examples, below). Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. Estrogens are female hormones made by women and, to a lesser extent, men. Bethesda, MD 20894, Copyright In support of our results, Haggans et al (28) reported that supplementation with 10 g ground flaxseed/d … Another potential mechanism of PE action in the body is the alteration of circulating estrogen and testosterone concentrations. Soybeans are one of the best plant-based protein sources and it also contains a large number of vitamins and minerals, fibre, as well as omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. 2002 Mar;132(3):566S-569S. J Nutr. The Shanghai Women’s Health Study which followed 73,223 Chinese women for more than 7 years has been the largest and most detailed study of soy and breast cancer risk in a population with high soy consumption. Isoflavones, their Glycosides and Glycoconjugates. The authors suggested that female vegetarian patients with subclinical hypothyroidism may need more careful monitoring of thyroid function. Learn more about the research on soy and specific diseases or other conditions: Soy protein took center stage after research showed that it might lower levels of harmful cholesterol. Effect of soy protein containing isoflavones on cognitive function, bone mineral density, and plasma lipids in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. This is where the term phytoestrogen originated. These can be altered by the PEs binding to sex-hormone binding proteins found in the blood. Potatoes and French fries don’t count. The isoflavonoids found in soy … Basaria S, Wisniewski A, Dupree K, Bruno T, Song MY, Yao F, Ojumu A, John M, Dobs AS. However, phytoestrogens are not the same thing as female estrogens. [1] Such reductions, if sustained over time, could mean a greater than 20% lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or other forms of cardiovascular disease. Dietary isoflavone intake and all‐cause mortality in breast cancer survivors: The Breast Cancer Family Registry. Some reports suggest that soy-based … [3] In October 2017, after review of additional scientific studies since the health claim was authorized, the FDA proposed a rule to revoke the claim because numerous studies presented inconsistent findings on the relationship between soy protein and heart disease. Estrogen works by binding to “docking sites,” or receptors, on cells. However, a number of studies since have tempered that finding. This study showed that dietary supplementation with 25 g ground flaxseed but not with 25 g soy flour significantly alters the metabolism of estradiol in favor of the less biologically active estrogen metabolite (2OHE1) in postmenopausal women. These studies provided 32-200 mg/d of isoflavones and generally showed decreased midcycle plasma gonadotropins and trends toward increased menstrual cycle length and decreased blood concentrations of estradiol, progesterone and sex hormone-binding globulin. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. Explore the downloadable guide with tips and strategies for healthy eating and healthy living. Linos E, Willett WC. [24] Soy isoflavones, specifically genistein and daidzein, are found to collect in prostate tissue and may act as weak estrogens and exert a protective effect against the development of prostate cancer. [19]. Nicholls J, Lasley BL, Nakajima ST, Setchell KD, Schneeman BO. Soybeans contain phytoestrogens, compounds that are similar in structure to the human hormone estrogen (estradiol). Epub 2017 Oct 25. Results of recent population studies suggest that soy has either a beneficial or neutral effect on various health conditions. [30-32] A review of 13 randomized controlled trials found that in about half of the studies, isoflavone supplementation had a beneficial effect on cognition in older men and women compared with controls, including improvements in attention, information‐processing speed, and memory. Hormone replacement therapy has traditionally been used as an effective treatment for hot flashes and other unpleasant symptoms that accompany menopause, but its long-term use carries concerns of an increased risk of some diseases including breast cancer and stroke. [6] Further, the average blood concentration of the isoflavone genistein in Asian women is about 12 times higher than that of U.S. women because of higher soy consumption. FOIA [5] Reports suggest that about 70–80% of U.S. women of menopausal and perimenopausal age experience hot flashes, in comparison with 10–20% of Asian women. Isoflavones and cognitive function in older women: the SOy and Postmenopausal Health In Aging (SOPHIA) Study. The reason is that soy contains phytoestrogens, plant hormones somewhat similar to estrogens. Effect of high-dose isoflavones on cognition, quality of life, androgens, and lipoprotein in post-menopausal women. Soy and Estrogen have been an important topic in the past few years, especially since the global soybean demand & consumption are continuously on the rise. [38] [39] It remains unclear if phytoestrogens can minimize some of the deleterious effects of low estrogen levels ( hypoestrogenism ) resulting from oophorectomy , menopause , or other causes. 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