Phytoestrogens and bone health.
OBJECTIVE
The present review summarizes the results of epidemiological studies and clinical trials assessing the skeletal effects of soy foods and soy dietary supplements.


RESULTS
Results from epidemiological studies suggest a beneficial skeletal effect in Asian women consuming typical Asian diets, but clinical trials are conflictive regarding the effects of phytoestrogens on bone mineral density and bone turnover markers in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Much of the controversy lies in differences in study design, reporting of results, participants' age and menopausal status, and type and dose of phytoestrogen used.


CONCLUSIONS
Although western women will likely continue to incorporate soy foods and soy supplements into their diets with the increased availability of these products, published data are inconsistent and do not support soy's protective effect against bone loss. This conflicting evidence should be taken into account when considering using isoflavones in the prevention of bone loss and consequently fractures.
Lagari
Violet S
VS
Endocrinology Section, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Levis
Silvina
S
D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D055951:Functional Food; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D045730:Soy Foods
D007529:Isoflavones; D048789:Phytoestrogens