Evidence supporting the use of: Soybean
For the health condition: Osteoporosis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Soybean and its derivatives, particularly soy isoflavones (such as genistein and daidzein), have been studied for their potential benefits in supporting bone health and treating osteoporosis. The primary scientific rationale lies in the phytoestrogenic properties of isoflavones, which can weakly mimic the effects of estrogen—a hormone crucial for bone maintenance and which declines after menopause, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Several observational and interventional studies have suggested that regular consumption of soy products might help reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women. For example, some randomized controlled trials have shown modest improvements in bone mineral density (BMD) in women consuming soy isoflavones compared to placebo. Meta-analyses, however, report mixed results, with some finding a small but significant positive effect and others finding no significant difference. The evidence is stronger in populations with high habitual soy intake, such as in East Asia, where lower rates of osteoporotic fractures are observed, but causality is not firmly established. Overall, while there is some scientific support for the use of soybean in osteoporosis prevention, the magnitude of the effect is modest, and soy is not considered a substitute for established osteoporosis medications. The evidence does not currently support soy as a primary treatment for osteoporosis but suggests it may be a useful adjunct, particularly in populations at risk for estrogen deficiency.

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