Isoflavones

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHormone EffectsMedical UsesSide EffectsFoods High in IsoflavonesSourcesDosageWhat to Look ForFAQ

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Hormone Effects

Medical Uses

Side Effects

Foods High in Isoflavones

Sources

Dosage

What to Look For

FAQ

Isoflavones are plant-based compounds primarily found in soybeans that mimic the action of the hormone estrogen. Foods rich in isoflavones possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help prevent cell damage. Some studies suggest that isoflavone supplements may alleviate menopause symptoms and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal people.

Additionally, there is some evidence that isoflavone supplements could aid in preventing heart disease and certain cancers. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.

Hormone Effects of Isoflavones

Isoflavones are also known as phytoestrogens. That’s because they are plant-based (“phyto” means “from plants”) and they have a similar structure to estrogen. This allows isoflavones to bind with estrogen receptors.

In studies involving isoflavone supplements formenopausal symptoms, some benefits have been shown, such as:

Researchers reviewed 68 publications related to isoflavone consumption and menopausal symptoms and health conditions. They concluded consuming isoflavones reduces hot flashes even accounting for the placebo effect. However, more research is needed using standardized protocols (such as the same type and dosage of isoflavones and study duration) to confirm health effects.

Another review of 60 studies found that some plant-based therapies—such as isoflavones—worked to provide a modest reduction in hot flashes and vaginal dryness, but weren’t effective for reducing night sweats.

Some case reports indicate that isoflavones in red clover help reduce hot flashes and anxiety during menopause. Although the herb is marketed as a dietary supplement called Promensil, studies on the effects of red clover on menopause symptoms such as hot flashes have had inconsistent results.

Potential Uses for Isoflavones

In Asia, where soy is a staple in the diet, the rate of heart disease, breast cancer, and prostate cancer is lower than in the U.S.

Although the research is limited, there are several conditions in addition to menopause that may improve with the use of isoflavones.

Breast Cancer

In two separate reviews of numerous studies, researchers concluded that consuming soy isoflavones can reduce the risk ofbreast cancerin pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.

In the past, there have been concerns that soy foods, because they contain isoflavones, may increase the likelihood of breast cancer in high-risk women and worsen the prognosis of breast cancer patients.

However, according to researchers, clinical trials consistently show that consuming isoflavones does not adversely affect markers of breast cancer risk. And studies involving over 11,000 women from the U.S. and China show that soy intake after a breast cancer diagnosis significantly reduces recurrence and improves survival.

Current evidence indicates that it’s safe for women who have had breast cancer or who are at risk for breast cancer to eat soy foods. What is still uncertain is whether soy isoflavone supplements are safe for these women.

Diabetes

Researchers who reviewed eight studies concluded soy products, soy protein, and soy isoflavones might be associated with a lower risk oftype 2 diabetesand that future studies should focus on what dose of isoflavones and soy protein is needed to lower diabetes risk.

Evidence also suggests that fermented soy products may be better for preventing or delaying the progression of type 2 diabetes compared with nonfermented soybeans, but more human studies are needed to make definitive conclusions.

High Cholesterol

Studies, of both animals and humans, strongly suggest that isoflavones from soy reduce both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. It appears from these studies that only protein-based food sources of isoflavones such as tofu or tempeh were found to lower cholesterol; isoflavone supplements were not effective.

Red clover has also been found to have a cardiovascular benefit, lowering total cholesterol in peri- and post-menopausal women.

High Blood Pressure

Researchers who reviewed 68 publications concluded that soy isoflavones have a beneficial effect on systolic blood pressure (the pressure when the heart pumps) during early menopause.

Another study including 99 women found that consuming isoflavones reduced diastolic blood pressure (the pressure when the heart is at rest). The study authors noted that more research is needed to assess the effects of isoflavones on maintaining blood pressure and heart health.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

One study suggested that a combination of soy isoflavones andvitamin D supplementationin women withirritable bowel syndrome (IBS)improved inflammation andintestinal permeability.However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Osteoporosis

Almost 20% of women over 50 in the U.S. haveosteoporosis(brittle, fragile bones).

