Soy Consumption Research Articles

P-344 Prevalence and maternal risk factors for neonatal uterine bleeding (NUB): a possible origin of endometriosis?

Abstract Study question What is the prevalence and the cause of neonatal uterine bleeding, also known as “genital crisis”? Is it associated with maternal lifestyle and obstetric history? Summary answer The prevalence of NUB has been estimated as 29% and it seems to be correlated to some aspects of the maternal lifestyle What is known already NUB is considered a physiological phenomenon characterized by a menstrual-like bleeding occurring during the first days of life in female newborns, with an estimated incidence of 3-5%. It seems to be related to the reduction of steroid hormones in the baby after the separation from the maternal placenta, although, actually, some theories hypothesize NUB as a consequence of the exposure to molecular disruptors during intrauterine life. However, data regarding NUB still remain uncertain. Interestingly, recent theories assume a correlation between NUB and endometriosis onset, considering it as a consequence of the retrograde menstruation of stem cells during the genital crisis Study design, size, duration This is a prospective cohort study performed in a population of 105 mothers-to-be who delivered their babies at Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan between March 2022 and December 2022. Inclusion criteria were: gestation of a single female fetus, age between 18 and 42, being in healthy condition and undergoing a low-risk pregnancy. Women with endometriosis had also been included Participants/materials, setting, methods At the time of recruitment few days before delivery, patients were asked to fill a questionnaire regarding general clinical characteristics (BMI, smoking habits, diet). After two weeks from delivery, a follow up was performed asking them information about pregnancy outcomes (time to pregnancy, complications and type of delivery), a possible vaginal bleeding for the baby and its duration, the type of lactation (breastfeeding, formula or both) and clinical neonatal information. Main results and the role of chance NUB frequency was unexpectedly high. Twenty-nine percent of the babies experienced NUB with a duration of 3 days and insurgence 2 days post-partum. Among the variables analyzed, genital crisis resulted higher in newborns from women with significantly higher BMI compared to women with a lower BMI (BMI 23 vs 21.5 respectively, p<0.05). Smoking during pregnancy was associated with a higher incidence of newborns with NUB (20% vs 4% in controls; p < 0.05). According to the type of lactation, in newborns with genital crisis, 43% of them received maternal breastfeeding while the same type of feeding has been reported in 69% of controls (p<0.05). Lastly, soy consumption by the mothers was observed only in 41% of cases of genital crisis while among mothers whose newborns did not experience NUB, 58% declared presence of soy in their diet (p<0.05). Limitations, reasons for caution The population size is relatively small. Also, as prospective cohort study, loss of individuals at follow up and recall bias may occur Wider implications of the findings Collecting more information on the hormonal determinants of NUB could be useful for future studies on intrauterine life and reproductive disorders. If a link between NUB and endometriosis is confirmed, NUB might lead to the understanding of the onset of this pathological condition Trial registration number not applicable

The relationship between consumption of soy milk and the menstrual cycle of midwifery students

One of the reproductive health problems that can trigger infertility is ovulation disorders. The clinical manifestation of this disorder is irregular menstruation. The cause is a deficiency of the hormone estrogen. Soybeans are plants that contain high phytoestrogens which can meet the needs of estrogen in the body. This study aims to determine the relationship between soy bean consumption and the menstrual cycle. The research design used was an experiment with a pretest-posttest design. The sampling technique used purposive sampling consisting of 30 respondents who fit the inclusion criteria. Data analysis used the paired sample t-test with the Wilcoxon test. The normality test results obtained a pretest value of 0.344 and a post test value of 0.222. respondent data is normally distributed. The dependent t test results obtained a p value of 0.004 < 0.05. There is a relationship between soy milk consumption and the menstrual cycle. there is a change in the regularity of the menstrual cycle after consuming soy milk. Suggestion: women with irregular menstrual cycle problems can consume soy milk as an alternative to complementary medicine in preventing early infertility

Soy Consumption and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Soy is rich in plant protein, isoflavones, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. To clarify the associations between soy intake and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) events, we performed a meta-analysis and review. A total of 1963 studies met the inclusion criteria, and 29 articles with 16,521 T2D and 54,213 CVDs events were identified by the eligibility criteria. During a follow-up of 2.5-24 years, the risk of T2D, CVDs, coronary heart disease, and stroke in participants with the highest soy consumption decreased by 17% (total relative risk (TRR) = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.74-0.93), 13% (TRR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81-0.94), 21% (TRR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71-0.88), and 12% (TRR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79-0.99), respectively, compared to the lowest sot consumption. A daily intake of 26.7 g of tofu reduced CVDs risk by 18% (TRR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.74-0.92) and 11.1 g of natto lowered the risk of CVDs by 17% (TRR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.78-0.89), especially stroke. This meta-analysis demonstrated that soy consumption was negatively associated with the risks of T2D and CVDs and a specific quantity of soy products was the most beneficial for the prevention of T2D and CVDs. This study has been registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022360504).

