Soy milk consumption, markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in women with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomised cross‐over clinical trial

Abstract

AbstractAimThe purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of soy milk consumption compared with cow's milk on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers among women with rheumatoid arthritis.MethodsThis randomised, cross‐over clinical trial was conducted on 25 patients (mean age: 45.72 years) with rheumatoid arthritis. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups and were asked to follow a diet containing cow's milk or soy milk for four weeks. After the interventional period, a washout period was conducted for two weeks. Then groups followed the alternate treatment for four weeks.ResultsSoy milk consumption compared with cow's milk resulted in a significant difference in percent changes regarding serum levels of hs‐CRP (−13.81 ± 5.39 vs 9.21 ± 6.33%; P = 0.008) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) (−15.35 ± 4.30 vs 8.11 ± 8.80%; P = 0.020). The results were not changed even after adjustment for weight. Soy milk consumption also reduced adiponectin levels significantly (baseline: 38.39 ± 2.04, end: 30.71 ± 1.93; P < 0.001). However, this reduction was not significant compared with cow's milk (P = 0.065). Soy milk consumption had no significant effects on other inflammatory factors and malondialdehyde levels.ConclusionsSoy milk consumption for four weeks resulted in a significant improvement in some inflammatory markers (TNF‐α and hs‐CRP). However, further investigations are needed to confirm these effects.