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11.06.06
Indication:
Lipoprotein levels (postmenopausal women)
Source:
Menopause, Oct 2, 2006;[Epub ahead of print].
Research:
Some clinical trials have demonstrated a beneficial effect of dietary soy protein on improving lipoproteins. Research has also documented that serum lipoproteins and some lipoprotein subclasses are altered as a consequence of menopause, resulting in a more atherogenic lipid profile. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of isolated soy protein-containing isoflavones on lipoproteins and lipoprotein subclasses in both African American and white postmenopausal women with borderline to moderate LDL cholesterol elevations. This randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial included 216 postmenopausal women. After a 4-week run-in period with a casein protein-based supplement, participants were randomly assigned to continue the casein placebo or receive soy protein-containing isoflavones for a period of 12 weeks.
Results:
In the soy group, the total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and LDL particle number decreased significantly as compared with the placebo group at 6 weeks. Although this decrease continued at 12 weeks in the soy group, the difference from the placebo group was attenuated for total cholesterol and LDL particle number. This led researchers to believe that increasing consumption of soy protein and replacing animal protein that is high in fat may help improve atherogenic lipid profiles.