What are soy isoflavones and how do they compare to estrogen?
Soy isoflavones are a class of phytochemicals that are extracted from soybeans. Soy isoflavones are a type of phytoestrogen, or plant hormone, that resembles human estrogen in chemical structure yet are weaker. Soy isoflavones mimic human estrogen at certain sites in the body, and may decrease bone resorption and sustain bone formation. Can I be sure to get the soy isoflavone supplement? No, the OPUS study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled study. Since there is a placebo involved in the study, volunteers are not guaranteed to receive the soy isoflavone supplement.