A systematic review of the effects of isoflavones on bone mass concluded that isoflavone treatments offer a moderately beneficial effect against bone loss in menopausal women.Another review also concluded that soy isoflavones reduce lumbar spine bone mineral loss in menopausal women.

Other Conditions

There is NOT enough evidence to back the claims of using isoflavones to treat many medical conditions, including:

Possible Side Effects of Isoflavones

Most of the side effects of isoflavones are associated with long-term use of supplements and not from dietary sources such as soy products.

Short-Term Use

When ingested on a short-term basis (up to six months in duration), soy is considered possibly safe. Common side effects may include:

Do Isoflavones Cause Weight Gain?Research suggests that, in general, isoflavones from soy do not cause weight gain. However, it may cause slight weight gain in young individuals, as well as people living with obesity.

Do Isoflavones Cause Weight Gain?

Research suggests that, in general, isoflavones from soy do not cause weight gain. However, it may cause slight weight gain in young individuals, as well as people living with obesity.

Precautions and Contraindications

There are precautions associated with soy products and isoflavones:

Drug Interactions

Isoflavones may adversely interact with numerous medications, including:

Anyone taking prescription or over-the-counter medications should talk with their healthcare provider before taking isoflavones or any other herbal or nutritional supplement.

Isoflavones may adversely impact the speed at which the liver processes certain drugs, including:Glipizide (hypoglycemic agent)Phenytoin (anticonvulsant)Flurbiprofen (anti-inflammatory agent)Warfarin (anticoagulant)

Isoflavones may adversely impact the speed at which the liver processes certain drugs, including:

Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak

The richest food sources of isoflavones include:

Isoflavones are also found in small amounts in the following foods:

Sources and Composition

While soybeans have the highest level of isoflavones, herbal sources like red clover (Trifolium pratense) andalfalfa(Medicago sativa) are also rich in isoflavones. Like soy, red clover is considered a legume that contains phytoestrogens.

In their most common form, soy isoflavones include:

Isoflavones found in red clover include:

It’s important to note that taking a supplement source of isoflavones and eating a food/protein source of isoflavones—like tofu, tempeh, soy milk, miso, or other soybean products—produces different results in terms of benefits and side effects.

Benefits of Soybeans and Soy Products

Supplement Dosages

The safety of the use of isoflavones supplements cannot be guaranteed when taken for a duration of longer than six months.

What to Look For

Summary

Although much of the clinical research data on isoflavones supports its health benefits, such as promoting cardiac health, reducing menopausal symptoms and more, there is quite a bit of contradictory information.

Because of the number of mixed study data reports on isoflavones, it’s strongly suggested you consult with your healthcare provider before using this nutritional supplement in any form. This includes eating large amounts of soy products, ingesting herbal sources of isoflavones from red clover, or taking any supplements with any other form of isoflavones.

Frequently Asked QuestionsA 2022 review concluded that consuming soy and soy components does not seem to alter healthy women’s fertility and can have a favorable effect among people seeking pregnancy. However, because there are so few studies and the sample sizes were small, more research is needed.The isoflavones from red clover have phytoestrogens, which are known to help balance estrogen levels, but the research is mixed on how well red clover helps reduce symptoms of menopause. There have been more studies on soy isoflavones that support their use for menopausal symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 2022 review concluded that consuming soy and soy components does not seem to alter healthy women’s fertility and can have a favorable effect among people seeking pregnancy. However, because there are so few studies and the sample sizes were small, more research is needed.

The isoflavones from red clover have phytoestrogens, which are known to help balance estrogen levels, but the research is mixed on how well red clover helps reduce symptoms of menopause. There have been more studies on soy isoflavones that support their use for menopausal symptoms.

