Endometrial, breast and liver safety of soy isoflavones plus Lactobacillus sporogenes in post-menopausal women

Gynecol Endocrinol. 2013 Mar;29(3):209-12. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2012.738724. Epub 2012 Nov 30.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the safety of a nutraceutical compound containing soy isoflavones and Lactobacillus sporogenes on endometrium, breast and liver function.

Setting: Outpatient Menopausal Clinic.

Study design: 130 healthy postmenopausal women suffering from menopausal symptoms were randomized to receive soy isoflavones 60 mg and Lactobacillus sporogenes 1 billion spores (group E: 65 women) or calcium and vitamin D₃ (group C: 65 women). Safety of the treatment was assessed at baseline and after 1 year taking into account endometrial thickness, mammographic density, serum levels of transaminases, γ-GT and bilirubin. Efficacy of the treatment was evaluated rating the score of menopausal symptoms at baseline and every 3 months. The statistical analysis was carried out with χ², Fisher exact's test and ANOVA.

Results: After 12 months of treatment mammographic density, endometrial thickness and hepatic function did not show significant differences between groups, while menopausal symptoms were progressively and significantly reduced in severity and frequency during treatment with soy isoflavones plus Lactobacillus sporogenes versus calcium plus vitamin D₃.

Conclusion: A 12 months treatment with a nutraceutical compound based on isoflavones and Lactobacillus sporogenes at the recommended doses is safe for endometrium, mammary glands and liver function in postmenopausal women.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Breast / growth & development
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Contraindications
  • Dietary Supplements* / adverse effects
  • Endometrial Hyperplasia / prevention & control
  • Endometrium / growth & development
  • Estrogen Replacement Therapy / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Glycine max / chemistry*
  • Hepatic Insufficiency / prevention & control
  • Hot Flashes / physiopathology
  • Hot Flashes / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Isoflavones / adverse effects
  • Isoflavones / therapeutic use*
  • Lactobacillus*
  • Liver / growth & development
  • Middle Aged
  • Postmenopause*
  • Probiotics / adverse effects
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use*
  • Seeds / chemistry
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Isoflavones