• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.219-224
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• 2006

This study was performed to determine the effect of soy isoflavones on brain development and function in rats. Forty Sprague-Dawley male rats were provided diets containing different levels of soy isoflavones for 6 weeks; 0 ppm (control), 50 ppm (low isoflavone intake; LI), 250 ppm (medium isoflavone intake; MI) and 500 ppm (high isoflavone intake; HI). Learning ability was evaluated by a Y-shaped water maze and the activity of acetylcholinesterase in brain was assayed after decapitation. Food intake and body weights as well as weights of brain, liver, spleen, heart and kidney showed no significant difference among the four groups, which means 500 ppm of isoflavones is safe. In the water maze test, the frequency of error counted when rats entered one end of the alley without platform was significantly lower in the HI group than in the control group, and the escape latency as swim time taken to escape on the hidden platform was significantly shorter in the HI group than in the LI and control groups. The activity of acetylcholinesterase of the brain was significantly higher in the HI and MI groups than in the control group. Therefore, the results indicate that isoflavones may improve the cognitive function without adverse effects.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.409-420
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• 2009

This study investigated preferences toward soybean-based foods and levels of dietary isoflavone intake in female adults living in Daegu. In order to determine the subjects' attitudes toward soybean-based foods their degrees of recognition and preference along with intake frequency were examined. To estimate their isoflavone intake levels, a food frequency questionnaire and the 24-hour recall method were used. The average age, height, weight, and BMI of the subjects were 47.3 years, 159.6 cm, 56.4 kg, and 22.1 kg/$cm^2$, respectively. And their mean energy, protein, dietary fiber, calcium, and sodium intakes were 1,871.9 kcal, 81.1g, 23.2 g, 604.7 mg, and 5.07 g, respectively. The average amount of isoflavones consumed from soy foods was 29.49 mg/day(daidzein 13.14 mg/day and genistein 16.35 mg/day) as assessed by food frequency questionnaire, and by the 24-hour recall method the average amount was 22.97 mg/day (daidzein 10.10 mg/day and genistein 12.87 mg/day), showing that the food frequency questionnaire assessment amount was 6.52 mg higher than that by 24-hour recall method. The major food sources of the isoflavones were soybean paste and soybeans. For the subjects' degrees of recognition of soybean food, soybean paste received the highest score among the items. The results also showed that the most preferred soybean-based foods were soybean paste stew and soybean paste soup. Furthermore isoflavone intake was significantly higher in the postmenopausal women than in the premenopausal women. Overall, these data help elucidate the patterns and determinants of soy food consumption and also provide an assessment of dietary soy isoflavone intake in Korean women.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.1043-1047
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• 2002

It is well known that soy isoflavones play beneficial roles in the prevention of chronic diseases such as breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. However current data are not sufficient for estimating the level of isoflavone intake. To use the urinary isoflavone excretion as a maker of isoflavone intake,26 participants consumed the isoflavone extract capsule (90 mg soy isoplavones/capsule) daily for 3 months. The study compared effects of pre- and post-isoflavone supplement in the following parameters; physical examination, dietary recalls, and urinary isoflavon excretion. The average age, height and weight were 65.7 years, 149.4 cm, and 57.3 kg. Subjects maintained regular diet pattern, and average daily nutrient intakes between pre- and post- supplementation were not significantly different except vitamin A, carotene and vitamin C. There was no significant difference between pre- and post- supplementation in terms of daily isoflavone intake. The basal urinary isoflavone excretion was 8.37 mg/day (daidzein 6.23 mu genistein 2.14 mg), and average daily excretion rate was IS.8%. Urinary isoflavone excretion was significantly increased, after isoflavone supplementation for 3 months as compared the basal level (p<0.01). Our data suggest that urinary isoflavone level, especially daidzein and genistein, may be a useful maker to estimate isoflavone intake.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.493-500
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• 2005

