The Effect of Isoflavone and Gamma-linolenic Acid Supplementation on Serum Lipids and Menopausal Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

This study was performed to examine the combined effects of gamma linolenic acid and isoflavone supplementation on menopausal symptoms and serum lipids in 73 postmenopausal women. A total subjects were randomly assigned to isoflavone (30 ㎎) + gamma-linolenic acid (110 ㎎) group or placebo group. We measured menopausal symptoms by modified Kupperman Index (KI) and oxidized LDL, lipid peroxides, blood components and anthropometric parameters before and after the 12 week intervention period. After the 12 weeks of supplementation, supplement group and placebo group showed a significant reduction of modified kupperman index (p < 0.001). Isoflavone (30 ㎎) + gamma-linolenic acid (110 ㎎) supplement group showed a significant reduction of oxidized LDL cholesterol concentration (p = 0.006) whereas placebo group did not show significant change. Isoflavone and gamma-linolenic acid consumption did not significantly affect plasma concentrations of total, LDL, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, apo A1, B and blood components. The result of present study demonstrated the supplementation of 30 ㎎ isoflavone and 110 ㎎ gamma-linolenic acid per day for 12 weeks may protect LDL cholesterol from oxidative stress.