32 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH.Isoflavone supplements for menopausal women: a systematic review.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2649. doi:10.3390/nu11112649Ahsan M, Khurram Mallick AK.The effect of soy isoflavones on the menopause rating scale scoring in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a pilot study.J Clin Diagn Res.2017 Sep;11(9):FC13–16. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2017/26034.10654Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH.Isoflavone Supplements for Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2649. Published 2019 Nov 4. doi:10.3390/nu11112649Franco OH, Chowdhury R, Troup J, et al.Use of Plant-Based Therapies and Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.JAMA.2016;315(23):2554-2563. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.8012National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Red clover.Zhao TT, Jin F, Li JG, et al.Dietary isoflavones or isoflavone-rich food intake and breast cancer risk: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.Clin Nutr. 2019;38(1):136-145. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2017.12.006Boutas I, Kontogeorgi A, Dimitrakakis C, Kalantaridou SN.Soy Isoflavones and Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis.In Vivo. 2022;36(2):556-562. doi:10.21873/invivo.12737Messina M.Impact of Soy Foods on the Development of Breast Cancer and the Prognosis of Breast Cancer Patients.Forsch Komplementmed. 2016;23(2):75-80. doi:10.1159/000444735National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Soy.Li W, Ruan W, Peng Y, Wang D.Soy and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2018;137:190-199. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2018.01.010Zuo X, Zhao R, Wu M, Wan Q, Li T.Soy consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutrients. 2023;15(6):1358. doi:10.3390/nu15061358Ramdath DD, Padhi EM, Sarfaraz S, Renwick S, Duncan AM.Beyond the Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Soy Protein: A Review of the Effects of Dietary Soy and Its Constituents on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease. Nutrients. 2017 Mar 24;9(4):324. doi: 10.3390/nu9040324Kanadys W, Baranska A, Jedrych M, Religioni U, Janiszewska M.Effects of red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones on the lipid profile of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women-A systematic review and meta-analysis.Maturitas. 2020;132:7-16. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.11.001Lu LW, Chen NW, Nayeem F, Nagamani M, Anderson KE.Soy isoflavones interact with calcium and contribute to blood pressure homeostasis in women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.Eur J Nutr. 2020;59(6):2369-2381. doi:10.1007/s00394-019-02085-3Jalili M, Vahedi H, Poustchi H, Hekmatdoost A.Soy isoflavones and cholecalciferol reduce inflammation, and gut permeability, without any effect on antioxidant capacity in irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2019;34:50-54. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2019.09.003Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoporosis.Lambert MNT, Hu LM, Jeppesen PB.A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of isoflavone formulations against estrogen-deficient bone resorption in peri- and postmenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Sep;106(3):801-811. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.116.151464Rietjens IMCM, Louisse J, Beekmann K.The potential health effects of dietary phytoestrogens.Br J Pharmacol.2017;174(11):1263-80. doi:10.1111/bph.13622Yu J, Bi X, Yu B, Chen D.Isoflavones: anti-inflammatory benefit and possible caveats.Nutrients.2016;8(6):361. doi:10.3390/nu8060361Portman MA.Kawasaki disease and soy: potential role for isoflavone interaction with Fcγ receptors.Pediatr Res. 2013;73(2):130-134. doi:10.1038/pr.2012.168Patel S, Hartman JA, Helferich WG, Flaws JA.Preconception exposure to dietary levels of genistein affects female reproductive outcomes.Reproductive Toxicology. 2017;74:174-180. doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.09.014Akhlaghi M, Zare M, Nouripour F.Effect of soy and soy isoflavones on obesity-related anthropometric measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Adv Nutr. 2017;8(5):705-717. doi:10.3945/an.117.015370Soyata A, Hasanah AN, Rusdiana T.Isoflavones in Soybean as a Daily Nutrient: The Mechanisms of Action and How They Alter the Pharmacokinetics of Drugs.Turk J Pharm Sci. 2021;18(6):799-810. doi:10.4274/tjps.galenos.2020.79106Andersen G, Marcinek P, Sulzinger N, Schieberle P, Krautwurst D.Food sources and biomolecular targets of tyramine.Nutr Rev.2019;77(2):107-115. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuy036Cedars Sinai.Red clover.U.S. Department of Agriculture.USDA database for the isoflavone content of selected foods.Rietjens IMCM, Louisse J, Beekmann K.The potential health effects of dietary phytoestrogens. Br J Pharmacol. 2017 Jun;174(11):1263-1280. doi: 10.1111/bph.13622American Heart Association.Isofavones, in tofu and plant proteins, associated with lower heart disease risk.Thangavel P, Puga-Olguín A, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Zepeda RC.Genistein as potential therapeutic candidate for menopausal symptoms and other related diseases.Molecules. 2019;24(21):3892. doi:10.3390/molecules24213892Jalili M, Vahedi H, Poustchi H, Hekmatdoost A.Soy isoflavones and cholecalciferol reduce inflammation, and gut permeability, without any effect on antioxidant capacity in irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. 2019;34:50-54. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2019.09.003Zheng X, Lee SK, Chun OK.Soy isoflavones and osteoporotic bone loss: a review with an emphasis on modulation of bone remodeling.Journal of Medicinal Food. 2016;19(1):1-14. doi:10.1089/jmf.2015.0045Rizzo G, Feraco A, Storz MA, Lombardo M.The role of soy and soy isoflavones on women’s fertility and related outcomes: an update. J Nutr Sci. 2022 Mar 7;11:e17. doi: 10.1017/jns.2022.15Additional ReadingGardner C, Chatterjee L, Franke A.Effects of isoflavone supplements vs. soy foods on blood concentrations of genistein and daidzein in adults.The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2009 Mar; 20(3): 227–234. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2008.02.008Zhang F, Haslam D, Terry M, et al.Dietary isoflavone intake and all-cause mortality in breast cancer survivors: The Breast Cancer Family Registry.Wiley Online Library.2017. doi:10.1002/cncr.30615

