Soy isoflavones may activate anti-ageing proteins and lead to an
extension of life, suggests preliminary research from Newcastle
University in the UK.
Scientists at the university’s Human Nutrition Research Centre and
Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences at Newcastle University
report that the soy isoflavone daidzein may activate a protein called
sirtuin1 (Sirt1), previously linked to the regulation of ageing and
longevity.
“The concentration of daidzein that elicited [the Sirt1] response (100
mmol) exceeds achievable plasma concentrations but is not unrealistic
with respect to local intestinal concentrations following consumption of
isoflavone-rich foods or isoflavone supplements,” wrote the researchers
in Nutrition Bulletin.
“The long life expectancy and healthy ageing observed in the inhabitants
of Okinawa Island in Japan, who in past years consumed a low-energy
diet, is often cited as evidence supporting a longevity effect of energy
restriction in humans,” they added.
“It is of interest to note that soya provided the principal source of
protein in this diet, raising the possibility that some beneficial
effects of the diet relevant to healthy ageing and long lifespan may,
speculatively, have been the result of soybean isoflavones potentiating
effects mediated through the activity of Sirt1.”
Despite these feasible links, the researchers stressed that “extensive
further investigation is required to confirm such effects”.
By Stephen Daniells, 11-Sep-2009
Category: Productos
Source: Nutraingredients.com