We Know: All About Isoflavone What is Isoflavone? Isoflavone is a plant compound that is both a flavonoid and a phytoestrogen. What is a flavonoid? Flavonoid is commonly considered an antioxidant nutrient. There are many types of flavonoids, the most well-known and popular being bioflavnoid (see article, All About Bioflavonoids). What is a Phytoestrogen? A phytoestrogen is a plant chemical that acts like the female hormone estrogen. It has a chemical structure close to that of the animal hormone and it mimics its action in the human body. What's the big deal about Isoflavone? Three things: Soy products (from soy beans), supplemental estrogen therapy for women, and reduction of the so-called "bad" cholesterol. The use of soy products in human nutrition has reached mainstream status in western culture in recent years. One of the reasons is they that can provide a high-protein substitute to meat. Another is because of the isoflavone they contain and the claims that this compound can especially benefit women who are going through menopause, reducing symptoms such as hot flashes and slowing bone loss. And a third is because of it can supposedly lower LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. High levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood are not viewed as optimal when it comes to cardivascular health. Because it is a flavonoid there are also claims about its antioxidant effects. Is soy the only source of isoflavone? It is certainly the most common natural source people obtain it from these days and it certainly one that is receiving a lot of attention, especially in the marketplace. But it can also be obtained and used in supplement form. Food companies are also beginning to market soy-based products with isoflavone enhancement. Are any of the claims true? Well, there's the rub. In 1999, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a report that supported the main health benefit claims for isoflavone. In addition, there have been other reports based on research studies that support these claims. But very recently much of this has undergone critical review and in January 2006 the American Heart Association issued a report on isoflavone in soy products and isoflavone supplements, the sum of which is that isoflovone has little or no effect on women's menopausal symptoms or on lowering LDL levels. Is Isoflavone dangerous then? There are growing concerns that the overuse of isoflavone could present some health dangers. There have some concerns about possible negative interactions with cancer drugs, their hormonal effect on men insofar as possibly having a contributory role in prostate cancer, and then there is the general concern about people relying having a false sense of health security when using isoflavone supplementation, when they might be better off using other remedies for health problems and for promoting wellness. As with all natural health products users and potential users should do their homework and consult with their healthcare providers if they have questions and/or concerns. Isoflavone is no exception.
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