32 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH.Isoflavone supplements for menopausal women: a systematic review.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2649. doi:10.3390/nu11112649Ahsan M, Khurram Mallick AK.The effect of soy isoflavones on the menopause rating scale scoring in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a pilot study.J Clin Diagn Res.2017 Sep;11(9):FC13–16. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2017/26034.10654Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH.Isoflavone Supplements for Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2649. Published 2019 Nov 4. doi:10.3390/nu11112649Franco OH, Chowdhury R, Troup J, et al.Use of Plant-Based Therapies and Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.JAMA.2016;315(23):2554-2563. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.8012National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Red clover.Zhao TT, Jin F, Li JG, et al.Dietary isoflavones or isoflavone-rich food intake and breast cancer risk: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.Clin Nutr. 2019;38(1):136-145. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2017.12.006Boutas I, Kontogeorgi A, Dimitrakakis C, Kalantaridou SN.Soy Isoflavones and Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis.In Vivo. 2022;36(2):556-562. doi:10.21873/invivo.12737Messina M.Impact of Soy Foods on the Development of Breast Cancer and the Prognosis of Breast Cancer Patients.Forsch Komplementmed. 2016;23(2):75-80. doi:10.1159/000444735National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Soy.Li W, Ruan W, Peng Y, Wang D.Soy and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2018;137:190-199. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2018.01.010Zuo X, Zhao R, Wu M, Wan Q, Li T.Soy consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutrients. 2023;15(6):1358. doi:10.3390/nu15061358Ramdath DD, Padhi EM, Sarfaraz S, Renwick S, Duncan AM.Beyond the Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Soy Protein: A Review of the Effects of Dietary Soy and Its Constituents on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease. Nutrients. 2017 Mar 24;9(4):324. doi: 10.3390/nu9040324Kanadys W, Baranska A, Jedrych M, Religioni U, Janiszewska M.Effects of red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones on the lipid profile of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women-A systematic review and meta-analysis.Maturitas. 2020;132:7-16. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.11.001Lu LW, Chen NW, Nayeem F, Nagamani M, Anderson KE.Soy isoflavones interact with calcium and contribute to blood pressure homeostasis in women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.Eur J Nutr. 2020;59(6):2369-2381. doi:10.1007/s00394-019-02085-3Jalili M, Vahedi H, Poustchi H, Hekmatdoost A.Soy isoflavones and cholecalciferol reduce inflammation, and gut permeability, without any effect on antioxidant capacity in irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2019;34:50-54. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2019.09.003Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoporosis.Lambert MNT, Hu LM, Jeppesen PB.A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of isoflavone formulations against estrogen-deficient bone resorption in peri- and postmenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Sep;106(3):801-811. