Benefits from Soy Protein/Isoflavones ????

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From the study below:

" For this reason, use of isoflavone supplements in food or pills is

not recommended. Thus, earlier research indicating that soy protein

has clinically important favorable effects as compared with other

proteins has not been confirmed. "

Soy Protein, Isoflavones, and Cardiovascular Health. An American

Heart Association Science Advisory for Professionals From the

Nutrition Committee.

Sacks FM, Lichtenstein A, Van Horn L, W, Kris-Etherton P,

Winston M.

Abstract--Soy protein and isoflavones (phytoestrogens) have gained

considerable attention for their potential role in improving risk

factors for cardiovascular disease. This scientific advisory assesses

the more recent work published on soy protein and its component

isoflavones. In the majority of 22 randomized trials, isolated soy

protein with isoflavones, as compared with milk or other proteins,

decreased LDL cholesterol concentrations; the average effect was

approximately 3%. This reduction is very small relative to the large

amount of soy protein tested in these studies, averaging 50 g, about

half the usual total daily protein intake. No significant effects on

HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), or blood pressure

were evident. Among 19 studies of soy isoflavones, the average effect

on LDL cholesterol and other lipid risk factors was nil. Soy protein

and isoflavones have not been shown to lessen vasomotor symptoms of

menopause, and results are mixed with regard to soy's ability to slow

postmenopausal bone loss. The efficacy and safety of soy isoflavones

for preventing or treating cancer of the breast, endometrium, and

prostate are not established; evidence from clinical trials is meager

and cautionary with regard to a possible adverse effect. For this

reason, use of isoflavone supplements in food or pills is not

recommended. Thus, earlier research indicating that soy protein has

clinically important favorable effects as compared with other

proteins has not been confirmed. In contrast, many soy products

should be beneficial to cardiovascular and overall health because of

their high content of polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and

minerals and low content of saturated fat.

PMID: 16418439

Rodney.