Supplementation is unlikely to have significant favorable [effect] on bone mineral density (BMD), according to this review by researchers at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China.

Is this the final word?

First, the details.

• A literature search resulted in 10 studies of 896 women that were worth reviewing.
• The data were combined and a meta-analysis conducted.

And, the results.

• An average dose of 87 mg soy isoflavones taken for at least 1 year did not significantly affect BMD.
• After 2 years, the average change in lumbar spine BMD was 0.4%, -0.3% at the femoral neck, and 0.2% for total hip — none of this was significant.
• The source of the isoflavone (soy protein vs isoflavone extract) and ethnic differences (Asian vs Western) had no effect on the outcomes.
• The dose of isoflavone taken had no significant effect either.

The bottom line?
Interesting.

But other reviewers have come to a different conclusion.

1/27/09 19:37 JR