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.116.151464Rietjens IMCM, Louisse J, Beekmann K.The potential health effects of dietary phytoestrogens.Br J Pharmacol.2017;174(11):1263-80. doi:10.1111/bph.13622Yu J, Bi X, Yu B, Chen D.Isoflavones: anti-inflammatory benefit and possible caveats.Nutrients.2016;8(6):361. doi:10.3390/nu8060361Portman MA.Kawasaki disease and soy: potential role for isoflavone interaction with Fcγ receptors.Pediatr Res. 2013;73(2):130-134. doi:10.1038/pr.2012.168Patel S, Hartman JA, Helferich WG, Flaws JA.Preconception exposure to dietary levels of genistein affects female reproductive outcomes.Reproductive Toxicology. 2017;74:174-180. doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.09.014Akhlaghi M, Zare M, Nouripour F.Effect of soy and soy isoflavones on obesity-related anthropometric measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Adv Nutr. 2017;8(5):705-717. doi:10.3945/an.117.015370Soyata A, Hasanah AN, Rusdiana T.Isoflavones in Soybean as a Daily Nutrient: The Mechanisms of Action and How They Alter the Pharmacokinetics of Drugs.Turk J Pharm Sci. 2021;18(6):799-810. doi:10.4274/tjps.galenos.2020.79106Andersen G, Marcinek P, Sulzinger N, Schieberle P, Krautwurst D.Food sources and biomolecular targets of tyramine.Nutr Rev.2019;77(2):107-115. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuy036Cedars Sinai.Red clover.U.S. Department of Agriculture.USDA database for the isoflavone content of selected foods.Rietjens IMCM, Louisse J, Beekmann K.The potential health effects of dietary phytoestrogens. Br J Pharmacol. 2017 Jun;174(11):1263-1280. doi: 10.1111/bph.13622American Heart Association.Isofavones, in tofu and plant proteins, associated with lower heart disease risk.Thangavel P, Puga-Olguín A, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Zepeda RC.Genistein as potential therapeutic candidate for menopausal symptoms and other related diseases.Molecules. 2019;24(21):3892. doi:10.3390/molecules24213892Jalili M, Vahedi H, Poustchi H, Hekmatdoost A.Soy isoflavones and cholecalciferol reduce inflammation, and gut permeability, without any effect on antioxidant capacity in irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. 2019;34:50-54. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2019.09.003Zheng X, Lee SK, Chun OK.Soy isoflavones and osteoporotic bone loss: a review with an emphasis on modulation of bone remodeling.Journal of Medicinal Food. 2016;19(1):1-14. doi:10.1089/jmf.2015.0045Rizzo G, Feraco A, Storz MA, Lombardo M.The role of soy and soy isoflavones on women’s fertility and related outcomes: an update. J Nutr Sci. 2022 Mar 7;11:e17. doi: 10.1017/jns.2022.15Additional ReadingGardner C, Chatterjee L, Franke A.Effects of isoflavone supplements vs. soy foods on blood concentrations of genistein and daidzein in adults.The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2009 Mar; 20(3): 227–234. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2008.02.008Zhang F, Haslam D, Terry M, et al.Dietary isoflavone intake and all-cause mortality in breast cancer survivors: The Breast Cancer Family Registry.Wiley Online Library.2017. doi:10.1002/cncr.30615

