Dietary phytoestrogens and plasma lipids in Dutch postmenopausal women; a cross-sectional study.
OBJECTIVE
Isoflavone supplementation in high doses is associated with plasma lipid, glucose and insulin levels. Little is known about the effects of intake within the range of western diets on these endpoints.


METHODS
We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study in 301 women aged 60-75 years.


METHODS
Dietary isoflavone and lignan intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire covering habitual diet during the year preceding enrollment. The outcome measures were total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, Lp(a), fasting glucose and insulin levels. Data were analysed using linear regression and logistic regression models. In the analyses we adjusted for a wide range of potential confounders.


RESULTS
High intake of isoflavones was associated with lower Lp(a) levels (tertile three versus tertile one: odds ratio 0.36, 95% CI 0.16; 0.80). No relation was found between blood levels and the other plasma lipids, glucose or insulin was found.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that an effect of dietary phytoestrogen intake at low levels on plasma lipid levels is of limited magnitude. It is premature to advise postmenopausal women with low phytoestrogen intake to change their diet towards a phytoestrogen rich diet with the sole aim to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Kreijkamp-Kaspers
Sanne
S
Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500 Room D 01.335 Utrecht, GA3508 The Netherlands.
Kok
Linda
L
Bots
Michiel L
ML
Grobbee
Diederick E
DE
van der Schouw
Yvonne T
YT
D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D017705:Lignans / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D016014:Linear Models; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D017270:Lipoprotein(a) / Q000097:blood; D016015:Logistic Models; D008593:Menopause / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D007529:Isoflavones; D017705:Lignans; D008055:Lipids; D017270:Lipoprotein(a); D048789:Phytoestrogens