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Epidemiologic and clinical trial data suggest that consumption of phytoestrogens, including soy isoflavones, increases BMD and might prevent osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women. Genistein, one such isoflavone, chemically resembles 17β-estradiol and can be considered a plant-based selective estrogen-receptor modulator. Now, in a double-blind study funded by the Italian government, researchers have assessed genistein’s effects on bone density and bone metabolism.
In this clinical trial, 389 osteopenic postmenopausal women aged 49 to 67 who were not taking drugs known to affect BMD were randomized to receive genistein (54 mg) or placebo daily. Both the genistein and the placebo tablets contained calcium carbonate (500 mg) and vitamin…