There is some evidence that soy isoflavone has beneficial effects on the concentration of blood lipids. In this study, we investigated habitual isoflavone intake levels and the relation among dietary isoflavone intake, blood pressure, and blood lipids of adult men (n = 149) and women (n = 205). Anthropometric measurements including blood pressure, dietary in-take assessment using 24-hour recall method, and biochemical assessment using blood were conducted. The average age, height, weight, and BMI were 54.7 years, 168.5 cm, 67.3 kg, and 24.5 $kg/m^2$ for men and 53.9 years, 153.8 cm, 59.2 kg, and 25.0 $kg/m^2$ for women, respectively. The mean daily intakes of total food and energy were 1219.1 g and 1740.9 kcal for men and 1071.3 g and 1432.6 kcal for women, respectively. The mean daily isoflavones (daidzein + genistein) intake of men and women were 20.0 mg and 14.2 mg, respectively. Blood pressure of the subjects was 128.3/75.5 mmHg for men and 124.1/73.7 mmHg for women. Serum lipids of men and women were 180.2 and 184.9 mg/dL for total cholesterol, 160.8 and 137.6 mg/dL for triglyceride, 41.5 and 44.7 mg/dL for HDL-cholesterol, 106.6 and 112.7 mg/dL for LDL-cholesterol, and 3.5 and 3.3 for atherogenic index, respectively. Serum triglyceride and atherogenic index of men were significantly higher than those of women. In men, isoflavone intake and the level of total serum cholesterol were negatively (p < 0.05) correlated, after adjusted age. In women, there were significant correlations between isoflavone intake and blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), after adjusted age (p < 0.05). Based on these results, we concluded that higher isoflavone intake seemed to be related to a better lipid profile in men and lower blood pressure in women. But more epidemiological studies and controlled clinical trials would help to confirm the optimal amount required for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.479-482
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• 2012

Aim: Soy foods are the major source of isoflavones, which are believed to play important roles in genesis of breast cancer and its progression. We here conducted a prospective study to evaluate the association of soy isoflavone food consumption with breast cancer prognosis. Methods: A prospective study was performed from January 2004 and January 2006 in China. Trained interviewers conducted face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire to collect information on dietary habits and potential confounding factors. The relative risk [hazard ratio (HR)] and 95% CI were calculated from the Cox regression model for all significant predictors from cancer diagnosis to the endpoint of the study (event). Results: After a median follow up of 52.1 months (range, 9-60 months), a total of 79 breast cancer related deaths were recorded in our study, risk being inversely associated with a high intake of soy isoflavone. With an average intake of soy isoflavone above 17.3 mg/day, the mortality of breast cancer can be reduced by about 38-36%. We also found the decreased breast cancer death with high soy protein intake, with a HR (95% CI) of 0.71 (0.52-0.98). Stratified analysis with reference to the ER status, further demonstrated a better prognosis of ER positive breast cancer with a high intake of soy isoflavone (HR 0.59, 0.40-0.93). Conclusion: Our study shows the soy food intake is associated with longer survival and low recurrence among breast cancer patients. A cohort study with a larger sample size and long term follow-up is now needed.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.476-482
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• 2003

We studied the effects of soy isoflavone supplements on bone metabolism marker (serum osteocalcin, urinary deoxypyridinoline) and urinary mineral excretion (urinary Ca, Mg, Zn) in 47 postmenopausal women. There were 24 participants in the treatment group and 23 in the control group. The treatment group consumed isoflavone extract capsules daily (which contained 90 mg of soy isoflavones) for 12 weeks. The study compared before and after isoflavone intake in the following areas: Physical examination, diet survey, bone metabolism marker and urinary mineral excretion. The average age of the treatment group was 64.6 years and that of the control group was 66.5 years. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of height, weight and body mass index. Both groups maintained a regular diet pattern in terms of their average daily nutrient intake. There were no significant differences between the treatment group (23.9 mg) and the control group (25.4 mg) in terms of daily isoflavone intake based on diet. The analysis of bone metabolism marker changes in the treatment group after 12 weeks of taking the isoflavone supplements demonstrated significant differences in the following: Serum osteocalcin (13.7 ng/mL in befor versus 6.8 ng/mL in after) and urinary deoxypyridinoline (5.9 nmol/mmol Cr in befor versus 4.5 nmol/mmol Cr in after). The subjects in the treatment group showed no significant difference in urinary Ca excretion. But the subjects showed a significant difference in urinary Mg (131.9 mg/day in befor versus 115.6 mg/day in after) and Zn (400.5 $\mu\textrm{g}$/day in befor versus 310.2 $\mu\textrm{g}$/day in after) excretion in the isoflavone treatment group at the levels of p<0.001, p<0.01, respectively. No changes were made in the intake of minerals. The composition of serum osteocalcin and urinary deoxypyridinoline, and indicators of bone metabolism, including the excretion Mg and Zn, significantly decreased. As a result, bone mineral loss was lessened. (Korean J Nutrition 36(5): 476~482, 2003)

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.39 no.8
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• pp.801-807
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• 2006

