Red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones and serum homocysteine in premenopausal women: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
There is limited information on the effect of isoflavones on homocysteine concentrations, a risk factor for a number of chronic diseases.


METHODS
Twenty-three premenopausal women participated in a double-blind, randomized, parallel study for four menstrual cycles. Subjects consumed either placebo or purified red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavone (86 mg/day) tablets. Blood samples were collected weekly during cycles 1, 3, and 4 for determination of serum folate and total homocysteine concentrations. Dietary intake was monitored monthly.


RESULTS
Concentrations of folate and homocysteine in serum did not change significantly in either group, and there were no significant differences observed between the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. The participants' dietary records indicated that nutrient intake was constant, and compliance was confirmed by analysis of urinary isoflavone concentrations and tablet counts in returned containers.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that in the absence of any dietary modification, supplementation with purified isoflavones that are predominantly methoxylated has no effect on serum homocysteine or folate in premenopausal women.
Samman
Samir
S
Human Nutrition Unit, School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. s.samman@usyd.edu.au
Koh
Hoon Siang
HS
Flood
Victoria M
VM
Blakesmith
Sarah J
SJ
Petocz
Peter
P
Lyons-Wall
Philippa M
PM
D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood; D005498:Follicular Phase / Q000378:metabolism; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000378:metabolism; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017697:Premenopause / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D029921:Trifolium / Q000378:metabolism*; D055815:Young Adult
D007529:Isoflavones; D006710:Homocysteine; D005492:Folic Acid