Lacto-Fermented and Unfermented Soybean Differently Modulate Serum Lipids, Blood Pressure and Gut Microbiota during Hypertension

Soy consumption may reduce hypertension but the impact of food processing on the antihypertensive effect is unclear. Hence, we ascertained the effects of lacto-fermented (FSB) and unfermented soybean (USB) consumption on serum atherogenic lipids, hypertension and gut microbiota of spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR). FSB displayed a strong in vitro angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory ability of 70 ± 5% while USB inhibited 5 ± 3% of the enzyme activity. Consumption of USB reduced serum ACE activity by 19.8 ± 12.85 U while FSB reduced the enzyme activity by 47.6 ± 11.35 U, respectively. FSB significantly improved cholesterol levels and reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures by 14 ± 3 mmHg and 10 ± 3 mmHg, respectively, while USB only had a marginal impact on blood pressure. Analysis of FSB showed the abundance of ACE inhibitory peptides EGEQPRPFPFP and AIPVNKP (which were absent in USB) and 30 phenolic compounds (only 12 were abundant in USB). Feeding SHR with FSB promoted the growth of Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Intestinimonas, Phocaeicola, Lactobacillus and Prevotella (short chain fatty acid producers) while USB promoted only Prevotellamassilia, Prevotella and Intestimonas levels signifying the prebiotic ability of FSB. Our results show that, relative to USB, FSB are richer in bioactive compounds that reduce hypertension by inhibiting ACE, improving cholesterol levels and mitigating gut dysbiosis.

High intake of dietary phytochemical index may be related to reducing risk of diabetic nephropathy: a case–control study

ObjectiveDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is involved in 40% of patients with type 2 diabetes, Phytochemical index (PI) foods are known as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Higher intake of phytochemicals can improve glucose tolerance, hypertension and complications of DN. This study sought to discern the relationship between dietary PI and DN.MethodsThis was a case–control study which was conducted between 210 diabetic women. General characteristics, blood pressure, biochemical serum levels, and anthropometric measurements were evaluated. Physical activity and dietary intakes were assessed via short form of physical activity questionnaire and 147 items-validated food frequency questionnaires, respectively. Then, PI was calculated through method of McCarty and divided to 2 groups of lower and higher of median. Independent samples T tests were used to identify differences in quantitative variables. To investigate the relationship between dietary PI and risk of DN, logistic regression was used. The odds ratio (OR) of DN, and its 95% confidence interval (CI), in each groups of PI were shown.ResultsThe percentage of daily intake of energy from fruits and vegetables were higher than the other sources of phytochemical rich foods. Higher consumption of vitamin A was seen in higher group of PI among the control group, after adjusting for energy intake. In the higher adherence of median of dietary PI group, intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, and olives of controls were higher than cases. In addition, soy consumption was statistically different between lower and higher adherence of median of dietary PI among cases. There was an inverse relationship between dietary PI and risk of DN (OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.25–0.77; P = 0.04). After adjusting for potential confounders, the association remained significant, albeit with lower odds of having DN (OR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.06–0.36; P < 0.001).ConclusionFinally, the present study found evidence indicating an inverse relationship between consumption of foods rich in phytochemicals and risk of DN in this sample.

Phytoestrogens and Breast Cancer: Should French Recommendations Evolve?

