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Osteoporosis Dietary Soy Protein with Isoflavones and Bone Health
An estimated 15 to 20 million Americans suffer from Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition caused by low bone
density. This leads to weak and fragile bones and an increased risk of bone fractures. Osteoporosis affects both men and women. However, it is more common in women due to the fact that women achieve a lower peak bone density than men. Women also lose bone at an accelerated rate for the first few years following menopause. Both lifestyle and genetics play a role in the variation in rates of osteoporosis among countries.
The incidences of osteoporosis and hip fracture are significantly lower in postmenopausal Japanese women compared to women from Western countries.
 These lower incidences are attributed to exposure to dietary soy isoflavones. Studies in an animal model of osteoporosis demonstrated that the dietary isoflavones derived from soy are effective bone sparing agents and their mechanism of action appears to be largely independent of estrogen (they may specifically target osteoclasts). Limited clinical trials to date on the role of soy isoflavones in postmenopausal women suggest favorable results in bone health.  Women in the age group of 19-50 as well as teenage girls consume less than 2/3 of the RDA for calcium. Americans depend on dairy products for much of their calcium. Many plant foods are also rich in calcium. Legumes, nuts, seeds and many vegetables are good sources of calcium. One cup of cooked soy beans contains 175 mg of calcium. Soy beans and soy foods may help prevent osteoporosis. Soy foods are easily absorbed by the body. Isoflavones can increase bone mineral content and bone density. Clinical Support Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the lumbar vertebrae of 66 postmenopausal women were measured at baseline and 6 months, following consumption of dietary soy protein containing (56 and 90 mg/day) isoflavones. Significant gains (p<0.05) in both BMD and BMC of the lumbar vertebrae were found at the 90 mg dose. The subjects receiving 56 mg had a gain, but it was not statistically significant. Clinical studies have reported improvement in bone biochemical markers of postmenopausal women after several months of using soy protein containing isoflavones. In 42 healthy postmenopausal women, mean urinary excretion of N-Telopeptide (a specific bone marker) was decreased significantly (13.9% p<0.02) & mean serum Osteocalcin levels increased significantly (10.2% p<0.025) after 12 weeks consumption of 60 mg per day of dietary soy isoflavones. Important Note From DrSoy: This website is meant to educate and help you eat well to achieve optimum health. The information in this website should not be used as an alternative to appropriate medical care. One serving of DrSoy Protein Bars provides 350 mg of Calcium |