The Soy Story Still Unfolding: Mental Booster In Menopause Or Not?
Principle investigator Dr. R. Brinton and lead author Dr. L. Zhao reviewed key clinical trials published between 2000 and 2007 that focused on the use of soy for improving memory function or concentration skills in postmenopausal women.
Their analysis showed a split verdict on soy with about half the studies revealing a positive impact and half demonstrating no effect. The authors suggest several reasons for the discrepant results among the trials including differences in soy products and the age and type of study participants.
They believe “a well-designed clinical study based on standardized stable formulation (of soy) in a well-characterized study population is required in order to reach a clinical concensus.” The researchers offer specific suggestions to improve future soy studies:
•use a consistent soy product identified known to be highly effective
•test an mix of appropriate soy compounds (the various isoflavone components in soy products or foods have different levels of reported activity)
•group women by age and menopause status (some studies suggest soy is most effective in the early years of menopause)