Breast cancer (BC) occurs less frequently in Asia, where there is high soy consumption. It has been hypothesized that soy isoflavones could be protective against BC recurrence and mortality. At the same time, health organizations in several countries have differing recommendations for soy consumption (soy foods or dietary supplements) in BC survivors. The objective of this review is to analyze the literature and to determine whether it is justified to advise avoiding soy in dietary supplements and/or food in women with a history of BC. We conducted a systematic literature search with the Medline/Pubmed and Web of Science databases. Only prospective cohort studies published since 2009 were retained. The endpoint of studies was BC recurrence and/or mortality, and the association with soy isoflavone intake was specifically targeted. Seven studies were included. None of these studies found statistically significant adverse effects of soy consumption on BC recurrence or mortality (specific or all-cause). Overall, only one study was not able to find beneficial effects of soy intake on BC patients. The other studies concluded that there were positive associations but in very variable ways. Two studies found a decrease in BC recurrence associated with a higher isoflavone intake only for post-menopausal women. The other four studies concluded that there were positive associations regardless of menopausal status. Four studies showed better results on women with hormonal-sensitive cancer and/or patients receiving hormonal treatment. Only one found a stronger association for patients with ER-negative BC. No adverse effects of soy isoflavones on BC mortality/recurrence were found. Soy isoflavones may exert beneficial effects. These results coincide with other recent works and suggest that soy isoflavone intake is safe for BC survivors. Thus, these data no longer seem to coincide with the French recommendations, which could then be brought to evolve. However, in order to confirm the current results, larger studies are needed.

Dietary factors and the risk of lung cancer by epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status and histological subtypes.

Previous studies have reported differential associations of certain dietary factors such as soy consumption by epidermal growth factor receptor mutant (EGFR +) subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, whether the other dietary factors including meat, fruits, and vegetables have differential risks on different histological and molecular subtypes of lung cancer remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate these associations. A total of 3,170 cases and 4,238 controls from three different studies (Genes and Environment in Lung Cancer Study, Lung Cancer Consortium Singapore Study, and Multi-ethnic Cohort Study) were included. Information on demographics, lifestyle, and dietary consumption was obtained using questionnaires. Diet was assessed by using the number of standard servings of each item consumed per week. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between meat, vegetables, and fruits consumption with lung cancer risk after adjusting for potential confounders. We identified a significant inverse association between higher consumption of fruits and the risk of lung cancer (2nd tertile: OR = 0.54, 95%CI = 0.46-0.65; 3rd tertile: OR = 0.77, 95%CI = 0.65-0.91), compared with the lower (1st tertile) consumption of fruits. Higher vegetable consumption was significantly associated with a lower risk of EGFR + lung cancer (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.54-0.88), however, this association was not significant among EGFR wild-type (-) lung cancer. Conversely, higher consumption of total meat (OR = 2.10, 95%CI = 1.58-2.79) was significantly associated with higher lung cancer risk, as compared with the lower consumption group. Differential associations between vegetable consumption with EGFR mutation status in NSCLC were found. Further prospective studies are warranted to assess this association and elucidate the biological mechanisms.

Inhibition of α1-Adrenergic, Non-Adrenergic and Neurogenic Human Prostate Smooth Muscle Contraction and of Stromal Cell Growth by the Isoflavones Genistein and Daidzein.

Isoflavone-rich legumes, including soy, are used for food production, as dietary supplements and in traditional medicine. Soy consumption correlates negatively with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and voiding symptoms. However, isoflavone effects on the prostate are hardly known. Here, we examined the effects on human prostate smooth muscle contractions and stromal cell growth, which are driving factors of voiding symptoms in BPH. Smooth muscle contractions were induced in prostate tissues from radical prostatectomy. Growth-related functions were studied in cultured stromal cells (WPMY-1). Neurogenic, α1-adrenergic and non-adrenergic contractions were strongly inhibited with 50 µM and by around 50% with 10 µM genistein. Daidzein inhibited neurogenic contractions using 10 and 100 µM. Agonist-induced contractions were inhibited by 100 µM but not 10 µM daidzein. A combination of 6 µM genistein with 5 µM daidzein still inhibited neurogenic and agonist-induced contractions. Proliferation of WPMY-1 cells was inhibited by genistein (>50%) and daidzein (<50%). Genistein induced apoptosis and cell death (by seven-fold relative to controls), while daidzein induced cell death (6.4-fold) without apoptosis. Viability was reduced by genistein (maximum: 87%) and daidzein (62%). In conclusion, soy isoflavones exert sustained effects on prostate smooth muscle contractions and stromal cell growth, which may explain the inverse relationships between soy-rich nutrition, BPH and voiding symptoms.