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH.Isoflavone supplements for menopausal women: a systematic review.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2649. doi:10.3390/nu11112649Ahsan M, Khurram Mallick AK.The effect of soy isoflavones on the menopause rating scale scoring in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a pilot study.J Clin Diagn Res.2017 Sep;11(9):FC13–16. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2017/26034.10654Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH.Isoflavone Supplements for Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2649. Published 2019 Nov 4. doi:10.3390/nu11112649Franco OH, Chowdhury R, Troup J, et al.Use of Plant-Based Therapies and Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.JAMA.2016;315(23):2554-2563. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.8012National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Red clover.Zhao TT, Jin F, Li JG, et al.Dietary isoflavones or isoflavone-rich food intake and breast cancer risk: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.Clin Nutr. 2019;38(1):136-145. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2017.12.006Boutas I, Kontogeorgi A, Dimitrakakis C, Kalantaridou SN.Soy Isoflavones and Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis.In Vivo. 2022;36(2):556-562. doi:10.21873/invivo.12737Messina M.Impact of Soy Foods on the Development of Breast Cancer and the Prognosis of Breast Cancer Patients.Forsch Komplementmed. 2016;23(2):75-80. doi:10.1159/000444735National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Soy.Li W, Ruan W, Peng Y, Wang D.Soy and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2018;137:190-199. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2018.01.010Zuo X, Zhao R, Wu M, Wan Q, Li T.Soy consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutrients. 2023;15(6):1358. doi:10.3390/nu15061358Ramdath DD, Padhi EM, Sarfaraz S, Renwick S, Duncan AM.Beyond the Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Soy Protein: A Review of the Effects of Dietary Soy and Its Constituents on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease. Nutrients. 2017 Mar 24;9(4):324. doi: 10.3390/nu9040324Kanadys W, Baranska A, Jedrych M, Religioni U, Janiszewska M.Effects of red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones on the lipid profile of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women-A systematic review and meta-analysis.Maturitas. 2020;132:7-16. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.11.001Lu LW, Chen NW, Nayeem F, Nagamani M, Anderson KE.Soy isoflavones interact with calcium and contribute to blood pressure homeostasis in women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.Eur J Nutr. 2020;59(6):2369-2381. doi:10.1007/s00394-019-02085-3Jalili M, Vahedi H, Poustchi H, Hekmatdoost A.Soy isoflavones and cholecalciferol reduce inflammation, and gut permeability, without any effect on antioxidant capacity in irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2019;34:50-54. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2019.09.003Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoporosis.Lambert MNT, Hu LM, Jeppesen PB.A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of isoflavone formulations against estrogen-deficient bone resorption in peri- and postmenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Sep;106(3):801-811. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.116.151464Rietjens IMCM, Louisse J, Beekmann K.The potential health effects of dietary phytoestrogens.Br J Pharmacol.2017;174(11):1263-80. doi:10.1111/bph.13622Yu J, Bi X, Yu B, Chen D.Isoflavones: anti-inflammatory benefit and possible caveats.Nutrients.2016;8(6):361. doi:10.3390/nu8060361Portman MA.Kawasaki disease and soy: potential role for isoflavone interaction with Fcγ receptors.Pediatr Res. 2013;73(2):130-134. doi:10.1038/pr.2012.168Patel S, Hartman JA, Helferich WG, Flaws JA.Preconception exposure to dietary levels of genistein affects female reproductive outcomes.Reproductive Toxicology. 2017;74:174-180. doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.09.014Akhlaghi M, Zare M, Nouripour F.Effect of soy and soy isoflavones on obesity-related anthropometric measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Adv Nutr. 2017;8(5):705-717. doi:10.3945/an.117.015370Soyata A, Hasanah AN, Rusdiana T.Isoflavones in Soybean as a Daily Nutrient: The Mechanisms of Action and How They Alter the Pharmacokinetics of Drugs.Turk J Pharm Sci. 2021;18(6):799-810. doi:10.4274/tjps.galenos.2020.79106Andersen G, Marcinek P, Sulzinger N, Schieberle P, Krautwurst D.Food sources and biomolecular targets of tyramine.Nutr Rev.2019;77(2):107-115. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuy036Cedars Sinai.Red clover.U.S. Department of Agriculture.USDA database for the isoflavone content of selected foods.Rietjens IMCM, Louisse J, Beekmann K.The potential health effects of dietary phytoestrogens. Br J Pharmacol. 2017 Jun;174(11):1263-1280. doi: 10.1111/bph.13622American Heart Association.Isofavones, in tofu and plant proteins, associated with lower heart disease risk.Thangavel P, Puga-Olguín A, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Zepeda RC.Genistein as potential therapeutic candidate for menopausal symptoms and other related diseases.Molecules. 2019;24(21):3892. doi:10.3390/molecules24213892Jalili M, Vahedi H, Poustchi H, Hekmatdoost A.Soy isoflavones and cholecalciferol reduce inflammation, and gut permeability, without any effect on antioxidant capacity in irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. 2019;34:50-54. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2019.09.003Zheng X, Lee SK, Chun OK.Soy isoflavones and osteoporotic bone loss: a review with an emphasis on modulation of bone remodeling.Journal of Medicinal Food. 2016;19(1):1-14. doi:10.1089/jmf.2015.0045Rizzo G, Feraco A, Storz MA, Lombardo M.The role of soy and soy isoflavones on women’s fertility and related outcomes: an update. J Nutr Sci. 2022 Mar 7;11:e17. doi: 10.1017/jns.2022.15

Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH.Isoflavone supplements for menopausal women: a systematic review.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2649. doi:10.3390/nu11112649

Ahsan M, Khurram Mallick AK.The effect of soy isoflavones on the menopause rating scale scoring in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a pilot study.J Clin Diagn Res.2017 Sep;11(9):FC13–16. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2017/26034.10654

Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH.Isoflavone Supplements for Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2649. Published 2019 Nov 4. doi:10.3390/nu11112649

Franco OH, Chowdhury R, Troup J, et al.Use of Plant-Based Therapies and Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.JAMA.2016;315(23):2554-2563. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.8012

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Red clover.

Zhao TT, Jin F, Li JG, et al.Dietary isoflavones or isoflavone-rich food intake and breast cancer risk: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.Clin Nutr. 2019;38(1):136-145. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2017.12.006

Boutas I, Kontogeorgi A, Dimitrakakis C, Kalantaridou SN.Soy Isoflavones and Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis.In Vivo. 2022;36(2):556-562. doi:10.21873/invivo.12737

Messina M.Impact of Soy Foods on the Development of Breast Cancer and the Prognosis of Breast Cancer Patients.Forsch Komplementmed. 2016;23(2):75-80. doi:10.1159/000444735

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Soy.

Li W, Ruan W, Peng Y, Wang D.Soy and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2018;137:190-199. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2018.01.010

Zuo X, Zhao R, Wu M, Wan Q, Li T.Soy consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutrients. 2023;15(6):1358. doi:10.3390/nu15061358

Ramdath DD, Padhi EM, Sarfaraz S, Renwick S, Duncan AM.Beyond the Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Soy Protein: A Review of the Effects of Dietary Soy and Its Constituents on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease. Nutrients. 2017 Mar 24;9(4):324. doi: 10.3390/nu9040324

Kanadys W, Baranska A, Jedrych M, Religioni U, Janiszewska M.Effects of red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones on the lipid profile of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women-A systematic review and meta-analysis.Maturitas. 2020;132:7-16. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.11.001

Lu LW, Chen NW, Nayeem F, Nagamani M, Anderson KE.Soy isoflavones interact with calcium and contribute to blood pressure homeostasis in women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.Eur J Nutr. 2020;59(6):2369-2381. doi:10.1007/s00394-019-02085-3

Jalili M, Vahedi H, Poustchi H, Hekmatdoost A.Soy isoflavones and cholecalciferol reduce inflammation, and gut permeability, without any effect on antioxidant capacity in irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2019;34:50-54. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2019.09.003

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoporosis.

