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There is growing interest in whether soy isoflavones, polyphenols found in soya, can help to retain bone mass in postmenopausal women. This was the subject of a new intervention study.

 

Postmenopausal women (aged 45-65 yrs) were randomly allocated to a placebo group or a diet containing 80 or 120mg/d soy isoflavones. Women also took a daily vitamin D and calcium supplement. Changes to bone health were assessed over 3 years. The results showed a modest bone-sparing effect in the femoral neck (top of the thigh bone) only. Before isoflavones can be recommended as a measure to improve bone density more research is needed to establish benefit.

For more information see: Alekel DL et al. (2009) American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Vol 91: pg 218-30.