Analysis of Soybean Consumption in Indonesia

Soybean is one of the main food commodities after rice and corn. Indonesian people indicate that soy consumption will continue to increase yearly along with population, per capita income, and public awareness of food nutrition. Increased demand for soybeans can be linked to an increase in public consumption. The objectives of this study were 1) to analyze the development of soybean consumption in Indonesia and 2) to analyze the factors that influence soybean consumption in Indonesia. This type of research is descriptive with a quantitative approach. The type of data used is secondary data (time series). The analysis method used in this research is Trend Analysis with Moving Average and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. The variables used are soybean price (X1), substitution price (peanuts) (X2), income per capita (X3), and soybean consumption (Y). The study's results using the trend test showed that the value forecast of soybean consumption for the next or future period was 0.29, where the MAD value was 0.01, the MSE value was 0, and the MAPE value was 0.04. The multiple linear regression test showed that the price of soybeans and income per capita had a significant effect on soybean consumption. In contrast, the substitution price had no significant effect on soybean consumption.

Consumption of soy isoflavones during the prepubertal phase delays puberty and causes hypergonadotropic hypogonadism with disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary gonadotropins regulation in male rats

Isoflavones are phytoestrogens with recognized estrogenic activity but may also affect testosterone, corticosterone and thyroid hormone levels in experimental models. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these alterations are still unclear. Isoflavones are present in soy-based infant formula, in breast milk after the consumption of soy by the mother and are widely used for the preparation of beverages consumed by toddlers and teenagers. In this sense, we proposed to investigate the effects of soy isoflavone exposure during the prepubertal period, a recognized window of sensitivity for endocrine disruption, over the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. For this, 42 3-week-old male Wistar rats were exposed to 0.5, 5 or 50 mg of soy isoflavones/kg from postnatal day (PND) 23 to PND60. We evaluated body growth, age at puberty, serum concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone and estradiol, and the expression of the transcripts (mRNA) of genes encoding key genes controlling the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. In the hypothalamus, we observed an increase in Esr1 mRNA expression (0.5 and 5 mg). In the pituitary, we observed an increase in Gnrhr mRNA expression (50 mg), a reduction in Lhb mRNA expression (0.5 mg), and a reduction in Ar mRNA expression. In the testis, we observed an increase in Lhcgr mRNA expression (50 mg) and a reduction in Star mRNA expression (0.5 and 5 mg). The serum levels of LH (5 and 50 mg) and FSH (0.5 mg) were increased, while testosterone and estradiol were reduced. Puberty was delayed in all groups. Taken together, these results suggest that prepubertal consumption of relevant levels of soy isoflavones disrupts the HPT axis, causing hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and altered expression levels of key genes regulating the axis.

Novel soybean peptide iglycin ameliorates insulin resistance of high-fat diet fed C57BL/6J mice and differentiated 3T3L1 adipocytes with improvement of insulin signaling and mitochondrial function

Soy consumption has been associated with potential health benefits in reducing chronic diseases. These physiological functions have been attributed to soy proteins or more commonly to bioactive peptides. Thus, more studies are required to identify these bioactive peptides, and elucidate their biological mechanisms of action. In the present study, a novel peptide iglycin was purified from soybean seeds with a molecular mass of 3.88 kDa. Thereafter, iglycin reduced fasting blood glucose and restored insulin sensitivity of C57BL/6J mice on a high-fat diet with increased phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and AKT in adipose tissue. Furthermore, it improved glucose uptake, induced translocation of intracellular GLUT4 to plasma membrane and activation of insulin signaling in adipocytes under insulin-resistant condition. In addition, it decreased reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation and inhibited adipocyte apoptosis with improved mitochondrial function as evidenced by up-regulation of succinate dehydrogenase activity, mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular ATP store. These data suggested that iglycin ameliorated insulin resistance via activation of insulin signaling, which was associated with inhibition of oxidative stress, adipocyte apoptosis, and improvement of mitochondrial function.

Consumption of a Soy Snack Bite After Resistance Exercise: Impact on Recovery in Athletes

ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of a novel soy pretzel (NSP) in mitigating symptoms of exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD). Due to the high levels of protein and isoflavones found in soy, it is hypothesized that consumption of NSP after exercise will reduce muscle soreness and inflammation.MethodsTen male subjects between the ages 18–30 completed a double-blind crossover study and were randomly assigned to consume either the study agent or placebo. The exercise protocol involved repeated bouts of eccentric exercise in the form of a squat. 6 sets of 10 repetition squats at 70% 1 repetition maximum was selected to induce muscle damage. Blood was collected pre- and post-exercise in an effort to capture the peaks of various biomarkers. Urine was collected for 24 hours starting immediately after exercise to assess urinary isoflavone content. Muscle soreness was assessed using a visual analog scale. Sensory acceptability scores were collected using a 9-point hedonic scale.ResultsBoth pretzels had high acceptability scores of 7 out of 9. Testosterone was significantly blunted in the serum following soy (418.96 ± 146.21) compared to wheat (471.31 ± 166.07), indicating increased uptake by the muscle due to protein and essential amino acids found in NSP (p = 0.0072). Creatine Kinase and myoglobin peaked higher in soy than wheat, however, attenuated faster in the treatment arm. The same pattern was observed for proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-a. IL-6, while significantly higher in soy, attenuated faster starting at the 6-hour time point. Isoflavones peak in the blood 6 hours after consumption, suggesting they may be responsible for the rapid decline following soy consumption. Urinary isoflavones daidzein, genestein, glycitein were all significantly elevated (p < 0.001, 0.011 and 0.011 respectively) following soy consumption as were ODMA and formononetin, indicating that a one-time dose of soy, is sufficient to elevate urinary excretion.ConclusionsSignificantly lower levels of serum testosterone and more rapid decreases in biomarkers of inflammation and muscle damage provide support for the use of NSP in an acute setting to mitigate symptoms of EIMD. Additionally, the soy pretzel received high sensory acceptability scores among the target population, which is promising for future commercialization.Funding SourcesThe Ohio Soybean Council.

INFLUENCING FACTORS FOR THE CONSUMPTION OF SOY AND DERIVATIVES

Soybeans was originated in China, and after had achieved the Asian continent, was brought by boat to the West. In Brazil, it started to be part of the farming activities around 1970.Nowadays, the grit is considered a commodity of great importance, and this year, domestic production may exceed the world's largest producer, the United States. The increase has been caused by the global consumption of soybeans and especially its derivatives. However, there are regions which the consumption is low, mainly due to the lack of experience and knowledge of many consumers. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the influencing factors for the consumption of soy and derivatives. For this, a quantitative-descriptive study was conducted with 110 consumers of both sexes, belonging to economic classes A, B, C and D, aged 18 or over. The results obtained reveal that consumption is low due to lack of habit and lack of knowledge about the benefits that soy and its derivatives bring to health.

Soy Isoflavones and Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis.

Soy contains genistein and daidzein isoflavones. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens, with a similarity in structure to human 17-β estradiol hormone. They imitate the action of estrogen on organs by binding and activating estrogen receptors. Numerous studies have examined the relationship between soy consumption and breast cancer but not the amount of consumption itself. We performed a systematic review of the literature in order to determine whether the amount of soy and isoflavones consumed has a positive effect in pre- and post-menopausal women. Data gathering was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Narrowing down the result set for all relevant data was performed via title, abstract, full-text evaluation and the snowball procedure. The selected articles had all relevant data extracted. Analysis of the data was performed using Cochrane's Review Manager statistical analysis tool in order to draw conclusions regarding the positive effect for the amount of soy and isoflavones consumed. Significant results were found when statistically analyzing data from prospective studies which compared soy isoflavones consumption, breast cancer risk and occurrence. The data were indicative of a clear inverse correlation between the amount of isoflavones consumed and breast cancer occurrence in pre- and post-menopausal women. The consumption of soy isoflavones can reduce the risk of breast cancer in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.

Effect of Soy Isoflavones Supplementation on Adiponectin Levels in Postmenopausal Women

Decreased adiponectin levels has been demonstrated in postmenopausal (PMP) women. Soy isoflavones, as an herbal product have been shown to increase adiponectin level but the results are inconclusive and inconsistent. The present study reassessed the data on the impact of soy isoflavones supplementation on adiponectin levels in PMP women through a meta-analysis. A systematic search was performed in the databases of PubMed, Web of science, Scopus and the Cochrane library. The literature search identified 830 studies with duplicates. Out of those, 80 were screened for title and abstract and 12 articles were ultimately selected for the analysis. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses, based on the moderator variables such as treatment duration, dose of soy isoflavones and BMI were performed. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The results revealed that soy isoflavones supplementation significantly increased the circulating level of adiponectin in PMP women (SMD: 0.36 µg/mL; 95% CI (0.05 to 0.66); P= 0.02). No publication bias was observed using Begg's (P = 0.38) and Egger's (P = 0.07) tests. Sensitivity analysis indicated the results were completely powerful and stable. Moreover, Meta-regression and subgroup analyses indicated a significant increase of adiponectin levels in subgroups of dose &gt; 50 mg and treatment duration less or equal 3 months. Our findings showed significantly increase in adiponectin levels after isoflavones-supplemented soy consumption in postmenopausal women, who received dose &gt; 50 mg of soy isoflavones in treatment duration ≤ 3 months.

