Role of Isoflavones in the Hypocholesterolemic Effect of Soy (original) (raw)

Epidemiologic data suggest an inverse relationship between the consumption of soy iso avones and cardiovascular disease risk. The aims of this review are to determine if iso avones play a role in the hypocholesterolemic effect of soy and whether the studies realized with that scope were adequately designed. In humans, most studies have been performed in postmenopausal women. The results are inconsistent, however; some studies show a decrease in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentrations, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein levels, and other investigations fail to show any bene cial effect of soy iso avones on lipid pro les. In most studies, bene cial effects could not be attributed with certainty to soy iso avones. If these components have any health-protecting effect in humans, it is small in comparison with the effect of soy protein itself. There are currently not enough data to recommend the consumption of iso avone supplements to lower plasma cholesterol levels.