Hot flushes relieved by soy
24 April 2012
Two serves of soybean-rich food per day may ease hot flushes in menopausal women, researchers say.
In a review of 19 trials, the researchers found that having a median (middle value of a series of numbers) of 54 mg per day of isoflavones (oestrogen-like substances that occur naturally in certain plants) over a period of 6 weeks to 12 months significantly reduced the frequency of flushes by 20.6 per cent and the severity by 26 per cent.
In a media statement they said the useful dose was equivalent to about 200 g of tofu or 2 glasses of soy milk daily.
The authors, who included researchers with links to the soy food and supplements industries, said their analysis clarified the effects of various soy isoflavones, finding genistein more potent than daidzein and glycitein.
Tablets with more than 18.8 mg genistein were twice as effective as those with lower genistein content at reducing the frequency of hot flushes, they said.
Last Reviewed: 24 April 2012
- Taku K, Melby MK, Kronenberg F, Kurzer MS, Messina M. Extracted or synthesized soybean isoflavones reduce menopausal hot flash frequency and severity: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause 2012; in press.
Sponsored links
Advertisement
Related Articles
Antioxidants: their role in healthMenopause: frequently asked questionsMenopause: what you can expect
Support Group Searches
Health support groups for Menopause Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