Soy consumption, cognitive function, and dementia.

With the rising number of people living with dementia, the interest in modifiable risk factors including dietary intake for dementia is increasing. Although there is a growing body of evidence investigating soy's health effects, the direction and strength of the association between soy consumption and risk of dementia and cognitive decline are still uncertain. Thus, we aimed to review the evidence linking soy consumption to dementia and cognitive function. Some studies showed that higher intake of total soy products was associated with a lower risk or prevalence of cognitive impairment. Some studies pointed to an inverse association between higher tofu consumption and cognitive function, whereas a higher intake of soybean was associated with better cognitive function. Previous studies are scarce and have provided contradictory results. Soy is a high-protein alternative to red meat and processed meat. Further studies are needed to clarify the safety and potential preventive effects particularly in healthy populations before clinical disease manifestation and irreversible injury have occurred.

Lifelong soya consumption in males does not increase lifespan but increases health span under a metabolic stress such as type 2 diabetes mellitus

Soya consumption can decrease oxidative stress in animal models. Moreover, phytoestrogens such as genistein, present in soya, can mimic some of the beneficial effects of estrogens and are devoid of significant side effects, such as cancer. In this study, we have performed a controlled lifelong study with male OF1 mice that consumed either a soya-free diet or a soya-rich diet. We show that, although we found an increase in the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes in soya-consuming mice, it did not increase lifespan. We reasoned that the soya diet could not increase lifespan in a very healthy population, but perhaps it could extend health span in stressed animals such as type 2 diabetic Goto Kakizaki (GK) rats. Indeed, this was the case: we found that male GK rats consuming a soya-rich diet developed the disease at a lower rate and, therefore, lived longer than soya-free diet-consuming rats.

The association between soy intake and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe association between soy intake and adverse pregnancy outcomes remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to investigate the soy consumption of pregnant women in the second trimester and explore the prospective association between soy intake and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.MethodsPregnant women between 13 and 24 weeks of gestation were recruited at a women’s and children’s hospital in southwest China from June to December 2019. Dietary intakes in the middle trimester were assessed by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Participants were divided into the insufficient group (< 40 g/day) and the control group (≥40 g/day) according to daily soy consumption. Participants were followed up until delivery. Pregnancy outcomes including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), cesarean section, and macrosomia were obtained. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the association between soy intake and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Sociodemographic information, histories of diseases, and duration of physical activities were obtained and used for covariate adjustments.ResultsA total of 224 participants were included in this study, of which identified 36 (16.1%) cases of GDM, and 120 (53.6%) cases of cesarean section. More than half (125, 55.8%) pregnant women consumed less soy than 40 g/day. Daily soy intake less than 40 g was associated with the increased risk of GDM (OR = 2.755 95%CI 1.230-6.174, P = 0.014) and cesarean section (OR = 1.792 95%CI 1.035-3.101, P = 0.037) without adjustment for confounders such as age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, parity, daily intake of vegetables, fruits, seafood and, nuts. After adjusting for these factors, daily soy intake of less than 40 g increased 2.116-fold risk of GDM (95%CI 1.228-7.907, P = 0.017), but not with the significantly increased risk of cesarean section.ConclusionInsufficient soy intake may increase the risk of GDM, suggesting adequate soy intake may have a beneficial role in the prevention of GDM.Trial registrationRegistration number: ChiCTR1900023721. Date of registration: June 9, 2019.

The 6-month effect of whole soy and purified isoflavones daidzein on thyroid function-A double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial among Chinese equol-producing postmenopausal women.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of whole soy and purified daidzein on markers of thyroid function in Chinese postmenopausal women who were equol-producers. Total 270 eligible women were randomized to either one of the three isocaloric supplements: 40 g soy flour (whole soy group), 40 g low-fat milk powder +63 mg daidzein (daidzein group) or 40 g low-fat milk powder (placebo) daily for 6months. Serum thyroid markers were tested at baseline and 6months for thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, reverse triiodothyronine and free thyroxine (FT4). There was no significant difference in the 6-month changes of thyroid markers among the three groups. Subgroup analysis among women with lowered thyroid function suggested a modest decrease of FT4. This randomized controlled trial among Chinese equol-producing postmenopausal women indicates the consumption of whole soy and purified daidzein at the provided dosages are safe and have no detrimental effect on thyroid function.

Soy phytoestrogens: hormonal activity and impact on the reproductive system

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.