A diet rich in soy and soy isoflavones may benefit cognitive function in postmenopausal women younger than 65 years, but may have little benefit for women older than 65 years, according to new research.
According to the researchers, cognitive benefit from isoflavone therapy may follow a "critical window" hypothesis similar to that observed with hormone therapy, in which younger postmenopausal women derive more benefit than older women. Clinical trials indicate that soy and soy isoflavones have some benefit on cognitive function in women younger than 65 years, with little benefit for women older than 65 years.
"Larger studies are needed for definitive support, particularly in younger postmenopausal women," the authors conclude. "The ongoing [Women's Isoflavone Soy Health] trial will provide important new insights into the effects of soy on cognition from a sample of about 300 healthy postmenopausal women randomly allocated to 25 g/day of isoflavone-rich soy protein versus milk protein placebo," the said.
Soy food consumption also was associated with lower risk for breast and endometrial cancer in observational studies; however, the effects of isoflavones on the breast and uterus present a "complex" picture, with some conflicting experimental findings.
Data also found no compelling evidence exists for a beneficial effect of soy isoflavones on bone density in postmenopausal women; therefore, "more human studies need to be conducted with equol producers, with soy products with a higher genistein content, and with higher doses of isoflavones (>120 mg/day)", the authors said.
According to the researchers, cognitive benefit from isoflavone therapy may follow a "critical window" hypothesis similar to that observed with hormone therapy, in which younger postmenopausal women derive more benefit than older women. Clinical trials indicate that soy and soy isoflavones have some benefit on cognitive function in women younger than 65 years, with little benefit for women older than 65 years.
"Larger studies are needed for definitive support, particularly in younger postmenopausal women," the authors conclude. "The ongoing [Women's Isoflavone Soy Health] trial will provide important new insights into the effects of soy on cognition from a sample of about 300 healthy postmenopausal women randomly allocated to 25 g/day of isoflavone-rich soy protein versus milk protein placebo," the said.
Soy food consumption also was associated with lower risk for breast and endometrial cancer in observational studies; however, the effects of isoflavones on the breast and uterus present a "complex" picture, with some conflicting experimental findings.
Data also found no compelling evidence exists for a beneficial effect of soy isoflavones on bone density in postmenopausal women; therefore, "more human studies need to be conducted with equol producers, with soy products with a higher genistein content, and with higher doses of isoflavones (>120 mg/day)", the authors said.
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