Lambert MNT, Hu LM, Jeppesen PB.A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of isoflavone formulations against estrogen-deficient bone resorption in peri- and postmenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Sep;106(3):801-811. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.116.151464

Rietjens IMCM, Louisse J, Beekmann K.The potential health effects of dietary phytoestrogens.Br J Pharmacol.2017;174(11):1263-80. doi:10.1111/bph.13622

Yu J, Bi X, Yu B, Chen D.Isoflavones: anti-inflammatory benefit and possible caveats.Nutrients.2016;8(6):361. doi:10.3390/nu8060361

Portman MA.Kawasaki disease and soy: potential role for isoflavone interaction with Fcγ receptors.Pediatr Res. 2013;73(2):130-134. doi:10.1038/pr.2012.168

Patel S, Hartman JA, Helferich WG, Flaws JA.Preconception exposure to dietary levels of genistein affects female reproductive outcomes.Reproductive Toxicology. 2017;74:174-180. doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.09.014

Akhlaghi M, Zare M, Nouripour F.Effect of soy and soy isoflavones on obesity-related anthropometric measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Adv Nutr. 2017;8(5):705-717. doi:10.3945/an.117.015370

Soyata A, Hasanah AN, Rusdiana T.Isoflavones in Soybean as a Daily Nutrient: The Mechanisms of Action and How They Alter the Pharmacokinetics of Drugs.Turk J Pharm Sci. 2021;18(6):799-810. doi:10.4274/tjps.galenos.2020.79106

Andersen G, Marcinek P, Sulzinger N, Schieberle P, Krautwurst D.Food sources and biomolecular targets of tyramine.Nutr Rev.2019;77(2):107-115. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuy036

Cedars Sinai.Red clover.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.USDA database for the isoflavone content of selected foods.

Rietjens IMCM, Louisse J, Beekmann K.The potential health effects of dietary phytoestrogens. Br J Pharmacol. 2017 Jun;174(11):1263-1280. doi: 10.1111/bph.13622

American Heart Association.Isofavones, in tofu and plant proteins, associated with lower heart disease risk.

Thangavel P, Puga-Olguín A, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Zepeda RC.Genistein as potential therapeutic candidate for menopausal symptoms and other related diseases.Molecules. 2019;24(21):3892. doi:10.3390/molecules24213892

Jalili M, Vahedi H, Poustchi H, Hekmatdoost A.Soy isoflavones and cholecalciferol reduce inflammation, and gut permeability, without any effect on antioxidant capacity in irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. 2019;34:50-54. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2019.09.003

Zheng X, Lee SK, Chun OK.Soy isoflavones and osteoporotic bone loss: a review with an emphasis on modulation of bone remodeling.Journal of Medicinal Food. 2016;19(1):1-14. doi:10.1089/jmf.2015.0045

Rizzo G, Feraco A, Storz MA, Lombardo M.The role of soy and soy isoflavones on women’s fertility and related outcomes: an update. J Nutr Sci. 2022 Mar 7;11:e17. doi: 10.1017/jns.2022.15

Gardner C, Chatterjee L, Franke A.Effects of isoflavone supplements vs. soy foods on blood concentrations of genistein and daidzein in adults.The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2009 Mar; 20(3): 227–234. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2008.02.008Zhang F, Haslam D, Terry M, et al.Dietary isoflavone intake and all-cause mortality in breast cancer survivors: The Breast Cancer Family Registry.Wiley Online Library.2017. doi:10.1002/cncr.30615

Gardner C, Chatterjee L, Franke A.Effects of isoflavone supplements vs. soy foods on blood concentrations of genistein and daidzein in adults.The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2009 Mar; 20(3): 227–234. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2008.02.008

Zhang F, Haslam D, Terry M, et al.Dietary isoflavone intake and all-cause mortality in breast cancer survivors: The Breast Cancer Family Registry.Wiley Online Library.2017. doi:10.1002/cncr.30615

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