Soy Benefits Postmenopausal Womens Health

CHICAGONew studies supporting evidence that whole soy germ-based nutritional supplement containing Natural S-equol contributes to bone health and reduces the frequency of moderate to severe hot flashes and reduced muscle and joint pain in postmenopausal women, was presented at the North American Menopause Society Annual Meeting on Oct. 7. Additional studies examined the supplements effect on bad LDL cholesterol and its safety.

"These data from U.S. women expand our knowledge about and corroborate previous research in Japanese women about the benefit of a supplement containing the soy-based compound Natural S-equol to manage menopausal symptoms, including reducing the frequency of hot flashes and muscle discomfort. This and the other Natural S-equol studies are part of the rigorous clinical collaborative program of Pharmavite LLC and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. to develop a supplement containing Natural S-equol," said Belinda H. Jenks, Ph.D., co-author of the U.S. womens and safety studies and director of Scientific Affairs & Nutrition Education at Pharmavite LLC.

All three studies used supplement tablets that contained Natural S-equol. The SE5-OH is the product of fermentation of whole soy germ by the bacterial strain Lactococcus 20-92 using a patented and proprietary process by the Otsuka Pharmaceutical. The process results in the conversion of the daidzein to S-equol. SE5-OH is created under current Good Manufacturing Practices. Following fermentation, the bacteria undergo heat denaturation and are deactivated.  The process is designed to produce a Natural S-equol rich product, or nutraceutical ingredient. The ingredient has self-affirmed GRAS status.

Not everyone can produce S-equol after soy consumption, as the production depends on the types of bacteria present in the large intestine and may be influenced by the amount of soy consumed. About 50 percent of Asians and 20 to 30 percent of North Americans and Europeans, who in general consume less soy than Asians, have the ability to produce S-equol. Research indicates that Japanese women have milder menopausal symptoms in those who are S-equol producers compared to non-producers.