Isoflavones from soy may reduce the frequency of hot flashes by 21%, according to a meta-analysis of 17 clinical trials.
The analysis also revealed that soy isoflavones were effective in
reducing the severity of hot flashes by about 26%. «Soy isoflavones
appear to be a good first approach to alleviating hot flashes. Since
tehre is often a large placebo effect, women taking supplements with the
right soy isoflavone profile will likely see at least a 50
percent reduction compared to doing nothing,» said study co-author.
Isoflavones are well known phytoestrogens – active substances derived
from plants that have a weak strogen-like action. Isoflavones from soy
have been shown to provide a number of health benefits, including the
promotion of heart health and the maintenace of bone health in
post-menopausal women.
They have also been studied for their role in cancer prevention and
slowing down the ageing process in perimenopausal women, and have proved
to be a popular alternative to hormone replacement therapy for those
whishing to control menopause symptoms without resorting to drugs.
The new meta-analysis provides strong support for the efficacy of soy
isoflavones to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
The analysis revealed that an average intake of 54 milligrams per day of
soy isoflavones for between 6 weeks and 12 months was associated with
an average 21% reduction in the frequency of hot flashes, compared with
placebo.
In addition, this dose and duration was associated with a reduction in
the severity of hot flashes by 26%, compared with placebo.
In terms of the specifc isoflavones, supplements that provided at least
18.8 mg of genistein «were more than twice as potent at reducing hot
flash frequency than lower genistein supplements», said the reviewers.
«Supplements providing a total of 50 mg of total isoflavones will be
effective as long as they also provide at least 19 milligrams of
genistein.»
Category: Productos
Source: Nutraingredients