title: Soy phytoestrogens: impact on postmenopausal bone loss and mechanisms of action.
abstract: Due to their ability to mimic the actions of mammalian estrogens, soy phytoestrogens have been proposed as potential therapeutic agents to aid in preventing postmenopausal bone loss. In vitro, phytoestrogens promote osteoblastogenesis and inhibit osteoclastogenesis. Although a relatively large number of intervention studies have been undertaken in animals and humans, the efficacy of phytoestrogens as bone-protective agents in vivo remains unclear. Differences in the bioactivities of individual phytoestrogens, differences in phytoestrogen metabolism and bioavailability within different study populations, and imprecise reporting of the dose of phytoestrogens administered in intervention studies may have contributed to the disparity in study findings.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Raewyn C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Poulsen
authors.forename: Marlena C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Kruger
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013025:Glycine max / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D048789:Phytoestrogens