Menopausal women could effectively avoid bone weakening and osteoporosis through consuming meals rich in soy protein and the chemical isoflavones which can boost bone health, a new study suggests. Researchers have found that soy acts the same way as the conventional osteoporosis drugs in terms of helping patients.

Osteoporosis is the condition that makes bones become brittle and fragile from the loss of tissue. It is estimated to cause nearly 9 million fractures each year worldwide, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

Women above the age 50 are at higher risk of developing the condition than men. Bone loss often occurs immediately in the years after menopause as the body releases less of the sex hormone oestrogen which works against bone loss.

In a new study, soybean foods were found to contain chemicals known as isoflavones, with the similar structure with oestrogen. Researchers from the University of Hull in England believe that isoflavones could potentially protect women from osteoporosis by imitating the action of oestrogen.

To test the potential of isoflavones to fight osteoporosis, 200 women in early menopause were given a daily supplement of soy protein with 66 milligrammes of isoflavones, while some received a supplement with only soy protein for six months.

The researchers measure the proteins, βCTX and P1NP, in the blood of the participants to observe their bone activity. Results show that the soy diet with isoflavones significantly delivered lower levels of βCTX than the diet with soy alone.

The low levels of βCTX indicate a slower rate of bone loss and lower risk of developing osteoporosis in women. The soy diet with isoflavones was also found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease than taking soy alone.

In addition, the 66 milligrammes of isoflavone supplement used in the study is equivalent to taking an oriental diet that is rich in soy foods. The findings were presented on Nov 2 at the Society for Endocrinology annual conference in Edinburgh.

"We found that soy protein and isoflavones are a safe and effective option for improving bone health in women during early menopause,” said Thozhukat Sathyapalan, lead author of the study, in a press release. “The actions of soy appear to mimic that of conventional osteoporosis drugs."

Sathyapalan said that isoflavones could significantly help reduce the number of women being diagnosed with osteoporosis. The researchers are aiming to conduct another study to understand the long-term health consequences of soy protein and isoflavones supplements, and if it could also promote other benefits in the body aside from bone health.

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