Substance in Soy Products Increased Bone Density Compared to Placebo
• In a randomized placebo-controlled trial involving 389 women with osteopenia, those who took 54 mg/d of genistein, a phytoestrogen derived from soy products, had greater bone mineral density and improved markers of bone metabolism after two years than women who took a pill containing only calcium and vitamin D (Article, p.839).
• Osteopenia (diminished amount of bone but not as severe as osteoporosis) is common among women after menopause. The most serious consequences of low bone density are bone fractures.
• Those who took the genistein pills did not have increased endometrial thickness, a problem with some hormone treatments for low bone density. The genistein group had more gastrointestinal side effects than the control group.
• In a randomized placebo-controlled trial involving 389 women with osteopenia, those who took 54 mg/d of genistein, a phytoestrogen derived from soy products, had greater bone mineral density and improved markers of bone metabolism after two years than women who took a pill containing only calcium and vitamin D (Article, p.839).
• Osteopenia (diminished amount of bone but not as severe as osteoporosis) is common among women after menopause. The most serious consequences of low bone density are bone fractures.
• Those who took the genistein pills did not have increased endometrial thickness, a problem with some hormone treatments for low bone density. The genistein group had more gastrointestinal side effects than the control group.
