Investigating the role of natural phyto-oestrogens on bone health in postmenopausal women.
Research on the bone effects of natural phyto-oestrogens after menopause is at a relatively early stage. Published studies are few, difficult to compare and often inconclusive, due in part to design weaknesses. Currently, many questions remain to be answered including to what extent a safe daily intake may prevent postmenopausal bone loss. These questions can only be addressed by conducting well-planned, randomised clinical trials that take into consideration present knowledge in the oestrogen, phyto-oestrogen and bone fields. This review is intended to provide hints for critical decision-making about the selection of subjects, type of intervention, suitable outcome measures and variables that need to be controlled.
Valtueña
Silvia
S
Unit of Human Nutrition, National Institute for Research on Food and Nutrition, Via Ardeatina 546, I-00179 Rome, Italy.
Cashman
Kevin
K
Robins
Simon P
SP
Cassidy
Aedin
A
Kardinaal
Alwine
A
Branca
Francesco
F
D004032:Diet; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones; D008875:Middle Aged; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000517:prevention & control*; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D028321:Plant Preparations; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D012107:Research Design; D013025:Glycine max / Q000737:chemistry; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D007529:Isoflavones; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D028321:Plant Preparations