Osteopenia Osteoporosis Soy isoflavones

Osteopenia Osteoporosis Soy isoflavones. Soy comes in many forms. You can buy it frozen and add a some to your daily vegetable intake. Other people prefer soy milk, a product that has become so popular that it is even found in supermarkets. . There is  imitation cream cheese made from soy . And of course there are a whole host of soy protein patties created for vegetarians who use these as a meat substitute.

There have been sme of studies that show positive effects on bone density by this legume:

1. Researchers at the University of Illinois (USA) concluded that studies suggest the isoflavone found in soy food and in red clover have a small but positive effect on bone density, plasma lipids and cognitive abilities of post menopausal women. The article was published in, Climacteric . 2006 August; 9(4): 245–263.
2. An earlier study stated that "Impressive data from the many studies on cultured bone cells and rat models of post menopausal osteoporosis support a significant bone-sparing effect of the soy isoflavones genistein and daidzein." They noted that as of 2003 there was little evidence to show what levels of intake of isoflaovnes is optimal.
3. While it does not show the optimal level, a study published by researchers in Iran shows that even a small amounts can make a difference. The study was published in Nutrition Journal . 15 women between the ages of 45 and 64 were given just 35 grams (1.23458 ounces) soy protein per day for 12 weeks. The researchers found the results so positive that they concluded: "In view of beneficial effect of soy protein on bone metabolism indicators, inclusion of this relatively inexpensive food in the daily diet of menopausal women, will probably delay bone resorption, thereby preventing osteoporosis."
4. Soy and Progesterone Cream. A study was published in the European Journal of Nutrition in 2004 thatconcluded "Daily intake of two glasses of soy milk containing 76 mg isoflavones prevents lumbar spine bone loss in post menopausal women. Transdermal progesterone had bone-sparing effects but when combined with soy milk a negative interaction between the two treatments occurs resulting in bone-loss to a greater extent than either treatment alone." so if you are using one of the progesterone creams, please do not use these food products

So on the subject of Osteopenia Osteoporosis Soy isoflavones, some advise that that just 3 grams or less than 2 ounces can make a difference.

But, but, but....  There are other studies such as the one done in Taiwan that showed that an Osteopenia Osteoporosis Soy isoflavones connection can not be supported.  That soy made little or no difference for bone density: "The treatment of 300-mg/day isoflavones (aglycone equivalents) (172.5 mg genistein+127.5 mg daidzein) for 2 years failed to prevent lumbar spine and total proximal femur bone mineral density (BMD) from declining as compared with the placebo group in a randomized, double-blind, two-arm designed study enrolling 431 postmenopausal women 45–65 years old."

A second study published in the American Journal of Clinical  Nutrition concluded: "Because soy protein and isoflavones (either alone or together) did not affect BMD, they should not be considered as effective interventions for preserving skeletal health in older women. "

So there appears to be NO unanimity of opinion on Osteopenia Osteoporosis Soy isoflavones to increase bone density.

SPECIAL NOTE: there have been some claims that soy affects breast cancer - positive or negatively. Please if you have concerns, do speak with your physician about this. I can not give you medical advice. Your health care provider is the one to consult.