Soy consumption reduces fracture risk in postmenopausal woman

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A large study of Chinese women shows that high soy consumption protects the bones against fractures.
Exercise, calcium and vitamin D are all recommended in the fight against osteoporosis. There is an increasing body of evidence that suggests consumption of soy products - beans and miso, for instance - may also be helpful.

Now researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, reveal results from a study of 24,403 postmenopausal women in China. They were part of the Shanghai Women's Health Study and their dietary intake was assessed once at the beginning of the study and again two to three years later. They were placed into five groups according to their consumption of soy protein and soy isoflavones (estrogen like compounds found in soy). Those in the highest soy protein consumption group - 13 grams a day - had a 37 per cent reduced fracture risk compared to those in the low consumption group - 5 grams a day. The same was found for the consumption of soy isoflavones. The benefits of soy were seen most in the early years after menopause.

Source
Archives of Internal Medicine 12th September 2005 Volume 165 pages 1890-1895

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