Menopause: soy and seaweed, a synergistic effect?

Seaweeds increase the positive impact that could have soybeans against the symptoms of menopause, according to a U.S. clinical trial . According to the results of the study conducted among 15 postmenopausal women, the effects of soy on the regulation of hormones were more pronounced when the participants consumed seaweed wakame (commonly consumed in Japan). Through taken blood and urine tests, researchers found that algae contributed to improve the metabolism of soy phytoestrogens (isoflavones). For seven weeks, we compared the effects of a daily intake of 5 gd'algues wakame, in the form of capsules, to those of placebo. During the seventh week, participants consumed an extract of soy protein (approximately 100 gd'extrait soy per day). After a treatment period of three weeks, the protocol was repeated by reversing the groups.
Fiber beneficial? Soluble fiber that closes the wakame may explain the synergistic effect observed, say researchers. They believe that the algae would act on the intestinal flora, which would increase the regulatory action of soy on the hormonal system. According to the gynecologist Dodin2 Sylvie, these results open a track of interesting research: "It could be that the metabolism of phytoestrogens is partly dependent on food. This could lead to a better understanding of the effects of all the food we consume, and give health care professionals better tools to recommend an adequate diet to their patients. " She however noted that for the moment academic studies that require more extensive clinical trials. Note that the soy protein and isoflavones have generated considerable interest for the treatment of menopausal symptoms because of their mild estrogenic effects and reactions to synthetic hormones. Numerous trials have been published but have given divergent results, which makes the data difficult to interpret. For more information, see our information sheet protein and soy isoflavones.