Impact of Genistein on Bone Health!

The results of a recent two-year research study done by Italian researchers have been published, and suggest that soy foods actually help boost bone density! This is exciting news for everyone looking for answers on how to take control of their long-term post-menopausal bone health, and for alternatives to more risky methods of treatment. The secret ingredient responsible for increasing bone density is called genistein. Genistein is a natural ingredient found in soybeans and is referred to as a soy isolflavone. The study shows that genistein positively and significantly regulates bone cell metabolism and increases markers of bone formation and absorption.

As we age our bones commonly loses strength and density. This especially holds true for women who are routinely prescribed estrogen after menopause to prevent bone loss and fractures. This study found that a combination of genistein, calcium, and vitamin D helped build bone density better than calcium and vitamin D alone.

The study took 389 postmenopausal women with lower than normal bone mass but had not yet experienced actual osteoporosis. Each was randomly assigned to take either a placebo or the isoflavone genistein, every day for two years. Both the genistein and placebo pills contained 500 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D.

After two years, bone scans showed that women who took the pills with genistein had gained bone density, while those in the placebo group had lost bone mass as reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

According to the report, "We found that treatment with genistein, an abundant soy isoflavone, prevents bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency without affecting the uterus in osteopenic postmenopausal women. Genistein decreased levels of bone resorption markers and increased levels of markers of new bone formation, producing a net gain in bone mass after 1 year and 2 years of therapy. "

So what is the bottom line? Making sure you consume healthy soy isoflavones like genistein may help you maintain strong bones as you age, and stronger bones will generally result in fewer fractures.

At Genisoy, many of our products contain the naturally occurring genistein, so get on the road to better bones and make sure you have plenty of soy foods, snacks and powders in the house throughout the entire holiday season! Visit the recipe section of our web site for some great holiday recipes this season at http://www.genisoy.com/recipes/.