To elucidate the effect of soy isoflavone supplementation on bone mineral density and antioxidant enzyme activity in 60 postmenopausal women residing in Iksan area were recruited. There were 31 participants in the treatment group and 29 in the control group. The treatment group consumed isoflavone extract capsules daily (which contained 90 mg of soy isoflavones) for 12 weeks. The study compared before and after isoflavone intake in the following areas. Physical examination, diet survey, bone mineral density (BMD) and antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (TA)). The average age of the treatment group was 64.6 years and that of the control group was 66.5 years. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of height, weight and body mass index. Both groups maintained a regular diet pattern in terms of their average daily nutrient intake. There were no significant differences between the treatment group (23.3 mg) and the control group (24.0 mg) in terms of daily isoflavone intake based on diet. Isoflavone supplementation of 12 weeks did not resulted in any significant changes in BMD or parameters of antioxidant enzyme activity, implying the necessity of more intensive intervention for a substantial change. In conclusion, this study revealed that antioxidant enzyme activity holds a significant relationship with the bone mineral density in postmenopausal women and further systematic research on dose and period of isoflavone supplementation is needed to clearify the positive effect of isoflavone on BMD and/or blood antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal women.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.69-75
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• 2001

Intake of soy protein the fisk factors associated with cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. This study was designed to effects of isoflavone supplementation on serum lipids in 16 hyperlipidemic postmenopausal women . For this purpose, an intervention study was conducted for 12 weeks. Subjects were healthy, free-living women consuming habitual diets with 0.3ｇ/ｄ of isoflavone. Food and nutrient intake was obtained by 24-hr recall method and anthropometric measurement were made. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total serum cholesterol. HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were determined before and after the isoflavone supplementation. The results were summarized as follows. The average age, hight, weight and BMI of the subject were 65.3 years, 151.4 cm, 62.2 kg and 27.1, respectively. The systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were not reduced significantly with isoflavone supplementation. Total cholesterol (p＜0.001), HDL-C(p＜0.05), and LDL-C(p＜0.01) were significantly increased after isoflavone concentration. In conclusion, isoflavone supplementation was not effective to modify risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.254-263
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• 2008

This study was conducted to analyze the effect of isoflavone intake on prevention of chronic disease in middle and old aged man. In this study we used FFQ (Food frequency questionnaire) and the isoflavone intake level of the subjects was 25.10 mg per day. We divided the subjects into three group -high, medium, low isoflavone intake level- and investigated the relation among isoflavone intake level and clinical/anthropometric characteristics. The intake of isoflavone was inversely related with the body fat in male subjects. And we also divided the subjects into 2 groups with normal and abnormal clinical/anthropometric risk factor. The isoflavone intake level of the abnormal group with high TG, high WHR and high body fat was lower than the normal group. The main food source of isoflavone was soybean curd, bean sprout, soybean paste, soybean and soy milk, and we also investigated the relation between frequency of soybean food and anthropometric and clinical variables. The frequencies of soybean curd, soybean paste, soybean broth, soy milk, bean sprouts, peanuts, soybean and dambuk as well as intake of isoflavone were inversely correlated with some anthropometric and clinical variables such as blood pressure, TG, BMI, % body fat, and waist-hip ratio, whereas positively correlated with HDL cholesterol, muscle mass and bone density. We suggest that high consumption of soy products and isoflavone is associated with decreased blood lipid and body fat in middle and old aged man and might be useful for prevention cardiovascular diseases. From this study, we obtained valuable basic information on recommended isoflavone intake level and guidelines for the prevention of some chronic diseases/health problems.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.421-428
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• 2006

This study assessed the effects of daily isoflavone intake on urinary excretion of deoxypyridinoline(DPD), Ca and Zn excretion as an index of bone resorption rates in 162 postmenopausal osteoporotic women. There were 87 participants in the osteoporosis group and 75 in the control group. The average age in the osteoporosis group was 62.97 years and that of the control group was 63.67 years. There were no significant differences between the two groups in height, weight and body mass index. The osteoporosis group consumed significantly lower amounts of soy foods compared to the control group(p<0.00l). Daily isoflavone intake was significantly different between the osteoporosis group(29.19 mg) and the control group(48.56 mg). The average urinary excretion of deoxypyridinoline in the osteoporosis and control groups were 5.71 nmol/mmol Cr and 5.15 nmol/mmol Cr, respectively and these values were significantly different(p<0.05). In addition, the subjects in the osteoporosis group and control group exhibited significant difference in urinary excretion of Ca(200.16 mg/day, 177.05 mg/day respectively) and Zn(333.32 $\mu$g/day, 303.68 $\mu$g/day respectively) at the levels of p<0.0l and p<0.05, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in mineral intake. Thus, daily isoflavone intakes may contribute to decreases in the rates of urinary excretion of deoxypyridinoline, Ca and Zn in postmenopausal subjects.