Abstract
Phytoestrogens (PhE) are contained in soy and some other plants; they are structurally similar to estrogens. PhE are used for substitution therapy in the menopause. However, some recent reviews concluded that no satisfactory evidence has been provided in favor of PhE efficiency against menopausal symptoms compared to placebo. Soy is used as an ingredient of infant food and other foodstuff as well as cattle fodder, so that residual PhE and their degradation products, e.g. equol, having estrogenic activity, can remain in meats. Soy protein is used in the food industry. Disorders of the reproductive system in humans under the influence of PhE are regarded to be rare and mild. There were single reports on altered gender-related behavior in children and feminization associated with soy consumption. In animals, the excessive PhE intake leads to derangements of fertility, sexual development and behavior. PhE are called modulators or disruptors of the endocrine system. There are no reasons to assume that benefits from such modulation would prevail in all soy consumers. Feminizing effects may be inconspicuous but statistically detectable in large populations.
Highlights
Phytoestrogens (PhE) are contained in soy and some other plants; they are structurally similar to estrogens
The most extensively studied PhE are isoflavones that are abundant in soybeans [1,2,3]
Soy protein is used in the food industry; it is added to meat and other products, sometimes without corresponding information on labels [4]
Summary
Phytoestrogens (PhE) are contained in soy and some other plants; they are structurally similar to estrogens. Phytoestrogens (PhE) are plant-derived substances with structural similarity to estradiol, their hormonal activity is much weaker than that of natural and synthetic estrogens. The consumption of PhE and soy foods is associated with health benefits; their impact on the reproductive and endocrine system may be underestimated. Many studies reporting benefits from the intake of soy originate from Eastern Asia [3, 5,6,7].
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